Programme Officer for Blue Economy

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 Development Program (UNDP) implements programs in order to empower more and more people and thus help nations to become stronger and more resilient. UNDP is the UN's global development network, intervening for change and supporting people to build a better life. UNDP is present in 177 countries and territories and works with people to achieve their own solutions to global and national development challenges. We have been present in Guinea-Bissau since the signing of the Cooperation Agreement with the Government of Guinea-Bissau after independence, on June 29, 1975. Since then, we have implemented programs in partnership with the Government and Civil Society Organizations in the country. promoting sustainable development, democratic governance, and economic growth. This UNV assignment is part of UNDP’s project “Resilient Ecosystems for Structural Economic Transformation in Guinea-Bissau” that aims build economic resilience, foster inclusive and diverse blue/green growth and sustainable development. The second component of this project focuses on strengthening the economic sustainable diversification for blue economy sectors through improved eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries. Based on the National Blue Economy Strategy and Investment Plan, the intervention is willing to boost the blue economy value chains and support responsible marine resources exploitation. Strengthening inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth through blue economy will tap into Guinea-Bissau’s vast potential as a SIDS (Small Island Developing States). By promoting sustainable blue economy practices in key sectors, such as tourism, the country can ensure long-term economic prosperity while also conserving coastal's ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations. Therefore, blue economy can be the key to recover from COVID-19 impacts and to embark on a greener and more sustainable and inclusive development pathway in Guinea Bissau. To support this transition, UNDP is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, from government to civil society, development agencies and private sector.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Recovery and Resilience Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Programme Officer for Blue economy will: 1. Support the programmatic implementation and development of ongoing and pipeline projects of the Strategic and Economic Unit focusing on blue economy - Coordinate the blue economy activities of the office, in particular in sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism development. - Contribute to the implementation of the outcome 2 of the “Resilient Ecosystems for Structural Economic Transformation in Guinea-Bissau” project on the blue economy and tourism outputs - Conduct successful consultation dialogues with local communities and private sector engagement - Develop and implement eco-tourism activities, including continuing support to the partnership with the Escola de Hospitalidade e Turismo de Cabo Verde, setting up of the Blue Tourism Hub and Blue Tourism Business Incubator in the Bijagos archipelago. - Develop and implement activities to enhance marine resources management tools, infrastructure and capacity building for sustainable fisheries - Contribute to the development of youth and female entrepreneurship in the blue and green economy initiatives - Draft ToRs, initiate new partnerships and consultancies and coordinate the procurement of studies, assessment, consultancies and agreements - Organize workshops and events related to the unit activities. - Use internal platforms for dissemination and reporting and to enhance project quality (e.g., Quantum, SharePoint)

2. Support the strategy and policy level on blue economy through dialogue and outreach efforts at the national, local and community level

- Follow up closely with the government and stakeholders for the validation of the Blue Economy Strategy - Support the establishment of the Blue Economy Council - Raise awareness and support advancing the blue economy/SIDS agenda in Guinea Bissau. - Conduct fruitful exchanges with national and international stakeholders

3. Strengthen Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
   • Seek alignment and synergies across cluster and with other activities and initiatives of UNDP (e.g., the Innovation Hub, Accelerator lab, Academia de Liderança, Youth Sounding Board, etc)

- Contribute to the development of partnerships between UNDP and other UN agencies, as well as with government institutions, other African SIDS, academia, NGOs, the private sector, existing sustainable development alliances, and other stakeholders and international networks - Support External communication on UNDP GNB and strengthen dissemination of the blue economy strategy, following the communication plan created. - Support resource mobilization through contribution to proposals drafting

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• project management and sustainable coastal area management in different countries and contexts in Africa, preferably Guinea-Bissau or the West-African region. • Proven programmatic management experience with sound knowledge of all aspects of the project cycle (design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation) is required; • Previous work experience from the UN or other international development organization is desirable • Working experience in field and with youth and female entrepreneurship and the inclusion of marginalized communities is an asset; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Sound security awareness; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Teams, Word, etc.) and office technology equipment.

The Republic of Guinea - Bissau is a West African country bordering the north with the Republic of Senegal, the south with the Republic of Guinea and the southwest with the Atlantic Ocean. The country has an area of 36,125 km2 and consists of a mainland and islands that includes the Bijagós Archipelago, with 88 islands and islets, of which only 20 are inhabited. However, it exhibits some of the best beaches in West Africa. The development operation in Guinea-Bissau is unique. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere. Therefore, flexibility and willingness to live/work in harsh conditions, are essential. Climate Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate, characteristically hot and humid. There are two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November, with higher rainfall in July and August. The dry season corresponds to the remaining months of the year. The months of December and January are the freshest. However, temperatures are very high throughout the year. Administration On the administrative level, Guinea - Bissau is divided into eight regions: Bafatá, Biombo, Bolama / Bijagós, Cacheu, Gabú, Oio, Quinara, Tombali and an Autonomous Sector of Bissau which is the capital. The main cities are the capital Bissau with more than 400,000 inhabitants, followed by Bafatá, Gabu, Cantchungo, Farim, Catió and Buba. Languages Portuguese is the official language and Creole is the national language used as a means of communication for more than 70% of the population. Immigration and health formalities Citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) do not need an entry visa. The international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required of all travellers. Vaccination against Hepatitis A and B; Meningitis; Tetanus are highly recommended. Medical Facilities: UN Health Clinic and Dispensary (UN House and UNIOGBIS HQ), MEDEVAC procedures established. Mobile Communication There are two mobile service providers: Orange and MTN. Both systems work effectively, except that communication between them is sometimes difficult. Currency/exchange Guinea-Bissau is part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union of (UEMOA, French acronym), and according to the regulations of the travellers must declare, in writing, upon entering and leaving the country, those means of payment which amount exceeds the equivalent value of 1,000,000 CFA. Shopping and hotel facilities do not accept credit cards but is possible to withdraw values in ATMs. UNSMS Personnel are strongly recommended to use banks or authorized forex bureaus to change money.