UN WOMEN Jobs - 14847- Deputy Country Director

Deputy Country Director

Advertised on behalf of

UN WOMEN

Location :

Kabul, AFGHANISTAN

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

01-Mar-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 Year (Renewable)

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

UNIFEM is dedicated to advancing gender equality and women's human rights in Afghanistan. Staff and consultants of UNIFEM Afghanistan are expected to contribute to a professional working environment in which the strengthening of national capacities and human potential is prioritized. Respect for diversity and human dignity is required, as is the active pursuit of a collaborative and inclusive approach to both internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues and partners.

Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the UNIFEM Country Director and in close collaboration with senior programme and operations staff, the Deputy Country Director (DCD) will serve as a key member of UNIFEM Afghanistan Country Office's (ACO) senior management team, providing leadership support across the full range of ACO's functions and responsibilities.

The DCD's responsibilities include but are not limited to: i) serving as a key advisor to the Country Director on all matters related to programming, operations and security; ii) support to the Operations Manager in the careful and regular oversight of all operations-related issues to ensure compliance with UNIFEM and UNDP policies and regulations; iii) overseeing day to day programming in coordination with senior programme staff; iv) supporting the Management Support Unit (MSU) in leading donor relations and resource mobilization efforts; and v) providing advice and support on security-related matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

To serve as a key advisor to the Country Director on all matters related to programming and operations:

Ensure knowledge of all Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) programmes, operations and security measures;
Consult, strategize and problem-solve with the Country Director on a regular basis to ensure up-to-date support across all ACO business is provided;
As requested, produce recommendation briefings and talking points on issues related to the operations and programming of the ACO;
As requested, attend meetings in place of the Country Director, representing UNIFEM Afghanistan;
As needed, engage in frequent and regular communications with UNIFEM regional offices and headquarters on issues related to operations, programming , the ACO at large and staff security;
Provide review support to senior staff for all important documents going to the Country Director for approval - with special reference to annual reporting, donor agreements, partner agreements, MOUs, proposals and ACO guidelines;
Engage in continued communication with and support to all UNIFEM-Afghanistan staff posted outside of Afghanistan, to ensure timely deliverables and outputs in line with the ACO's needs and requirements;
Within the context of accelerated national staff leadership, engage in capacity development of all senior national staff - reviewing plans and ensuring effective implementation to a high quality.

Support the Operations Manager in the careful and regular oversight of all operations related work, including financial management, staffing and human resources, to ensure compliance with UNIFEM and UNDP policies and regulations:

Review operations management systems in light of any restructuring within UNIFEM Afghanistan and suggest any new systems which may be needed to support to support the ACO.
Convene weekly meetings with the Operations Manager to review operations priorities and work, with the aim of prioritizing work according to ACO needs, ensuring deadlines are managed and creating solutions to any potential bottlenecks, hurdles or concerns.
Support the work of the Management Support Unit (MSU) to ensure that all directives and work is in line with UNDP policies and regulations and the unit's priorities and work plan is in line with the Afghanistan Country Office priorities and needs.
Support the MSU and Operations team on the production of operations focused easy reference policy papers on topics related to every day programming as requested by the senior management team.
Implement any recommendations or suggestions that emerge from the review of operations management system and are approved by the Country Director;
Oversee the implementation of adequate internal controls in compliance with organizational rules and regulations to ensure integrity of financial systems, resource planning, ananlysis of budget requirements and delivery including cost-recovery services. Monitor all financial transactions in and produce regular financial reports both for the Country Office and for HQ.

Support day-to-day programme implementation:

In tandem with the UNIFEM-Afghanistan Chief Technical Specialist (CTS), and with the support of the Country Director, convene weekly meetings with all unit managers to maintain continued oversight of day-to-day unit programming. Where necessary, offer recommendations and feedback on unit work-plans and initiatives, supporting unit managers to effectively and efficiently implement programmes. Provide support and guidance towards the finalization of a revised version of the ACO's Strategic Plan;
Work with CTS and unit managers to ensure that approved work plans and strategies are being implemented in an efficient and timely manner, offering support as needed;

Engage in timely donor relations and resource mobilization, as guided by the Country Director and MSU:

Engage in regular communication with donors, answering and initiating email and telephone communications and organizing donor meetings as requested, with talking points and messaging generated for all UNIFEM participants;
Work with programme units to identify gaps in programme funding, and actively seek new and existing donors to fill those gaps;
Coordinate the preparation of, and work with the MSU to finalize, all donor proposals, agreements and reports.

Security:

Serve as a key member of UNIFEM's security management team and share the responsibility for ensuring compliance with UN rules and regulations governing the presence and movement of UN staff in Afghanistan and abroad.

Competencies

Core Values and Ethics

Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and able to work in a multi-national environment;
Support the Organization's corporate goal;
Comply with UNIFEM rules, regulations and code of conduct;
Demonstrate integrity.

Teamwork

Build effective client relationships and partnerships;
Interact with all levels of staff in the organization;
Excellent interpersonal skills;
Build and share knowledge;
Provide guidance and support to others
Apply existing knowledge to work;
Make valuable practice contributions.

Communication

Excellent oral and written skills:
Listen actively and respond effectively.

Task Management

Plan, prioritize and deliver a variety of tasks on time;
Exercise sound judgment/analysis;
Develop creative solutions

Learning

Promote learning environment in the office;
Provide constructive coaching and feedback for others.

Technical/Functional

In-depth knowledge of program management and implementation;
In-depth knowledge of operations management, donor relations and resource mobilization;
Knowledge of UNIFEM business, operations and programming cycle (preferred).

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master's Degree or equivalent in international development, public administration, business administration, public policy or other relevant social sciences, with focus on gender issues.

Experience:

Seven years of relevant experience in development in a government, multilateral or civil society organization in a multi-cultural setting with a focus on gender equality and women's empowerment issues.
Minimum of three years of senior-level management responsibilities of similar size and complexity.
Knowledge of UNIFEM and its priorities and work in Afghanistan.
Knowledge of operations management, specifically UNDP policies and regulations.
Demonstrated sensitivity, discretion, tact and courtesy in relation to gender equality and women's rights, development principles and projects, implementing partners, and national and international personnel of varied nationalities and backgrounds.
Commitment to serving as a leader and role model in upholding organizational values and principles of UNIFEM Afghanistan.
Ability to supervise and train junior staff.
Ability to work independently and to multi-task and respond simultaneously and in a timely fashion to job requirements. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated effectiveness in resource mobilization and external relations with partners and stakeholders.
Experience of working in post-conflict and transitional countries ideal.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in spoken and written English;
Written and spoken skills in Dari or Pashto will be an advantage.

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.