Portfolio Officer

Volunteering Admin Communications & PR

Overview

Support IFAD's rural development initiatives in Eswatini.

You have:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in project management and implementation.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in monitoring and evaluation.
• Proficiency in English and local languages is an added advantage.
• Experience working in UN or other international organizations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

Supporting the implementation of the IFAD Country Programme, the UNV will get exposure to and support a range of rural development initiatives. This includes close collaboration with the borrowing governments and their line ministries, the project management teams in country implementing IFAD-supported projects and programmes, rural producers and their organizations, national and international partners and donor organizations, senior technical specialists and IFAD colleagues from several departments and their technical wings. The UNV will have the opportunity to closely work on a few projects and/or country strategic work, and in addition get wide exposure to the work of IFAD. The UNV will also be engaged in analytical work to support evidence-based decision-making in the IFAD portfolio, as well as contribute to knowledge generation and dissemination. You will be able to participate in selected IFAD-internal events, such as the ESA regional workshop and potential workshops in other in-country offices or elsewhere. She/he will also be engaged in the work of the United National Country Team, closely working with the other UN Rome-based Agencies (i.e. FAO, WFP) and other development partners.

Under the direct supervision of the IFAD Country Director, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Portfolio support and support to the overall country portfolio Eswatini:
• Work with all active IFAD projects, engage with the project coordinators. Including follow-up on mission agreed actions, planning of review meetings and engage around mission preparation and other key deliverables;
• Portfolio monitoring and reporting, through working closely with the projects and monitoring teams to ensure timely reporting, adequate quality of Monitoring and Evaluation (ME) data, and promote the use of ME in knowledge and communication; • Communication and Knowledge sharing by working with IFAD in-house Communication and Knowledge teams and assist projects with compiling high-quality knowledge products; • Mission preparation and participation by assisting the respective Team Leaders in preparing IFAD missions and lead on the monitoring and Knowledge aspects, unless otherwise defined;
• Product development /Branding by supporting the Multi Country Office (MCO) and IFAD supported projects on aspects of branding and product development and where appropriate. Including web-pages, advertising materials, social media presence but in close collaboration with IFAD Communications (COM), where required. • Contribute to project implementation and supervision, through the preparation of, participation in and reporting on IFAD-led implementation support and supervision missions of active loan-finance projects. • Review country programmes Annual Work Planning Budget (AWPB) & PP and provide inputs to the Country Directors (CDs); • Contribute to monitor execution of Country Programme implementation and compliance to key performance indicators/parameters; • Support compliance of projects and country programme's with IFAD corporate level policies, such as the Operational Results Management System (ORMS), Annual reviews, Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) Review, Mid-Term Reviews (MTR)s, etc. • Provide tailored implementation support to projects between mission, and follow up on agreed actions from supervision missions while discussing with the project management teams how to address issues and shortcomings in a timely manner; • Work closely with the Country Director/Country Representative on country strategic aspects, such as reporting towards the IFAD contributions to the national UN framework and its objectives, engagement in donor /sector working groups (especially in line with your specialization), • Engage in relevant UN Country Team working groups, engage with other UN development agency and in-country stakeholders portfolio level; • In line with the UNV skillset and the portfolio, contribute to strengthen thematic partnerships with relevant donor agencies, private sector and academia, to introduce re-quired skills/knowledge/assistance and co-investment into the portfolio; • Contribute to the daily operational work of project management, by reviewing project requests as appropriate and in line with the UNV background and experience; • Contribute to the country knowledge agenda by generating technical inputs (papers/posters/blog posts) to showcase lessons from the portfolio; • Contribute to cross-country learning within the other countries in the subregion and beyond, through technical presentations and appropriate communication of findings from missions / project analysis; • Support project design, as required and appropriate: this entails the contribution to the process of project design documentation, participation in design missions and follow-up with government and other stakeholders on relevant communications/documentation; • Support and co-lead project completion, and ensure appropriate reporting on project’s achievements toward set development objectives in line with IFAD and government requirements; • As required, work on replies to IFAD’s internal evaluation office on completion reports; • Contribute to preparation of senior management visits to the Country and its countries and potential participate; • Contribute to thematic events and workshops at the hub and participate and potentially co-lead sessions; • Support the reporting on events in appropriate channels within IFAD. • Any other task as assigned by the supervisor related to the assignment.

Accountability; Adaptability and Flexibility; Building Trust; Client Orientation; Commitment and Motivation; Commitment to Continuous Learning; Communication; Creativity; Empowering Others; Ethics and Values; Integrity; Judgement and Decision-making; Knowledge Sharing; Leadership; Managing Performance; Planning and Organizing; Professionalism; Respect for Diversity; Self-Management; Technological Awareness; Vision; Working in Teams.

Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation or Knowledge Management. • Food security and Nutrition or Natural Resource Management and climate change or Value chain and Food system development, may be considered .

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small Southern African country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Here’s a glimpse into life in Eswatini. Scenic Beauty: Expats moving to Eswatini will encounter breathtaking scenery, including sweeping plains, gushing rivers, craggy mountain ridges, and deep canyons. The country’s progressive environmental laws have led to excellent wildlife reserves. Economy and Investment: Eswatini’s free-trade policies and good road and rail links to major South African centers make it an investment-friendly economy. English is the language of business, and cities retain a colonial character due to decades of British rule. Political System: Eswatini is one of the world’s last absolute monarchies. Critics argue that this political system has hampered economic growth. Opposition parties are banned, but life for expats is generally peaceful. Safety and Crime: While occasional protests occur, expats usually experience a peaceful environment. However, crime is a concern, especially in dense urban areas at night. Carjackings, muggings, and robberies are not uncommon. Healthcare: Eswatini faces socio-economic challenges. It has one of the lowest life expectancies globally, and many live in dire poverty. The healthcare system lacks ad-equate supplies, and expats often seek medical care in neighboring South Africa. Cost of Living: The administrative capital, Mbabane, offers a temperate climate and is relatively affordable for expats. However, rental prices are increasing due to demand. Comprehensive private medical insurance is essential. Cultural Enrichment: Expatriates can enjoy a great cultural experience in Eswatini, immersing themselves in local traditions and customs.

UN Volunteers receive the below monthly entitlements:

• Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): SZL 14249.33 month • Once-off Entry Lumpsum of $400. • Comprehensive health and life coverage for the UNV and up to 3 eligible dependents. Leave: • Annual: 2.5 days per month • Certified leave: 30 days • Uncertified leave: 7 days • Access to all learning platforms • Exit Lumpsum: Paid on completion of the assignment.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org