Field Coordinator

Contract

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Background

South Sudan is endowed with vast natural resources and economic potential that has not translated into improved standards of living for the citizens. This is primarily due to ongoing conflicts which have roots in political contestation for power and are fueled by poverty, high unemployment and absence of economic opportunities for the predominantly youthful population. The few small-scale, and potentially labour-absorbing enterprises at the state levels are unable to utilize the local labour force due to skills mismatch. The skills deficits, attributed to decades of conflict which deprived the population opportunities to acquire employable, entrepreneurial and vocational skills are also exacerbated by absence of training institutions.

UNDP South Sudan had its Country Programme Document (2019-2021) approved by the Executive Board in September 2018. The Country Programme Document (CPD) is aligned with the United Nations Country Team’s Cooperation Framework (2019-2021) and the UNDP Strategic Plan (2018-2021). The programme seeks to contribute to eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, keeping people out of poverty, building resilience to crises and shocks and safeguarding development gains through its strategic focus on three interlinked and mutually reinforcing pillars: (a) strengthened peace infrastructures and accountable governance; (b) inclusive, risk-informed economic development; and (c) strengthened institutional and community resilience.

Implemented under the CPD is the Youth Employment and Empowerment through Private Sector and Value Chain Development Project. The said project aims to empower youth in five targeted locations of Bor, Jubek, Rumbek, Torit and Yambio through nurturing their entrepreneurial culture and market-linked skills and enhance their employability and productive engagement in economic activities. The project also seeks to increase the productivity and labour-absorptive capacities of agriculture and natural resource-linked value chains and private sector enterprises with a focus on young men and women.

UNDP is opening an opportunity for a Project Field Coordinator for Central Equatoria to coordinate and support the implementation of activities in the said areas. Under the direction of the Project Manager and benefiting from the guidance and oversight of the Team Leader, HDIGU and the Programme Advisor, HDIGU, the Project Field Coordinator will work in close collaboration with HDIG unit, country office programme colleagues and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Field Coordinator, together with the Human Development and Inclusive Growth team, is expected to deliver the following in their areas of responsibility:

• Fully functioning Integrated Hub that delivers career advice and placement, business development services, and incubates innovative ideas and approaches to business;
• Delivery of entrepreneurial and TecVoc skills training and business development services;
• Establishment of sustainable businesses (cooperatives, SACCOs, VSLAs) and job placements/employment, including the maintenance of the employment database system.

Specifically, the Project Field Coordinator is expected to perform the following tasks:

• Coordinate the implementation of project activities and partners ensuring the achievement of project milestones as per the workplan and in the quality expected;
• Provide technical advice/guidance to project partners and implementors in areas concerning strategies, planning, management, implementation and evaluation to ensure smooth progress and quality in implementation;
• Contribute and advise on the development of TVET frameworks and courses/trainings and business ideas with key stakeholders;
• Ensure the operation and sustainability of the business and career centers and the continued provision of career advice and placement services;
• Monitor and maintain accurate records of project outputs and impacts;
• Regularly report on progress, best practices, lessons learned, success stories, beneficiaries’ stories and field observations;
• Support and/or conduct studies and researches;
• Provide administrative, logistic and liaison support for activity implementation;
• Perform other duties and tasks as may be assigned.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent critical reasoning and problem solving skills.
• Excellent skills in the use of computer software packages (InDesign, Photoshop, MS Word, Excel, etc.)

Development and Operational Effectiveness;

• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• High degree of self-motivation and initiative;
• Willingness to learn and apply new analytical approaches.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• A degree in Rural Development, Economics, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or related fields. Advanced/Masters degree would be an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of seven years of professional experience in the areas of project development and management, livelihoods development, and TecVoc training.
• Experience in recovery and stabilization of conflict/disaster-affected populations and areas is highly desirable.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English - written and spoken is required.

Availability

and duration:

• Availability: Immediate
• Duration: Two months with possibility of extension.

Working Arrangement:

The IC is expected to be based in the UNDP Country Office.

Other:

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.