Program Support Specialist

Contract

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

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is mandated by General Assembly Resolution 48/141 of December 1993 to promote and protect all human rights for all. This mandate also includes the lead within the United Nations to coordinate all human rights-related activities and to cooperate with member states on implementing human rights. By virtue of this global mandate, its expertise and its independence, OHCHR is therefore ideally positioned to engage with states of the G5 Sahel and other partners on the implementation of human rights relevant provisions of Security Council Resolution 2391. In this action, OHCHR will draw on experiences and lessons learned from other operational environments where aspects of the compliance framework have been applied, including UNAMA in Afghanistan and AMISOM in Somalia. In addition, the experiences gained in the context of support to the implementation of the compliance framework of the FC-G5S will continue to inform developments at the continental level, including the cooperation between the UN and AU on a compliance framework for AU peace operations

Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under the guidance of the G5 Project Management Team and direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer and the Senior Human Rights Officer leading OHCHR’s G5 Project, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Work with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, monitor and analyze specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation, review relevant documents and reports, identify problems and issues to be addressed and recommend corrective actions, liaise with relevant parties, identify and track follow-up actions; Assist in ensuring an effective and efficient execution of projects and programmes, within the limit of the allocated resources, by providing appropriate technical support to projects through project design, field visits, training, reporting and evaluation, coordination and monitoring activities related to participatory urban planning, management and governance; Provide substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies; Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies and inputs to publications; Provide administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings and training workshops, conferences etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations and handling logistics; Participate in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support and data collection; Coordinate activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports and financial statements) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme and programme budget); Assist in the preparation of project documentation, project approval package submissions, project and budget revisions, recruitment of consultants and procurement of goods; Assist in the strengthening of inter-divisional collaboration to achieve better linkages between normative and operational Divisions to better coordinate and support the implementation of the organization’s work programme; Support communication and liaison with international partners and donor organizations, as well as implementing partners on international, national and local level; Perform other related duties as may be required.  Performs other related work as required (e.g. travel arrangement, monitoring accounts and payment to vendors, organizing meetings and workshops…).  Provide overall administrative assistance to G5 Sahel project Coordination office and to fields office. This assignment implies frequent interaction with the following: Counterparts, officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programmes and other UN specialized agencies, representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations and consultants. When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training.

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Integrity Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Working in Teams

progressive experience in project and programme management and/or administration at the international level; post-disaster/conflict experience is desirable; experience managing human rights programmes/activities is desirable.

Mali is a non-family duty station. Living conditions of Bamako are acceptable, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (November 2021 exchange rate was 1 US$ = 572.08 FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication. Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff, including UN Volunteers, in the course of their assignments in Mali. Appropriate measures are in place to mitigate the current security risk for UN personnel in the country. All UN Volunteers, like all UN personnel, undergo a security briefing and the 3 day mandatory training “Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments” (SSAFE) upon arrival, where practical guidance and recommendations are provided regarding security threats in Mali. An additional security briefing is provided upon arrival to the final duty station. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in Mali carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.