Project Officer GNB 2030

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 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a leading global organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and eradicating poverty. Its mission is to work with countries to address pressing challenges, foster inclusive growth, protect the environment, and ensure that all people can lead dignified lives. UNDP operates in nearly every country, working in partnership with governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a presence in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP leverages its expertise, resources, and networks to facilitate positive change in the following key areas: Poverty reduction, gender equality, climate action, democratic governance, innovation and technologies, crisis response and among other areas.

The UNDP has maintained its presence in Guinea-Bissau since June 29, 1975, when it signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Government of Guinea-Bissau shortly after the country gained independence. Over the years, numerous collaborative initiatives with the government and civil society organizations have been carried out in Guinea-Bissau, all aimed at fostering sustainable development, strengthening democratic governance, and fostering economic growth within the country.

This assignment is part of UNDP’s project Building Forward Better in Guinea-Bissau. The ‘Building Better from Here On in Guinea-Bissau – Guinea Bissau 2030 Strategic Vision’ project seeks to generate and use cutting-edge research and knowledge resources to develop better development strategies, coordinate allocation of development finance and, through an operational Partnership for Development Framework (DPF), strengthen institutional capacities to attract public and private as well as internal and external resources. This will be achieved through the implementation of an Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF), including a Development Financing Assessment (DFA) process and pursuant Financing Strategy, that would have a transformative effect on the planning and implementation of development programs, allowing a strategic and efficient use of available financial resources, better targeting of interventions, and effective monitoring/evaluation of development programs and their resource allocations by the Government, international partners and the private sector.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Economics Advisor and National Economist, or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Project Officer will:

• Contribute to the overall management and implementation of the Guinea-Bissau 2030 project initiatives;

• Support timely and high-quality delivery of outputs according to the project work plans and programme procedures of the Strategic and Economics Cluster.

• Apply established systems and procedures and assists in the creation of substantive knowledge by compiling, synthesizing, and analyzing information relevant to the successful implementation of the Guinea-Bissau 2030 project.

• Support the Economics Advisor and National Economist in the implementation of INFF and coordination of DFA exercise and Finance Strategy.

• Work closely with Data and M&E Analyst in implementing the SDG Data Action Plan, Crisis Risk Dashboard (CRD), INFF Dashboard, and other data systems for SDG implementation in coordination with the government, UN Agencies and

• Types of activities supported by the project officer include • Oversee delivery of all operational and logistical aspects of the Guinea-Bissau 2030 project, ensuring day-to-day operations run efficiently and comply with the policies and procedures of the Strategic and Economics Cluster.

• Assist the Economics Advisor and National Economist with the drafting of project concept notes. • Participate and oversee contractors and suppliers’ agreements and review invoices prior to processing by the Project assistant. • Propose and facilitate the processing of contracts for consultants/service providers and external partners that provide services to the Guinea-Bissau 2030 project. This includes preparing and filing documents, completing necessary forms and templates, uploading TOR, and making necessary logistical arrangements. • Responsible for the drafting of TORs for experts/companies being contracted to provide services to the Guinea-Bissau 2030 projects. • Draft proposals and narrative descriptions of outcomes on Programme activities for M&E and Strategic and Policy Unit. • Maintain regular communications with team members –– including the Economics Advisor, National Economist, Data / M&E Analyst, Programme and Project Manager(s). • Regularly liaise with other program stakeholders – including current and potential stakeholders, and host organizations. • Assist the Economics Advisor and National Economist in regular communication with Stakeholders and Guinea-Bissau 2030 service providers. • Support the development of results-based communications products with the communication officer of Strategic and Economics Cluster and Monitoring events and news developments relating to the Guinea-Bissau 2030 project. • Assist with other related tasks, as requested by the Economics Advisor and National Economist. • Participate in the mobilization of resources and partnerships aimed at strengthening the capacity of UNDP for better project implementation and contribute to gender empowerment and equity in the Leave No One Behind program.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • 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; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • 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; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • 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; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

A minimum of 3 years with a master’s degree OR 5 years of relevant progressive experience with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Accounting Management, Development and Management with a focus on planning, monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder and team coordination.

The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, situated in West Africa, shares its northern border with the Republic of Senegal, its southern border with the Republic of Guinea, and its southwestern coastline with the Atlantic Ocean. This country covers an area of 36,125 square kilometers and comprises both a mainland region and islands, including the picturesque Bijagós Archipelago, consisting of 88 islands and islets, of which only 20 are inhabited. Remarkably, Guinea-Bissau boasts some of the finest beaches in West Africa.

Engaging in development activities within Guinea-Bissau presents a unique experience. It offers an intriguing and enriching environment, but it also demands a high degree of cultural sensitivity, as well as a greater level of resilience and dedication compared to other places. Consequently, adaptability and a readiness to live and work in challenging conditions are essential qualities.

Climate-wise, Guinea-Bissau, positioned approximately halfway between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer, experiences a tropical climate known for its warmth and humidity. The country observes two distinct seasons: the rainy season, stretching from mid-May to mid-November with the heaviest rainfall occurring in July and August, and the dry season, which encompasses the remaining months of the year. December and January are the coolest months, although temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year.

In terms of administration, Guinea-Bissau is divided into eight regions: Bafatá, Biombo, Bolama/Bijagós, Cacheu, Gabú, Oio, Quinara, Tombali, and the Autonomous Sector of Bissau, which serves as the capital. The primary urban centers include the capital city, Bissau, with a population of 600,000, followed by Bafatá, Gabu, Cantchungo, Farim, Catió, and Buba.

The estimated population of Guinea-Bissau is 1,584,791, based on the 2009 Census conducted by the National Institute of Statistics. The population growth rate stands at 2.2%, with 43% of the population residing in urban areas. Guinea-Bissau is a culturally diverse nation, home to over thirty ethnic groups. At a cultural level, two primary groups are distinguished: animists, predominant in coastal regions, and Muslims, concentrated in the eastern part of the country.

The official language of Guinea-Bissau is Portuguese, while Creole serves as the national language and is used for communication by over 70% of the population. Additionally, various other languages are spoken in the country, including Balanta, Fula, Mandinga, Manjaco, Mancanhe, Papel, Biafada, Bijagó, and Felupe.