UN WOMEN Jobs - 2998- Coordinator UN Action Against Sexual Violence in C

Coordinator UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict

Advertised on behalf of

UN WOMEN

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

200 Series

Starting Date :

15-Dec-2007

Application Deadline :

20-Nov-07 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

L-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 Year

Languages Required :

English

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

UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action) unites the work of 12 UN system entities (DPA, DPKO, OCHA, OHCHR, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIFEM, WFP and WHO) with the aim of better coordinating the work of the UN system in response to sexual violence during and after conflict. UN Action seeks to galvanize global concern about rape as a weapon of war, and speed up the response of the peacekeeping, humanitarian and development communities to violations of women's rights in conflict and post-conflict settings. UN Action is (i) supporting a global advocacy effort to end sexual violence during and after conflict, (ii) amplifying the international community's efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence, and (ii) building a knowledge hub mapping the extent of sexual violence in conflict and effective responses to the needs of survivors and their communities. UN Action aspires to build upon existing collaborative efforts, including the work of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee and the humanitarian response "cluster system".

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chairperson of the Steering Committee of UN Action, the Coordinator will direct and coordinate the work of UN Action, support the work of the focal point from the 12 UN entities, liaise with external partners- including the NGO community and donors, and manage the UN Action Secretariat. The Coordinator will perform the following duties:

In collaboration with the focal points, monitor the strategic framework for 2007 and prepare a strategic framework for 2008 with clear goals, operational targets and outputs, securing agreement and support from all 12 UN entities;
Establish an effective operating structure and procedures for the joint work of UN Action;
Update the fundraising plan for UN Action - this will include developing funding proposals for discussion with bilateral donors, Foundations and private sector partners;
Help to convene Working Groups created to drive advocacy, support joint programming at country level, and stimulate knowledge generation - negotiating clear objectives and deliverables for each;
Identify upcoming advocacy opportunities in relation to peace-keeping missions, resolutions of regional and international security organizations, conferences on SSR, GBV, SEA, peace talks involving women, for focus from UN Action;
Prepare analytical briefs with recommendation for the Steering Committee of Principals from the 12 UN entities, and ensure appropriate follow up;
Prepare reports for donors and investors on UN Action expenditure and achievements;
Help to secure support for UN Action from key allies such as national governments, NGOs, military spokespersons, celebrities - and strengthen the partnership base of UN Action;
Organize regular (virtual) meetings of the focal points from the 12 entities as well as bi-annual strategic review meetings;
Engage, as appropriate, with other humanitarian coordination mechanisms such as the cluster system and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and its Sub-Working Groups on Gender and Gender-Based Violence, to ensure clear delineation of responsibilities and value added;
Support the Chairperson of the UN Action Steering Committee to engage, as appropriate, with Executive Committees (ECPS, ECHA, and UNDG), and the Secretary-General's Policy Committee where necessary;
Liaise with other inter-agency initiatives, such as the Framework Team, the Coalition on Adolescent Girls, the Global Coalition on Women and AIDS, etc. to ensure cross learning and sharing of effective inter-agency procedures;
Supervise the work of the UN Action Secretariat, including the preparation and circulation of informational materials.

Competencies

Understanding of the United Nations system structure, including those parts related to humanitarian response and women, peace and security.
Understanding of non-governmental community addressing GBV and sexual violence in conflict and humanitarian settings.
Good organizational skills, sound judgment, initiative, demonstrated capacity to perform effectively within a multidisciplinary and multicultural work environment.
Capacity to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time.
Ability to set priorities, and deliver work against tight deadlines.
Ability to lead and participate effectively in inter-agency team.
Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.
Strong interpersonal, writing and research skills.
Evidence of capacity to be a self-starter, self-motivator, with the capacity to take initiative.

Required Skills and Experience

Masters Degree in development studies, gender studies, public health, international relations, political sciences, international law or related discipline.
Experience and track record in inter-agency programme management, coalition building and fund raising.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in the UN and /or international system.
Experience in humanitarian response and GBV programming at country level.
Fluency in English, fluency in another UN language an asset.
Excellent writing and communication skills.