Gender National Programme Officer in Somalia

I. Position Information

Job Title: Gender National Programme Officer Duty Station: Hargeisa, Somalia Reports to: Head of sub-office/Gender Specialist Contract Type: Service Contract Level/Grade: SC5/II

II. Background/Organizational Context

The UNDP Somalia Country Office operates a cross-border operation since 1993. Due to the prevailing security situation in Somalia, the Office is located in Nairobi. UNDP Somalia is currently composed of two main Programme portfolios: Governance and Rule of Law, and Poverty Reduction and Environment Protection (PREP). UNDP Somalia programmes are implemented through 2 Sub Offices in Hargeisa and Garowe and staff are required to undertake regular field missions. The UNDP Somalia office shall relocate staff inside Somalia when the situation permits.

The UNDP Somalia Country Programme (2011-2015) has one Outcome dedicated to the Promotion of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment with four specific Outputs: i) gender equality and the empowerment of women implemented through advocacy initiatives in partnership with civil society and public institutions; ii) women’s participation in peace building, representation, civil service and public life increased at all levels; iii) women are empowered in social and economic development; and iv) women supported by appropriately designed, implemented and enforced legal and policy frameworks in line with CEDAW and Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009) and 1820.

In order to help ensure adequate mainstreaming of gender throughout the other three Outcomes (1). Somali women and men are better able to build peace and manage conflict,; 2). Somali women and men benefit from more inclusive, equitable and accountable governance, improved services, human security, access to justice and human rights; 3). Somali women and men benefit from increased sustainable livelihoods opportunities and improved natural resources management) and to help design and implement new activities under Outcome 4, UNDP Somalia has recently recruited a Gender Specialist with advisory and project management skills and plans to establish a gender unit comprised of a small team of administrative and specialized programme support staff in Nairobi and Somalia, respectively. The Gender unit will work closely across all Country Office Programmes and Units as well as with relevant government counterparts and civil society partners.

The Gender National Programme Officer will report to the Head of Sub Office for Somaliland, as direct supervisor and to the Gender Specialist for overall guidance, as second supervisor.

The Gender National Programme Officer will work on a daily basis with colleagues in the UNDP Sub-Office, necessitating that the incumbent be able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues across the organization and be able to work with them in a responsive client orientated manner.

The Gender National Programme Officer will also work in close collaboration with Government Officials, UNDP operations team, programme staff in other UN Agencies, as well as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to ensure the successful implementation of UNDP programme.

III. Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of key functions:  Ensure strategic direction of all project operations at regional level  Financial resources management  Ensures provision of top quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building  Efficient procurement and logistical services
 Efficient support to tasks related to advocacy, programming, monitoring and evaluation, and representation

1. Ensures the strategic direction of all programme operations at regional level focusing on achievement of the following results:

 Provide Technical Assistance and oversee the implementation of all work carried out in partnership with the Gender and other focal ministries.  Provide Technical Guidance and support for Community Conversations on gender equality, in order to strengthen district and community acceptance and championing of gender equality and women’s empowerment. This will include working closely with selected NGOs and Civil Society Organizations, Religious Leaders, youth and the media.  Provide Technical Guidance and oversee the implementation of all work with the partners on gender equality and women’s empowerment.  Compliance of operations with UNDP rules, regulations and policies, implementation of project operational strategies and monitoring achievement of results.  Establishment of collaborative arrangements with project partners and appropriate operational partnership arrangements.  Knowledge building and sharing with regards to management and operations of the project.  Proper project-filing system.  Timely follow up of routine actions and deadlines. 2. Ensures effective and accurate financial resources management focusing on achievement of the following results:

 Ensure accountability of the use of all project funds;  Provide leadership in overseeing effective provision of services to counterparts including fair and transparent procurement, efficient logistics and sound financial management;  Proper planning and expenditures tracking in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.  Proper and timely preparation of regular accurate financial reports for UNDP, donors and counterparts.  Ensure strict and consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations 3. Ensures provision of high quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

 Support to development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs on gender equality and women’s empowerment in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.  Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme issues. 4. Ensures efficient procurement and logistical services management focusing on achievement of the following results:

 Project compliance with corporate rules and regulations in the field and management of procurement processes including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management and performance measurement, in liaison with UNDP procurement unit.  Management of contracts and contractors and legal implications in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.  Proper management of project assets, facilities and logistical services.  Planning, organization and oversight of the necessary administrative and other logistical support to consultancy missions, workshops, overseas learning and other project activities.

1. Ensures efficient support to tasks related to advocacy, programming, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and representation focusing on achievement of the following results:

 Prepare Annual Work Plans and reports for gender work in Somaliland in alignment with the Annual Work Plan and regional priorities  Ensure the achievement of outputs in line with the approved work plan through day-to-day planning, management, coordination and implementation of activities in Somaliland, as per UNDP financial and procurement procedures  Undertake regular monitoring visits to project sites and supports gathering of data/information for project monitoring and evaluation processes ensuring compliance with UNDP M&E requirements in reporting on programme results and progress towards outcomes.  Assists in promoting dialogue and good practice among different stakeholders.  Assists the Gender Specialist in the preparation of narrative reports as well as in the planning and revision of project work plans.  Carry out any other relevant duties as requested by the Head of Sub office or the Gender Specialist.

IV. Impact of Results

Key impact of results will include optimal mainstreaming of gender dimensions across all programmes as well as the design and implementation of stand-alone projects in support of GEWE in Somaliland, cumulatively ensuring that UNDP maximizes its contribution to improve the plight of Somalia’s women over the next five years. Effective implementation of the key results, together with efficient management of all gender related activities will enhance the organization’s capacity and credibility in implementation of highly effective programmes with strong impact.

V. Competencies and Critical Success Factors

Corporate Competencies:

 Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards  Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP  Displays strong cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability  Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning  Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example  Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness  Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver tasks on time  Ability to participate effectively in a team  Ability to manage complex problems proactively and effectively, including responses to field based emergencies.  In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues  Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.  IT competencies in Word, Excel, Power Point and the internet

Management and Leadership  Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback  Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude  Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills  Demonstrates strong analytical and management skills  Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities  Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills  Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure  Acceptance of additional responsibilities and capacity to work under pressure

VI. Recruitment Qualifications

Education:  Masters Degree in Social Science, Gender or Women’s Studies or other relevant discipline with 2 years of experience.

 First level university degree in Public Health, development, public administration, social studies or related field with 4 years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:  Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience in recovery and development, with special focus on addressing the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment in crisis and post-conflict countries with master degree  Minimum of 4 years of experience in the above combined with a first level university degree.  Knowledge of Somalia context is an asset.  Demonstrated effectiveness in a project management role.  Strong IT skills.
 Experience with ATLAS or another platform for enterprise financial resource management an asset.  Previous experience with UNDP or UN Women (ex-UNIFEM) preferred and good knowledge of UNDP rules and procedures is desirable  Strong diplomatic skills in handling counterpart relations

Language Requirements:  Fluency in written and spoken Somali and English.  Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

How to apply:

“Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit electronic application by visiting http://jobs.undp.org/.