Programme Officer

Position: Programme Officer

The closing date for receipt of applications is  30^th January 2023

Details

Mission and objectives

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization that advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help build resilient nations and improve the livelihoods of people. UNDP Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government development frameworks to boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambian National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2021 which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063. To deliver on its mandate, UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, support to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, support to national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues.

Context

UNDP Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to the government in response to the nation’s development challenges, and attainment of the MDGs. UNDP provides technical advice,access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government development frameworks with particular emphasis on boosting capacity development and promoting the national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The current Country Programme focuses on three programmatic streams. a) Inclusive Growth and Poverty Alleviation b) Energy and Environment and c) Democratic Governance and Human Rights. Governance unit in which the National UNV (Programme Officer) will be embedded prioritizes support to the Government of the Gambia’s efforts to successfully undertake transition to democracy and ensure the consolidation of principles of rule of law, human rights, accountability, transparency, and engagement/participation.UNDP Gambia is therefore supporting institutional capacity building of the Inter-Party Committee (IPC) to not only facilitate inter-party dialogues, effectively participate in the country’s governance reform agenda, promote peaceful elections and other cross-party interventions, but also support inclusive politics that promote women political participation and decision making in political parties leadership structures, national assembly, local councils, Village Development Committees (VDC); Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and other governance institutions or structures at the national and local levels, in alignment with SDGs, National Development Plan (NDP) and ECOWAS targets. The Inter-Party Committee (IPC) plays a unique role as a viable democratic institution that coordinates inter-party relationships and serves as a dialogue forum amongst political parties. Since its revitalization in 2016, IPC has succeeded in bringing political parties together to engage in dialogue and build consensus on contested governance issues as guided by the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding and Code of Conduct among the political parties registered by the Independent and Electoral Commission (IEC). To ensure inclusion of Youth and Women in politics and decision making, the IPC established the Youth Branch of IPC (YOBIPC) and Women Branch of IPC (WOBIPC) with mandate to promote/advocate for increased political leadership of the two marginalized groups. To further support the IPC and its branches implement their mandates successfully, UNDP will be hiring a National Programme Officer to work closely with UNDP Governance Team in supporting the implementation of IPC activities as guided by project documents, UNDP and IPC annual work plans. The Programme Officer will also be expected to build strong partnerships with government, NGOs/CSOs and development partners involved in building the institutional capacity and/or supporting activities of the Inter-Party Committee and its branches across the country especially agenda of promoting increased participation of women and youth in decision making processes.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Governance Officer, the National UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • In consultation with the Governance Officer contribute to the preparation and implementation of IPC workplans, results reporting, advising IPC on emerging political governance situation in the country and opportunities for engagements/interventions. Coordinate IPC’s engagements in the country’s governance reform agenda in support of women political participation, including the new constitution; Women Reservation Bill; Electoral Laws; Establishment of Political Parties Act; review of district tribunal Act; etc. • Support IPC in the development or review, implementation and awareness creation of key strategic documents including the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan; Gender Policy for Political Parties; Memorandum of Understanding and Code of Conduct; Inclusion Strategies; etc. • In collaboration with Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and other partners support lead WOBIP’s efforts for the development and implementation of Gender Monitoring Strategy for the National Development Plan to guide the implementation of gender affirmative actions and increase the number of women in elected and nominated positions of leadership.

• Provide support towards the establishment of Mentoring Unit under WOBPIC to mentor newly elected women leaders and those interested in leadershipf positions.
• Drive the implementation and monitoring of the Inter-Party Committee institutional and capacity building initiatives.
• Support the IPC and its branches to develop resource mobilization and communication strategies, including development of IPC website, social media platforms and corporate emails.
• Build the capacity of IPC on project cycle and proposal development, advocacy and networking, coordination, fund raising and budget analysis.
• Lead IPC’s media engagement initiatives, including drafting press releases; inviting media to cover IPC events; drafting tweets; and organizing press conferences.
• Attending IPC meetings and events, providing necessary advice including UNDP policies, rules and procedures, producing reports for the meetings/events and sharing with the UNDP Governance team.
• Provide support in the establishment of WOBIPC branches in the regions and relevant capacity building of the regional members.
• Support efforts by IPC, WOBIPC and YOBIPC to increase the number of women, youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs) elected in local councils, national assembly and other community institution through the implementation of PBF project on Strengthening women’s political participation and leadership, existing strategies and plans.
• Support IPC advocacy engagements with government and stakeholders on the implementation of existing legal instruments like the women amendment Acts that promote women political participation and leadership • Ensure complete, real-time, and quality production of documentation, records and minutes of coordination of meetings to be shared with UNDP and partners.
• Provide substantive recommendations on capacity building support to IPC and its branches at the national and local levels.
• Assess the impact and effectiveness of the UNDP’s support through regular consultations with IPC counterparts and stakeholders, regular field visits, analysis, and preparation of quarterly, annual and donor reports; and
• Perform any additional tasks as requested by the Supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:
• 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.
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
• 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.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 – 26

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

1 years of experience in monitoring and reporting of governance or development projects would be an advantage. · Post qualification experience at the national or international level in the area of governance, political affairs, elections, project management, gender programming would also be an advantage. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.Important applicant information · Contract Duration: 12 Months from date of signature with possibility of extension for approximately another 10 months. · Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Development programmes, Elections and governance

Driving license

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Political Sciences; Gender and Development studies; Public Administration; Social Sciences or related field

Competencies and values

Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.

• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
• 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.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi- cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.
• 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; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The Programme Officer will be based in Banjul, the capital. The Gambia is situated at the tip of the West African coast and has a total surface area of approximately 10,360 square kilometres. Apart from the 48 km stretch at the Atlantic Ocean, The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal. The climate is Sudano-Sahelian, which consists of a short hot rainy season from July to September and a cooler dry season from October to June. The Gambia has a total population of about 2 million. English is the official language. Mandinka, Fula and Wolof are the main local languages most widely used in the country. The Gambia is relatively peaceful, and the people are warm and friendly. The entire country is in security level 2 – Low.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy