Project Coordination Specialist

Volunteering

Overview

Enhance project coordination, support project management activities, and ensure stakeholder engagement.

You have:

• Proven experience in the development sector, preferably in humanitarian mine action, environmental management.
• Strong understanding of Donor and stakeholder relations in the context of the Solomon Islands.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in international development project research, advisory, implementation, and/or resource mobilization preferably in developing countries.
• Familiarity with the processes of the Government of the Solomon Islands is an added advantage.

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 legacy of World War 2 has left the Solomon Islands with widespread Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) contamination. This contamination not only endangers lives but also hinders economic development and damages the environment. This is compounded by the effects of climate change as land use practices are impacted by changing climatic patterns. Immediate action is required to mitigate these unpredictable risks and promote sustainable development. ERW also has a harmful impact on the environment as EO pollutes the soil and ground water and damage coral reefs. The extent of EO contamination (size, location, type and density) is still largely unknown.

For many years, the SIG advocated for international assistance and some mine action activities have been undertaken by a range of stakeholders from foreign militaries to local commercially based companies. At the forefront of the GoSI efforts to address the impact of the ERW, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have made significant progress in attempting to build a well-trained and well-respected mine action capacity.

It is important that mine action activities are well coordinated to meet national developmental goals in an effective manner. SIG for the time being does not yet have the technical expertise and experience required to build the legal frameworks, planning and coordination processes to effectively combat the ERW contamination. As mine action activities are currently underway, with more being planned, all stakeholders agree, it is vital that these frameworks are in place at the soonest opportunity. This is to reduce any negative impacts that well-meaning activities may cause, such as environmental damage and that mine action activities are guided by national priorities and governed by national laws and standards.

Mine action is understood to support 12 SDGs through its cross-cutting nature, the extensive nature of mine action supporting SDGs will be true in the SI. However, the specific SDGs that will be addressed in this project will be SDG 11: Make Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe Resilient & Sustainable and SGD 14: Life Below Water. This will be achieved by reducing the risks to communities from ERW at all stages of their development and by reducing the physical and chemical impacts of the marine environment from ERW, thus fostering safer, sustainable, and more resilient communities.

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative and the direct supervision of the Resilience and Climate, the Project Coordination Specialist is expected to enhance the coordination of project flow to support the project management and undertake the below tasks:

Project Management  Support coordinating project planning, implementation, and monitoring in line with the approved project document and work plan.  Ensure the integration of environmental and social safeguards in all activities.  Support monitoring progress against the Results-Based Management (RBM) framework and provide regular updates to stakeholders.

Stakeholder Coordination  Act as the focal point for collaboration with government entities, international partners (e.g., HALO Trust, GICHD), and local stakeholders.  Support facilitating regular coordination meetings among project stakeholders, including the National EO Coordination Centre and UNDP.  Promote inclusive stakeholder participation, emphasizing gender equity and the involvement of vulnerable groups.

Technical Support and Advisory  Support the technical advisor’s work such as development of environmental impact assessments, legal frameworks, and technical guidelines for mine action.  Support providing technical advice to stakeholders on best practices for sustainable UXO management.  Support ensuring compliance with international standards (e.g., IMAS) in all project activities.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Documentation  Prepare and submit quarterly and annual progress reports, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.  Maintain comprehensive documentation, including meeting minutes, reports, and activity records.  Support the evaluation and reporting of project results to donors and stakeholders.

Capacity Building  Support organizing and facilitate training sessions to build national capacities in UXO management and coordination.  Support providing mentorship and guidance to the National EO Coordination Centre staff.

 Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work  Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research  Strong interpersonal and communication skills strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills  Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback  Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines  Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills  Excellent presentation and facilitation skills  Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards  Positive, constructive attitude to work  Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.  Develop a project communication strategy to ensure the visibility of donor and project in cooperation with the project team.

 Proven experience in the development sector, preferably in humanitarian mine action, environmental management.  Strong understanding of Donor and stakeholder relations in the context of the Solomon Islands.  Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.  Familiarity with the processes of the Government of the Solomon Islands is an added advantage.  Minimum of 3 years of experience working in international development project research, advisory, implementation, and/or resource mobilization preferably in developing countries.  Work experience with the United Nations is an asset.

Climate: The Solomon Islands has a tropical climate that is warm and humid year-round, with an annual average temperature of around 27–30°C. There are two distinct seasons: the wet season from November to April, characterized by heavy rainfall and occasional tropical cyclones, and the dry season from May to October, which brings less rainfall and cooler trade winds. Coastal areas remain warm throughout the year, while inland regions with higher elevations experience slightly cooler temperatures.

Health: Public hospitals and private clinics provide healthcare services, with the National Referral Hospital in Honiara serving as the main medical facility. However, medical infrastructure and specialized care are limited, making it necessary to evacuate to neighboring countries like Australia or New Zealand for complex medical treatments. Several private clinics in Honiara cater to expatriates and UN staff, offering basic healthcare services.

Diet, Food, and Water: Markets in urban centers offer staples such as rice, fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits. While local cuisine is prevalent, a variety of international food options, including Western and Asian fare, can be found, especially in Honiara. Meals range in price from $5 to $20+. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for consumption.

Telecommunications: The Solomon Islands has two major telecom providers: Bmobile, and Our Telekom. SIM cards cost approximately SBD $20–30, and pre-paid top-up options range from SBD $10 to $200. Internet and mobile connectivity are improving, particularly in urban areas, but coverage may be limited in rural regions.

Accommodation: The UNV Field Unit in Honiara can assist in arranging initial accommodation at hotels, typically at the volunteer’s expense. Long-term housing options can be explored after arrival, with varying costs depending on location and amenities.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org