UNDP Jobs - 29886- Humanitarian Consultant for Orientation Project

Humanitarian Consultant for Orientation Project

Location :

Khartoum (with excessive travel to the field), SUDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

20-May-2012

Application Deadline :

13-May-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

5 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

5 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Drawn from the Country Security Risk Assessment, it was identified that a large number of threat related incidences originating from government security entities and its humanitarian or development elements, bear a direct or indirect risk to UN staff and its programme safety and security. It is amongst others, related to a misunderstanding by government officials of what the UN mandates are (as a whole or individual agencies), what the UN immunities and privileges are, what is the difference between I/NGOs and the UN, their relationship with the UN and what I/NGOs work and mandates entail. It was identified (jointly with the Government) that if these matters could be further clarified to the Government officials at various levels of management but in specific at field level, it will contributes significantly towards mitigating this specific risk, enhance a better mutual understanding and develop sustainable trust between the UN and its implementing partners with the government in particular and the population en large. It has a quick impact and the areas of implementation will be prioritized in accordance with the SLS profile.
The project will be a subsection of the XB Security project of DSS (reviewed) although this specific objective is shared with OCHA and has as its intent the safer implementation and improved image of the UN and its implementing partners amongst government field officials and the local population. DSS will assist, facilitate and ensure that security entities can be reached and security related matters be addressed.

The Team will be initially headed for five months by an international consultant who will ensure the project is properly structured, implemented and capacity is build with the local professional staff to ensure that they can sustain the programme country-wide in the long run.

The project will endeavor to continuously build into its original objectives information that is learned from beneficiaries that can contribute to address further risk factors.

Duties and Responsibilities

As part of a joint UNDSS/OCHA Team, interface with military members, law enforcement Services, National Intelligence Services (NISS), humanitarian entities and where applicable civil society with the intent to introduce, familiarize and inform them on UN mandates and programmes that would mitigate the risk resulting from a lack of mutual understanding of mandates and procedures as defined in the UN security risk assessment. Through this programme, contribute to a better understanding of the role of UN agencies and their implementing partners and improve relations between the United Nations officials and Host Nations Security Services;
Familiarize the Host Nation security services with the UN AFP mandates and programmes;
Familiarize members of law enforcement on the terms of agreements between the UN and the host country;
Familiarize the Host Nation security services on the UN staff privileges and immunities and bring them to adopt an adequate attitude in their interaction even for violations committed by the staff;
Identify and establish a list of critical areas where UN activities require a special UN support from the Host Nation and undertake anticipatory actions aiming to permit the UN AFPs /INGOs to conduct their operations in a safer manner. This may include the need to consult with UNDP rule of law and civil society to seek further inputs;
Perform assigned duties directed by the Head of OCHA/CSA;
He/she will also work closely with Humanitarian Agencies and INGO operating in the field;
Serve as the team-leader of the orientation project and build capacity within the team.

Deliverables:

The following deliverables are envisaged:

The project team needs to be established functionally and at the end of term of duty capacity within the team should be established to implement the project in the long run;
The project objectives and facilitating workshops planned and scheduled in consultation with beneficiaries;
Reports filed after each completed engagement;
Presentation package developed and regularly reviewed through inputs from beneficiaries and other stakeholders, including civil society.

Supervisory controls:

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of OCHA jointly with the CSA and will keep them jointly informed;
The incumbent will form part of the SMT and the HCT.

Personal Work Contacts:

Liaison with Representatives of APFs, I/NGOs, and civil society would be important;
Contacts in the field would include the FSCO, Area Security Coordinator, Agency Head of Office, Government officials where applicable, UN AFPs, INGO’s and civil society as needed.

Competencies

Posses the ability to effectively communicate complex operational issues to clients and supervisors;
Has capacity to lead teams in field operations;
Fit and capable to travel around the country;
Preferably have a good understanding of dynamics of conflict environments such as displaced people, engagement with government, capacity building and networking.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree preferable a Master degree in Social Science or equivalent studies.

Experience:

Experience working in conflict or high risk environments, training and capacity building;
Experience of at least six (6) years at managerial level in the Humanitarian field and has worked with INGOs at a senior managerial level.

Language Requirements:

Excellent English drafting ability and report-writing, resourceful communications skills both orally and in writing.

NB: Female candidates are much encouraged to apply.