Programme Assistant (National)

Result of Service Programme Assistant is expected to support the implementation of the project

“Promoting the participation of women and youth in the mining sector in the Great Lakes Region”.

Work Location The position will be home-based, OR in Nairobi Kenya, with frequent travel around the Great Lakes Region.

Travel within the Great Lakes Region is applicable, inclusive of DSA subject to UN Policies & Regulations.

Expected duration 8 months Effective 01 May 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Duties and Responsibilities The Great Lakes region is richly endowed with high-value mineral resources, and in the current context of energy transition, many of these are now in high demand on the world market. However, due to the largely informal and often illicit nature of mineral exploitation and trade, Great Lakes countries and communities in the region have so far seen very limited benefits, with women and young people remaining the most marginalized and inadequately represented in the management of mineral resources within the region. These challenges are further compounded due to the income generated from the illegal exploitation and trade of minerals, which allows armed groups in the east of the DR Congo to finance their operations, to obtain weapons, to recruit combatants, particularly young people, and to continue to propagate conflict in the region. To respond to these challenges, leaders of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Member States launched the Regional Initiative Against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources (RIRN) in 2010 in Lusaka, under the coordination of the Executive Secretariat of the ICGLR. This regional initiative was supplemented in 2012 by the ICGLR Guidelines for Gender Mainstreaming in the Mining Sector, which are currently being revised. In this context, the United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region ("The Strategy"), adopted in 2020, aims to realize a peaceful and prosperous Great Lakes region. It aims to address the root causes and drivers of national and regional instability and thereby unlock the region's economic potential. The inclusion, participation and economic empowerment of young people and women is one of the 10 priorities of the Strategy, as is the sustainable and transparent management of natural resources, and the promotion of trade and investment to help establish shared prosperity, peace, and sustainable development in the Great Lakes region. To date, the implementation of the six RINR tools has been challenged by insufficient ownership by ICGLR Member States and other stakeholders. Within the framework of the UN strategy, emphasis is placed on the mobilization of all actors, including women and young people operating in the mining sector.

To this end, OSESG-GL has developed, in close collaboration with Belgium, a pilot project aimed at promoting the participation of women and young people in the mining sector in the Great Lakes region. Implementation of the project by OSESG-GL involves the recruitment of an Individual Contractor - Programme Assistant (National), who will focus on including the capacity building for women and young people involved in the mineral supply chain in the Great Lakes region.

2. Context : There is insufficient awareness by the actors involved in the mineral supply chains of the regional and international legal instruments and the national legal texts which govern the mining sector, especially relating to the provisions that advocate for women and young people. This has generated marginalization and discrimination, which in-turn hinders their contribution to the sector and ability to benefit directly from the wealth that can be generated. Issues relating to excessive administrative requirements, over-taxation and non-adherence to contractual agreements, linked to the fact that most are uneducated and illiterate, means that they are frequently exploited by public officers in charge and other mining operators. In addition, in some countries of the region, the administrative and technical systems responsible for providing advice and training to the actors involved have failed, thus delaying the formalization process, despite the fact that such formalization will directly growth of the sector, and offer opportunities for increased integration of women and young people in the mining sector. Formalization makes it possible to comply with the legal requirements of the sector, to overcome administrative and financial barriers and facilitates the transition to more advanced operations. Such approach should therefore be promoted to encourage value-chain partnerships with neighboring countries and strengthen regional trade. The United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region ("The Strategy), adopted in 2020, aims to realize a peaceful and prosperous Great Lakes region. The inclusion, participation and economic empowerment of young people and women is one of the 10 priorities of the Strategy, as is the sustainable and transparent management of natural resources, and the promotion of trade and investment to help establish shared prosperity, peace, and sustainable development in the Great Lakes region. Leaders of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Member States launched the Regional Initiative Against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources (RIRN) in 2010 in Lusaka, under the coordination of the Executive Secretariat of the ICGLR. This regional initiative was supplemented in 2012 by the ICGLR Guidelines for Gender Mainstreaming in the Mining Sector, which are currently being revised.

The Programme Assistant will work under the overall supervision of the OSESG-GL Senior Gender Advisor and OSESG-GL Senior Economic Affairs Officer.

Qualifications/special skills High school diploma or equivalent is required.

*Knowledge in Social Sciences, Development or International Studies is desirable. *5 years of professional experience in programme management is required. *5 years of relevant experience in implementing projects related to women and/or youth is desirable. *Strong verbal and written communication skills is required *Experience working with the UN or its agencies within the Great Lakes Region is an asset. *Good understanding of the UN Strategy for the Great Lakes region is an asset *Good understanding of regional gender mechanisms and tools is desirable. *Willingness to travel within the Great Lakes region is required *Do you demonstrate commitment to the vision and values of the UN and respect diversity? *Do you exert strict adherence to UN rules, Regulations and Procedures?

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

For the post advertised, fluency in English (Oral and Written) is required.

Additional Information This is a Pilot Project aimed at promoting the participation of women and young people in the mining sector in the Great Lakes Region. Implementation of the project involves the recruitment of a Programme Assistant who will support OSESG-GL and work closely with the Project Consultant in implementing the project.

Competencies - PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of general office and administrative support including administrative policies, processes and procedures. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

• PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency based interview.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.