UN WOMEN Jobs - 1962- Technical Coordinator : Regional Programme on Gend

Technical Coordinator : Regional Programme on Gender Responsive Budget Initiatives

Advertised on behalf of

UN WOMEN

Location :

Quito, ECUADOR

Type of Contract :

ALD International

Starting Date :

23-Jul-2007

Application Deadline :

28-Jun-07 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

ALD-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English Spanish

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

In 2000, United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) initiated its work on gender-sensitive budgets convinced that these are a powerful instrument to make public resource allocation more transparent, accountable and oriented to equality between women and men, as well as to foster women's participation and influence in governance processes. The programme started in Ecuador and was progressively extended to other Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela.

The programme has progressively generated new partnerships, such as the support given by the European Commission, the UK, Belgium and Germany (GTZ). Within the UN system, the programme has contributed to foster alliances with the UNDP and the UNFPA among others. Especially relevant was the collaboration established between UNIFEM and the United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV). Through the project "Engendering Budgets, engaging women: giving visibility to women's contribution to Latin America development" the regional programme has two international UNVs (one in Ecuador and one in Brazil) and four National UNVs in targeted municipalities (Cochabamba -Bolivia-, Cuenca -Ecuador-, Rosario -Argentina- and Villa El Salvador -Peru-).

In August 2005 UNIFEM signs an agreement with the Spanish Government to support the relationship between Spain and the United Nations Development Fund for Women, aiming at keeping a continuous collaboration in the implementation of cooperation programs, projects and activities. Within this agreement, it AECI has committed funds to support the program "Strengthening democratic governance at local level: Gender Responsive Budgets Initiatives in Latina America."
UNIFEM seeks to hire the services of a professional iIn order to technically coordinate this programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Technical coordination and assistance:

Technical supervision and assistance of Programme activities, at the regional level and within each participating country (Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Honduras and Peru);
Coordinate communication among UNIFEM Andean Region Office and the other executing Offices (Brazil and Mexico), as well as with LAC Section in NY;
Provide with continuous information on the programme's activities and implementation to AECI and UNV
Follow-up the technical and operational Programme Plan and activities;
Ensure coordination and coherence with other program, project and activities on gender responsible budgets carried out by UNIFEM in the LAC region and worldwide, especially those supported by UNV;
Promote a closer integration between UNV's and UNIFEM's development programming and ensure proper alignment between the gender responsible budget programme activities and UNV Business Model (UNV areas of intervention and UNV areas of distinctive contribution);
Participate in meetings, seminars and consultations;
Coordinate and supervise studies and researches taken under the Programme framework;
Undertake periodic Programme reviews, visits and evaluation (monitoring activities & results);
Identify gaps in Programme outputs and make the necessary adjustments;
Identify and create necessary links with stakeholders to implement the Programme;
Supervise the documentation process, the circulation of lessons learned and evaluations;
Supervise the dissemination of tools, publications and products of the Programme.

2. Management:

Coordinate the implementation of regional activities defined in the programme.;
Supervise the preparation and submission of reports - financial, status and coordination reports - on a regular basis;
Supervise the use of funds and the implementation arrangements;
Provide all the countries with planning and reporting tools;
Supervise the sub-contract arrangements of the Programme;
Supervise financial, technical and administrative actions of the Programme;
Supervise the performance of Assistants and Consultants to ensure that all tasks are executed in order to meet the objectives of the Programme.

3. Representation and outreach:

Promote and represent the Programme at national and international fora;
Maintain international and sub-regional communication linkages;
Provide with technical support in order to negotiate further fundraising for the Programme.

Competencies

Corporate competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNIFEM
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional competencies

Knowledge management and learning
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
In-depth knowledge on development issues
Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and operational effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
Strong IT skills
Ability to lead implementation of new systems, and affect staff behavioral or attitudinal change

Management and leadership

Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Master's degree in Gender and Development or Economics or related discipline
At least 5 years of progressive work experience in the promotion of women's human rights, with experience in the UN system of at least two years preferred.
Strong knowledge of gender and economic issues.
Experience on gender responsible budget initiatives of at least two years is desirable
Experience on programme coordination.
Good communication, interpersonal and writing skills.
Fluency in English and Spanish is required (written and verbal).