UNDP Jobs - 44113- Project Officer, HIV & AIDS

Project Officer, HIV & AIDS - (Open to Somali Nationals Only)

Location :

Hargeisa, SOMALIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

03-Mar-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-9

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One Year

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

UNDP has been at the forefront globally and at country levels to support national responses to HIV & AIDS together with other development partners. In Somaliland, UNDP has been actively involved in the HIV & AIDS response since 2004. UNDP’s main focus is to help countries put HIV & AIDS at the centre of national development; build national capacities of government at all levels, as well as work closely with the media and civil society organizations which include religious leaders, and People Living with HIV & AIDS (PLHA) to support a coordinated and effective response to the HIV epidemic.

The Project Officer will report to the Head of Sub Office for Somaliland, as direct supervisor and to the HIV & AIDS Programme Specialist for overall guidance, as second supervisor. The main tasks of the HIV & AIDS Project Officer will include, but are not limited to: institutional capacity building and support for the AIDS Commission, strengthening District and Community Responses to HIV & AIDS, working with the Media on HIV & AIDS, as well as with Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) and individuals which include Religious Leaders and People Living with HIV & AIDS.

The Project 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 HIV & AIDS Project 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Ensure strategic direction of all project operations;
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.

Ensures the strategic direction of all project operations focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provide Technical Assistance and oversee the implementation of all work carried out in partnership with the AIDS Commission (supported by UNDP and the Global Fund);
Provide Technical Guidance and support for Community Conversations on HIV & AIDS, in order to strengthen district and community responses to HIV & AIDS. This will include working closely with selected NGOs and Civil Society Organisations, plus Religious Leaders and People Living with HIV & AIDS;
Provide Technical Guidance and oversee the implementation of all work with the Media on HIV & AIDS, supported by the Global Fund;
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.

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.

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 in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners;
Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme issues.

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, organisation and oversight of the necessary administrative and other logistical support to consultancy missions, workshops, overseas learning and other project activities.

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 all HIV & AIDS 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 HIV & AIDS Programme Specialist in the preparation of narrative reports as well as in the planning and revision of project workplans;
Carry out any other relevant duties as requested by the Head of Sub office or the HIV & AIDS Programme Specialist.

Impact of Results

The key results will have a direct impact on the overall effectiveness and success of UNDP’s HIV & AIDS interventions and activities in achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Somaliland. Effective implementation of the key results, together with efficient management of all HIV & AIDS related activities will enhance the organization’s capacity and credibility in implementation of highly effective programmes with strong impact.

Competencies

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advance University degree (Masters) in Public Health, development, public administration, social sciences or related field;
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 development work experience with advanced university degree (masters) or 4 years experience with first level university degree;
Experience in HIV&AIDS preferred;
Demonstrated effectiveness in a project management role;
Strong IT skills;
Experience with ATLAS or another platform for enterprise financial resource management an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken Somali and English.