Programme Coordinator

Contract

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

The PBF project on ‘Strengthening Civil Society Organizations to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through implementation of the Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 and the TRRC White Paper Recommendations’ aims to enhance the institutional capacity of civil society organizations to promote gender equality and Women’s empowerment, especially in rural areas, and augment solidarity among civil society organisations. The project will build synergy and enhance the role of the government especially the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare in directing, coordinating, and mainstreaming initiatives to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through the joint coordination role it will play in the implementation of the initiatives of the project. The project will strengthen the role and capacity of CSOs especially the women-led and women-focused civil society organizations (CSOs) in The Gambia to implement: (1) the Gambia’s 2021-2025 National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace & Security that relates to Gender equality and women empowerment; this includes protection of the human rights of women and girls in situations of conflict and in peace support operations; participation of women in conflict prevention and resolution, peace and security institutions and processes; and prevention of violence against women and girls including sexual gender-based and conflict-related violence and (2) those elements of the government’s White Paper on the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation & Reparations Commission (TRRC) that pertain to gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE), as well as its recommendation to build the capacity of CSOs to hold the government more accountable. The Programme Coordinator under the Gender/GBV Programme portfolio of the UNFPA Gambia Country Office, will ensure the effective implementation of project and all its related activities on the project document. The Programme Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of the project by providing leadership and coordination for administrative and logistical support to programme activities. The role will involve managing the delivery of project activities within agreed timelines, ensuring compliance with agreed programme management systems and processes, and donor reporting. The Programme Coordinator will also be responsible for utilizing monitoring and evaluation tools to measure results and impacts during the programme’s lifespan are achieved. The International UNV Programme Coordinator will be under the general supervision of the Country Representative and direct reporting to the Gender/GBV Programme Specialist. The GBV/Gender Specialist will have direct oversight responsibility in ensuring timely completion of the work.

The coordinator will provide programme management support, as well as, coordination for the partnership between government, NGOs, CSOs, CBOs as well as UN Agencies. Specific activities to be undertaken under this role are outlined as follows: • Provide leadership and coordination for administrative and logistical support to programme activities to ensure timely and quality delivery of results. • Oversee the management of resources, including managing budgets, and ensure compliance with agreed programme management systems and processes for quality and timely delivery of project activities within timelines and budget. • Manage the implementation of project activities in compliance with agreed programme management systems and processes. • Utilize Monitoring and Evaluation tools to measure results and impacts during the programme lifespan. • Ensure effective communication and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, partners, and team members to achieve programme objectives. • Provide regular project status updates to management, project stakeholders and donors through periodic narrative and financial reporting. • Ensure compliance with donor requirements, project deliverables, and other regulatory requirements. • Participate in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the workplan. • Work with Country Office Staff in the development of new PBF projects, ensuring the proposals are of quality to attract funding; • Lead capacity building and technical assistance provision to CSO’s for effective and timely program delivery Support efforts to strengthen relationships with key local, national, and international partnerships to influence programming to further the mission and vision of UNFPA.

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to [UNFPA Gambia CO]; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to [UNFPA Gambia CO] procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and [UNFPA Gambia CO] in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards [UNFPA Gambia CO]’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

social work or other social sciences, public health, community health, international relations, international law, human rights or related fields. • 5-8 years of experience working on gender-based violence, of which 3 are at the international level. • Experience in project management in the area of international development, with experience managing complex and multi-stakeholder projects • Understanding of UN work, policies and systems. Experience working with UNFPA preferred • Experience leading inter-agency coordination mechanisms with a wide range of stakeholders. • Demonstrable knowledge of the critical components to facilitate effective inter-agency coordination • Excellent Report writing skills. • Proven leadership skills, including the ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, and contribute to a team environment of respect, recognition, and mutual accountability • Demonstrated experience working with results frameworks and performance monitoring indicators. • Statistical skills for analyzing data and ensuring program design has statistical rigor • Demonstrated experience in negotiating technical priorities and developing tools to define and focus on priority outcomes. • Knowledge and understanding of Gambia Country situation and its complexity preferred but not an absolute requirement

The duty station will be Banjul, The Gambia, a low-income country with a lot of opportunities and challenges. UNFPA Country Office is implementing the 8th Country Programme with The Government of the Republic of The Gambia from 2017-2021. The Country Office has a team of 1 international staff (Representative) and 15 national staff. It is a Family Duty Station Living conditions at the Duty Station: All amenities, national or international, (food, clothing, restaurants) are available in the country. There are various international telecommunications systems, easy access to the internet and modern banking facilities. Public transportation is cheap and access to transport is not difficult. The country is peaceful but individuals should be alert at all times and take necessary security precautions. The Gambia is a religious nation with majority over 90% of her population as Muslims. The Gambia is a unique country and Gender and GBV are unique development operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in a developing country like the Gambia, are essential. The Gambia is referred to as the smiling coast of Africa due to the friendly nature of the people.