Background

UN Women has supported the National Government in developing policy framework for gender equality and fighting violence against women. It contributed to the development of the legal framework and tools to address violence against women. UN Women intends to implement activities and deliver assistance to the Albanian Government in addressing gender inequalities, discrimination and violence, in implementation of its international commitments and the National Strategy on Gender Equality and against Gender-Based and Domestic Violence (2011-2015).
In this framework UN Women and the European Commission have launched a new joint programme on Preventing and Addressing Violence against Women and Girls. The programme, which will support initiatives by national institutions and civil society organizations in the country, is financed through a contribution from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and will contribute to the overall goal of preventing and addressing violence against women and girls. More concretely in Albania the project will support the provision of services for the integration/reintegration of women victims/survivors of violence, primarily increasing their knowledge on economic opportunities, training them to become self-employed and providing start-up support for businesses. 
The programme is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and UN Women signed on 16 April 2012, which aims to consolidate, further develop and structure cooperation towards the shared goals of gender equality and women’s empowerment. The programme is in line with the UN Women Strategic Plan (SP), 2014-2017, i.e., Impact 3: Women and girls live a life free from violence. Finally the program is in line also with the “Program of Cooperation 2012-2016” between the Government of Albania and the United Nations, Outcome 4.1: The rights of disadvantaged individuals and groups are equally ensured through legislation, inclusive policies, social protection mechanisms and special interventions, Output 4.1.5: Action taken at national and local level to implement improved legislative and policy framework on combating gender based violence.
To this end, UN Women will need the services of a Project Assistant to assist the Project Coordinator in the implementation of this Project. The Project Assistant is expected to seat in the Ministry of Interior, and coordinate closely with the Office of National Coordinator for the Fight against Trafficking in Human beings.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of the National Program Coordinator, the Project Assistant will be responsible for assisting implementation, coordination, monitoring and reporting of all activities related to work-plans at local and central level in relation to the relevant outputs of EIDHR/2013/335-757 “Preventing and addressing violence against women and girls in Albania”.
In particular, the Project Assistant will be undertaking the following tasks:
  • Assist in preparing the program’s work-plan and their respective procurement plan;
  • Assist and cooperate in close coordination with the National Programme Coordinator and Project Coordinator in the overall project implementation to ensure that the instructions provided by the NPC and PC, are in line with UNW procedures and EC requirements, and properly implemented;
  • Assist the NPC and PC with the implementation of project activities and coordination with the two implementing partners, IOM and UNDP.
  • Assist in the monitoring and reporting on various sub-contracted activities and services as requested in accordance to projects’ needs;
  • Update calendar of events/activities, schedule meetings for Project staff as needed;
  • Assist in the in planning, designing, implementing, and documenting of field visits, special events, meetings, conferences, staff missions, and trainings including with the logistics, budgets, reproduction of background documentation, preparation of list of participants, and the drafting of minutes;
  • Assist in drafting routine correspondence, and translates, as necessary following and ensuring standard corporate and UN and EU requirements;
  • Supports proper record keeping and filing of the project;
  • Assist the project team with data analysis;
  • Support continuous monitoring of progress on above-specified work, including accompanying the NPC and PC in field visits and communication with project partners and consultants, as requested;
  • Support in developing progress reports and correspondence as necessary, and provide needed input to donor reports as per EC guidelines;
  • Draft programme narrative weekly, monthly, and progress reports for purposes of reporting to the NPC on implementation and progress and ensure proper information exchange on all operational aspects;
  • Support budget monitoring and preparation of reports for the project;
  • Support preparations and logistics for annual reviews and evaluations, as needed.
  • Ensuring delivery of objectives/ outputs set for the activities.
  • Any other responsibilities as assigned by the National Programme Coordinator and Project Coordinator;
  • Any other responsibilities as assigned.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:
Results-Based Programme Development and Management
Contributing to results through provision of information
  • Provides information and documentation on specific stages of project implementation
Building Strategic Partnerships
Maintaining information and databases
  • Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives
  • Maintains databases of donor information
Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Basic research and analysis
  • Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures
  • Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
  • Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
  • Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
  • Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools, and utilizes these regularly in work assignments
Client Orientation
Establishing effective client relationships
  • Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
  • Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
  • Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients

Required Skills and Experience

Academic requirements:
  • Secondary Education preferably with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences and Social Sciences would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.
Work Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in project implementation and in operating with project budgets; financial management and Reporting;
  • Previous employment experience with international organizations and knowledge on the implementation of EC projects is an asset as is previous work on gender;
  • Previous implementation experience of EU tenders/projects and familiarity with EC rules and regulations on Project Cycle management is an asset.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills;
  • Excellent computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point presentation);
Language Requirements:
  • Excellent written and oral English and Albanian communication skills are required
 
Application Procedure:
The following are steps for on-line application:
 
Special consideration  
As this position is under Service Contract modality, only citizens of Albania and those holding valid working permit in Albania will be considered for the vacancy.