Background

The Government of Liberia is strongly committed to the principle of gender equality as a means to maintain peace, reduce poverty and promoting sustainable development in the country. This commitment is reflected in the newly adopted Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) for Liberia, which systematically takes into account women's and men's different experiences, strategic needs and capacities in the identified priorities for the reconstruction of Liberia. It is within the context of the PRS, that the Government of Liberia jointly with the United Nations in Liberia is formulating a joint Gender Equality and Women's Economic Empowerment (GEWEE) program as one of its key strategic responses towards promoting gender equality in Liberia.

This 3 year Joint Programme will be executed under the overall coordination of the Ministry of Gender and Development (MOGD) and with the support of Government Line Ministries and implementing partners including women's organizations and networks. The Programme Manager will provide the technical assistance needed for the effective coordination of the programme by the Ministry of Gender and be responsible for the day to day management of the joint programme. The Programme Manager will report to the Minister of Gender and Development and the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General/Resident Coordinator (DSRSG/RC) as co-chairs of the Joint Programme Steering Committee (JPSC).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the co-chairs of the JPSC: the Ministry of Gender and the Resident Coordinator, the GEWEE Programme Manager provides leadership, strategic direction and overall management of the GEWEE programme.
  • Manages the implementation of the joint programme and ensures that the programme remains relevant, and is in line with various elements of the programme document including the coordination arrangements set out in the programme document;
  • Coordinates the production and dissemination of consolidated results of the joint programme based on progress reports prepared by participating UN organizations;
  • Provides strong leadership and an overall strategic vision;
  • Builds the capacity of the Ministry of Gender in the coordination of the joint GEWE programme;
  • Develops and periodically reviews the programme's Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) plan;
The GEWEE Programme Manager coordinates the GEWEE Joint Programme and is responsible for adherence to the following standards:
  • With support from lead agencies for various outputs, develops and ensures timely preparation of detailed annual plans and budgets for all levels of project activities;
  • Facilitates the achievement of joint programme results by timely monitoring of the progress of programme implementation and ensures ongoing monitoring and annual reviews of work plans;
  • Monitors the fulfilment of the tasks assigned to the Administrative Agent and lead agencies, in accordance with the joint programme document.
  • Prepares for JPSC meetings and assume the role of Secretariat of the JPSC.
The GEWEE Programme Manager supports advocacy, partnership building and resource mobilization for the joint programme.
  • Develops a resource mobilization strategy for the Joint Program in collaboration with the Ministry, Administrative Agent and UN participating agencies and pillar leads.
  • Coordinates linkages with other Joint Programme and between project activities within the GEWEE joint programme and similar projects financed by other donors or partners
  • Participate in related forums to enhance coordination and partnership among stakeholders working in the area of GEWEE
  • In collaboration with participating UN Agencies, provides technical support to the development of relevant advocacy and policy documents relating to gender mainstreaming as well as women's economic empowerment.
The GEWEE Programme Manager ensures knowledge management focusing on:
  • Synthesizes best practices and lessons learned from the Programme for sharing between programme participants as well as external partners;
  • Supports capacity and knowledge building of national counterparts;
Perform other tasks as assigned by the JPSC.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity and commitment to UN principles and values and ethical standards;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Working in teams;
  • Self-management, emotional intelligence and conflict management; 
  • Analytical and strategic thinking/results orientation;
  • Knowledge sharing.

Functional Competencies: 

  • Job knowledge and technical expertise in the area of gender mainstreaming and analysis as well as women's economic empowerment;
  • Results-based programme development and management;
  • Administrative and managerial expertise;
  • Ability to lead strategic planning, change management processes, and resource based management;
  • Significant experience in developing and implementing economic assessments;
  • Strong skills in monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
  • Strong partnership development skills;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complex issues and partnerships;
  • Strong partnership development skills;
  • Demonstrates ability to work with various partners;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Fluency in MS Word and other relevant computer applications/MS office applications;
  • Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Masters degree or equivalent preferably Gender and Development studies, economics, political science, or a related field.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience at international level in women's economic empowerment and/or Gender and Development, preferably in emergency and post-conflict situations.
  • At least 3 years of field experience in design, appraisal and management of gender equality related programmes of similar scope and complexity.
  • Knowledge of UN policies, system and procedures.

 Language requirements:

  • Fluency in written and spoken English;  Knowledge of another UN language desirable.