Programme Field Officer

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.

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) are embarking on a new multi-year programme, called the ‘Spotlight Initiative (SI),’ which is focused on eliminating violence against women and girls (VAWG) and harmful practices (HP). In eight countries in Africa, including Liberia, the Spotlight Initiative will deploy targeted, large-scale investments to improve the rights of women and girls, helping them to live lives free of violence.

The Initiative is so named as it brings focused attention to this issue, moving it into the spotlight and placing it at the centre of efforts to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Joint United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) Liberia Spotlight Initiative (LSI) to eliminate Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV), Harmful Practices and promote Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) is a joint initiative that will be implemented in close partnership with the Government and Civil Society Organizations in Liberia. The Spotlight Initiative is a global UN/EU program and will be implemented in eight countries in Africa including Liberia.

Progress in peacebuilding and security over the last decades has not translated into actions to eliminate violence against women and girls (VAWG) and marginalized groups; rather, VAWG has contributed to destabilizing the peace and security, with increasing media attention leading to demonstrations by the public, with the youth that make up 63% of the population[1] especially expressing frustration at the lack of response and action from the Government. However, the newly elected Government has indicated a strong focus on improving the realization of women’s and girls’ rights in its recently launched five-year development plan, the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) which is strongly embedded within the overall PAPD.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, the Field Officers will work very closely with the RUNOs, Associated Agencies and implementing partners including the Government partners and CSOs to support the LSI project activities at the county level. Specific responsibilities include: • Maintain contact, network and foster cooperation and collaboration with county authorities, heads of Ministries, traditional authorities, civil society groups, women’s movements, county-level coordination mechanisms including Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), child protection, rule of law, Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) monitors, and community leaders, as well as with representatives of local and international organizations at the county/district and town levels • Support, monitor, report on key project activities– including participation in the implementation of the different LSI activities by the RUNOs and the Associated UN agencies to ensure synergy, coordination and joint monitoring and reporting of the interventions in the respective counties; • Contribute to day-to-day programme implementation and ensure conformity with expected results and programme work-plans; draft minutes of programme-related meetings at the field level in close consultation with the RUNOs. • Provide accurate, timely, factual & analytical reports, including monthly programme reports and updates, information notes on the effect and impact (political, social, cultural and economic issues etc). • Monitor incidents and crisis situations that develop or as directed and provide firsthand real-time information relevant to the programme and issues affecting the rights of the people particularly vulnerable groups, to the Programme Coordinator for feedback to the RC, UNCT and others. • Undertake field monitoring and assessment trips to project locations in the county and provide reports on any developments.

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

Foundational experience in development particularly programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation Experience working in the areas of women’s empowerment and gender mainstreaming, with specific experience in fragile development context; Experience of working with government and county authorities, donors, civil society organisations, women organizations, community and traditional elders and chiefs, community and grass root organisations, academic institutions and the media; Strong conflict mediation skills, facilitation, communication and written skills; Knowledge of UN rules, regulations and procedures or having worked with the UN, is an asset. Experience in Microsoft applications.

Liberia is a post conflict country. There is a lack of infrastructure, such as running water, electricity and sanitation. The UNV Field Unit Liberia provides a temporary accommodation for all new arriving UN Volunteers in a MORSS compliant hotel located in Congo Town at US$ 20/night. The hotel has all the basic facilities.

The country is generally safer, with the exception of petty crimes especially in the cities. It is mandatory to complete the following United Nations courses: Basic Security in the Field and Advanced Security in the Field. The current UN security level for Liberia is level 2. Upon arrival in the country, all UN staff receive a security briefing from UNDSS.

The US dollar is widely used and can be exchanged with the Liberian dollar (exchange rate as of September 2018: 1 US$ = 150 Liberian dollar). Credit cards and travelers checks are not commonly accepted. There are several cash machines/ATMs in Liberia.

In making a selection of things to bring, take in consideration that Liberia can get hot and humid. It is therefore advised to come with light clothing that is easy to wash (some accommodations do not have facility for washing machines). Mobile phones (GSM) work in Liberia. Any Liberian SIM card can be bought in several locations in Monrovia for US$ 1.

In Monrovia, apartment-type accommodation can be found in areas such as Mamba Point. These are of various standards and usually come furnished with water and electricity and security guards, in compliance with UN security requirements. Prices are negotiable. There are other areas for residence such as Sinkor and Congo Town. In the latter area, rent would generally be less expensive. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house according to the security measures can take about 2 or 4 weeks.

UN system in Liberia has put in place solid mechanisms for prevention and protection against potential health and safety risks. In the month of January 2018, several cases of Neisseria meningitides, a type of bacteria that is associated with meningitis outbreaks, were found in Liberia, though public health actions have been intensified to stop meningitis transmission in the country