Project Manager, Rule of Law and Security

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.

In Guinea Bissau, the negative impact of transnational organized crime, especially drug and human trafficking and related cross-cutting crimes, corruption and money laundering, has been recognized at the highest level by the authorities, and the fight against it has become a national priority. The authorities have shown a renewed engagement in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. Therefore, considering the impact these crimes have in the development and stability of the country, as well as on the credibility and accountability of its institutions, the UN decided to support the national authorities to improve capacity for sustaining peace by supporting national actors in developing resilient national capacities and addressing conflict drivers that undermine social cohesion and that may lead to violent conflict. In this regard, UNDP, UNODC, IOM, UNIOGBIS-CDTOC, combined their expertise for an integrated, coordinated approach in strengthening national capacities to address drug trafficking and organized crime during the United Nations reconfiguration in Guinea-Bissau are implementing a joint project Strengthening the justice and security sector response to drug trafficking and transnational organized crime to reduce insecurity in Guinea-Bissau funded with Peace Building Funds since December 2020.

Following the project phase 1 and based on the achieved results and lesson learned the project has been extended for 30 additional months. In this regards UNDP and UNODC proposed to pursue the strengthening the Guinea-Bissau's response and resilience to drug trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime. This by reinforcing law enforcement agencies and engagement with communities, contributing to the building of the foundations for peacekeeping and sustainable development in Guinea Bissau. The focus of the phase 2 will be on strengthening the capacities of criminal justice institutions, law enforcement agencies to effectively address the challenges associated with drug trafficking and organized crime, in an integrated and coordinated approach with civil society organizations and communities. To this end, a community-based approach to crime prevention will be used to prevent and deter drug trafficking, use and crime. Within this context, the technical capacities of State and Non-State actors to fight against impunity particularly in countering drug trafficking and organized crime as essential elements and principles for building resilient, peaceful, accountable, transparent, inclusive, and a more just society will improved.

In this regard, UNDP Guinea-Bissau is looking for a Project manager to ensure the implementation of project activities related to UNDP and the monitoring of the implementation of activities under UNODC´ responsibilities and to accompany and coordinate the effort between national institutions and local civil society organizations.

Within the delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Head of Governance Cluster and the direct supervision of the UNDP Chief Technical Advisor for the Rule of Law, the UN Volunteer Project Manager will be part of the Project Team embedded within the Judicial Reform Support Unit at the Ministry of Justice and s/he will:

Project Management: • Ensure the day-to-day implementation of project outputs and activities under UNDP responsibilities as outlined in the project document • Maintain a management oversight and liaise to ensure project implementation is on track in order to ensure the project achieves the planned results in accordance with relevant plans • Prepare Annual Work Plans (AWP) and mid-year of the project , and contribute to annual and final narrative reports • Monitor timely implementation of planned activities, assess the progress toward and the achievement of planned targets • Organize regular reviews to track implementation, inform on the progress in project execution (programme and financial) and coordinate revisions and corrective action • Liaise with the M&E officers to ensure the timely and continuous implementation of the project M&E plans and ensure that project's monitoring mechanisms are designed and implemented according to UNDP standards • Ensure the UNDP's corporate systems (ATLAS) for project management are kept updated • Liaise with partners to ensure smooth implementation of all project activities and provide technical support, as appropriate • Identify and obtain any support and advice required for the management, planning and control of the project • Ensure project meets expectations with respect to quality, budget, delivery timelines, and strategy • Advice and take prompt action in case of under-delivery and lack of/delay of financial planning • Provide project management support to national implementing partners

Knowledge Management: • Establish and maintain a usable, auditable and well-communicated records of the project • Identify and capture lessons learnt and best practices within the project and develop and draft knowledge outputs • Advice on and support the development of communication strategies to position its contents with national and international audiences • Analyze new and emerging policy and strategy initiatives at national (national laws and regulations) and international (UN-system) levels, prepare briefings and advice UNDP Management on the implications for the implementation framework of the project • Actively promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture between the projects and the Country Office • Contribute to other Country Office programming activities related to human rights.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Professionalism: technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; ability to apply good judgement; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making;
• 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;
• 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;
• Communication: good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff and local interlocutors;
• Flexibility: willingness to travel within the area of operations;
• 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

• Master’s degree in law, security, social science ; • At least 3 years of proven work experience in rule of law and security sustaining peacebuilding programmes/projects • Previous experience in project management in international development organizations and/or bilateral development agencies. • Solid background in Rule of Law or security sector reform. • Applied design thinking in development an asset • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • 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; • Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; •Have affinity with or interest in peace, sustainable development, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

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. Guinea-Bissau is a hardship E duty station but considered a family duty station. It has many limitations in terms of reliable education and health services. There are recurrent electricity cuts even in the capital city. There are supermarkets and some restaurants. Working 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: Located approximately halfway between Ecuador and the Tropic of Cancer, 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. Demography: The population is estimated in 1,584,791 inhabitants, according to the Census conducted in 2009 (National Institute of Statistics). The population growth rate is 2.2% and 43% of the population are living in the urban area. Guinea Bissau is a multi-ethnic country with more than thirty ethnic groups. At the cultural level, there are two main groups: animists who predominate in coastal areas and Muslims in the eastern part of the country. 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. The other languages spoken in the country are Balanta, Fula, Mandinga, Manjaco, Mancanhe, Papel, Biafada, Bijagó and Felupe. 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. The health sector is very precarious. The United Nations have their own health centre for basic health care services. MEDEVAC procedures established. Electricity and Communications: Some areas of Bissau have electricity nearly 24 hours per day, others depend on generators. The country code is 245. MTN and Orange are the mobile phone companies in the country. Both systems work effectively 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. There is access to banks and to 24/7 local ATM services. UNSMS Personnel are strongly recommended to use banks or authorized forex bureaus to change money.