Programme Support Officer

Contract

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

United Nation’s central framework for planning and implementation of development activities -UNSDCF 2023-25- reflects Ghana’s national goals and its commitments to global development initiatives and sets out the UN system’s collective contributions to help the Government of Ghana and other stakeholders achieve these goals. The UNSDCF promotes an integrated approach that supports Ghana’s developmental results, delivered collectively by United Nations entities under the leadership of the empowered United Nations Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country Team. It articulates three key priorities that are aligned with Ghana’s Coordinated Programme for Economic and Social Development Policies 2021–2025, Agenda for Jobs II: Creating Prosperity and Equal Opportunities for All (CPESDP 2021–2025), which is operationalized through the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework 2022–2025 (MTNDPF), sectoral strategies, policies and national planning instruments: • Inclusive, resilient and sustainable economic growth and transformation • Accessible, equitable, inclusive, sustainable quality basic social services • Durable peace and security in Ghana and the subregion To achieve these results, the United Nations in Ghana will adopt a key strategic shift in the ‘ways of working’ that are not business as usual and that emerge from the United Nations’ collective learning. The aim is to: strengthen the utilization of data for development; establish new, innovative and expanded partnerships with the private sector and civil society; significantly increase the number of joint programmes and joined-up programming; develop enhanced capacity for policy advocacy and leadership; support international norms and standards; and integrate cross-cutting issues. The UNSDCF will be implemented in a post-COVID-19 environment, which is also affected by the disruptive impacts of the Russian Federation-Ukraine conflict (particularly in energy and commodity markets) in the wider context of the global challenge of climate change and escalating conflicts that have the potential to trigger global recession that impacts livelihoods, resource availability and development priorities. These and other shocks and risks will require ongoing monitoring and risk mitigation measures. The United Nations will continue to maintain an integrated approach that maximizes opportunities to address Ghana’s geographic inequities and maintains a people-centred approach that supports the priorities for sustained peace and security in a wider, connected planet.

Under the direct supervision of Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support the design of programs and initiatives related to sustainable development, with a focus on key areas such as poverty reduction, health, education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. • Provide relevant support to UN coordination mechanisms and UNCT activities, including UNCT meetings and joint work through UN thematic and results groups, with a focus on the prosperity agenda. • Assist in the coordination of UN agency efforts related to sustainable development, including joint programming, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy. • Support the development of partnerships with civil society groups, private sector organizations, and other stakeholders to advance sustainable development priorities. • Support the preparation of regular background and briefing materials on the implementation of the UNSDCF. • Substantively contribute to the preparation and finalization of various written outputs, including background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications. • Participate in relevant meetings, workshops, and events related to sustainable development and coordination, and represent the UNRCO and UN agencies as needed.

Client Orientation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

or demonstrated interest in:
• international development
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Accra, Ghana which is currently classified as hardship category B and a family duty station. This confirms that transport, medical, education and other services are at a high level compared to other countries in the region. At sea level, the climate of the country is tropical-hot and humid with average yearly temperatures of about 27oC (80oF) and little daily variation. At the interior's higher altitudes, the average yearly temperature is 20oC (68oF), and nights are generally cool. Annual rainfall varies from 500 centimetres (200 in.) on the southwestern slopes to 100 centimetres (40 in.) in the northern lowlands. The rainy season runs from October to May. The total population of Ghana is about 26,000,000. Ghana is a Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) country. Regarding accommodation and food, houses and apartments can be rented from 600$ to 1000$ per month and meals at the restaurant cost between 10$ and 60$. Food, household commodities and clothing can be found in shops and local markets at reasonable prices. An entry visa is required for all travellers and must be obtained prior to arrival from an embassy. The Cedi is the local currency and according to the UN exchange rate system, a USD 1 is equivalent to 11.97 GHS in November 2023. Some commercial banks are operating in the country and Visa cards are accepted in very limited hotels.