Junior Project Officer - Gender, Youth and Human Rights

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

As a low-lying coastal, West African country, Guinea-Bissau is one of the least developed countries in the world and ranks among the lowest on the Human Development Index (HDI):177 out 189 countries (BTI 2020). The country borders Senegal in the North, and Guinea-Conakry to the Southeast and has an estimated population of 1,584,791. Portuguese is the official language and Creole is the national language. The latter is widely used as a medium of communication: Immigration and health formalities: Citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) do not need an entry visa. All other nationalities must obtain an entry visa before traveling. Gender equality and inclusion: Traditionally men tend to dominate the way of life. Both patriarchal and matrilineal family set-ups do exist however they are influenced by customs and cultural beliefs of respective ethnic groups. There is also a degree of tolerance towards LGBTI groups if compared to neighboring countries in the region however marriage between people of the same sex is prohibited.

The Junior Project Officer- Gender, Youth, and Human Rights will support efforts to mainstream gender in all project activities delivered by the WHO in the different regions of the country. The incumbent will also monitor and capture gender-sensitive data and promote the integration of human rights-based approaches in WHO programming and across all projects. At the community level, he/she will support WHO project teams to deliver activities – including planning, implementation, and reporting as well as documenting relevant case studies. Under the direct supervision of the External Relations and Partnership Officer, the International UN Youth Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support the implementation of WHO gender and youth activities in accordance with existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). • Monitor and capture gender-sensitive data and other relevant information for integration into project outcomes, and indicators and further support project teams in data analysis and annual work plan development. This includes monitoring and maintaining protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, etc. • Support the development of donor briefs and background papers for a wide array of audiences. • Works with communities and partners to maximize local capacity. This will entail working with youth volunteers and external partners such as women’s organizations and youth associations. • Support the development of gender-sensitive IEC materials to support project implementation efforts. • Assist with publications, web page design, and presentations and perform any other duties as might be requested by senior management.

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Communication
• Managing Performance
• Respect for Diversity
• Vision
• Working in Teams

Managing or supporting projects focused on promoting gender equality or protecting the rights of women and girls. Experience in gender mainstreaming is desirable. Previous experience as a volunteer and/or demonstrable experience in working with minority groups from different cultural backgrounds is highly preferable. Practical experience gained through studies, volunteer work/ or internship) would be highly considered.

The living conditions in Guinea-Bissau are generally low to moderate. Decent housing is hard-to-find and even if available, it is mostly unfurnished. Most houses that are available were constructed during the Portuguese colonial times and are either dilapidated or minimally refurbished. In terms of public transport, the use of shared taxis is the commonest means of transportation: taxis cost about 150 CFA (app USD 0.50 cents) for travel within the city center. This price however is always bound to change depending on the distance traveled. Taxis are mostly shared with other passengers going in the same direction. Traveling from the airport to the city center and vice versa costs around 2000 CFA (app USD 4): the African Financial Community (CFA), popularly known as the West African CFA franc is the predominant currency in Guinea-Bissau. Another means of transport is “toca-toca” (A minibus ): the latter is cheaper however it is not recommended for safety reasons. In terms of restaurants, there is only a handful of them within the city center, and for grocery shopping, there are a few decent supermarkets. During your assignment in Guinea-Bissau, expect some power cuts which do happen occasionally. Also, take note that there may be water shortages on certain occasions. The medical services on the other hand are poor and unreliable however you can expect to have access to the UN Health Clinic and Dispensary at the UN House as a UN staff.