UN WOMEN Jobs - 4899- National Project Coordinator

National Project Coordinator

Advertised on behalf of

UN WOMEN

Location :

Sarajevo, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

16-Jun-2008

Application Deadline :

29-May-08 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year (with possibility for renewal)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

up to 4 years

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

Over the past several years, countries in South East Europe (SEE) have implemented significant reforms in their legal and institutional frameworks, as part of their development and accession to the European Union. Most countries have recently adopted gender equality laws and have prepared national plans or strategies towards the advancement of gender equality. They are also introducing reforms in their budgetary systems that aim to enhance the link between policies and resource allocations, and introduce greater transparency and opportunities for civil participation in the budgetary process. Despite these changes, women’s situation in various areas continues to be disadvantaged, their meaningful participation in governance processes is not sufficient, and existing policies and legislation are not adequately applied due to lack of effective implementation mechanisms, insufficient resource allocations, and an overall weak rule of law.

The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) has been active in the region of South East Europe in helping address the above gaps through various programmes and projects since 1998.[1] Under it new Under it new Strategic Plan for 2008-2011 for the Central and Eastern Europe region, UNIFEM is committed to further strengthen its support to Bosnia and Herzegovina in advancing national commitments to enhance gender equality and women’s human rights. Based on consultations with national partners in government, civil society and in coordination with the United Nations Country Team, UNIFEM’s work in BiH will specifically focus on the following topics: 1) Applying gender responsive budgeting as a tool for advancing gender equality and democratic governance through increased transparency and accountability; 2) Women building peace and human security in the Western Balkans: Implementing SCR 1325; 3) Accountability for protection of women’s human rights through improved implementation of legislation. To support implementation of activities in the country under the above programmes, UNIFEM is planning to open a project office in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina as of June, 2008.

Recognizing the importance of gender budgeting as a tool for advancing gender equality and translating commitments into concrete actions, in late 2006, UNIFEM launched sub-regional Programme “Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) in South East Europe: Advancing Gender Equality and Democratic Governance through Increased Transparency and Accountability”. To date, the Programme in the country has focused on assessing relevant budgetary and institutional processes, identifying partnerships and entry points for intervention, and piloting GRB work in selected areas, particularly at municipal and entity level. In the next two years, this work will be further up-scaled and the Programme will engage more closely with relevant government entities and mainstream budget frameworks and reform processes.

To support activities under the GRB Programme, UNIFEM CEE is recruiting a National Project Coordinator (NPC).

[1]The Regional office for Central and Eastern Europe is based in Bratislava, Slovakia and there are currently four project offices in Belgrade, Pristina, Skopje and Tirana.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the day-to-day supervision of the International Manager for BiH and under the overall oversight of the GRB Project Manager and in close collaboration with the UNIFEM Sub-regional Office in Bratislava, the primary tasks of the NPC will be to support the development, implementation and close monitoring of the ongoing and planned work on GRB in the country. Until the hiring of international manager for BiH, the coordinator will be also responsible for representing UNIFEM in various activities of the United Nations Country Team.

The NPC will be specifically responsible for the following:

Coordinate the implementation of GRB programme activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following ongoing activities and identifying new entry points with focus on higher involvement with government entities at various levels of government;
Lead the continued identification and diversification of UNIFEM’s programme partners (government, civil society, international organizations) on GRB;
Undertake continuous monitoring of progress on GRB work, prepare reports and correspondence as necessary and provide needed input to donor reports (in conjunction with relevant staff and consultants);
Develop and continuously update the implementation plan for the GRB programme and ensure its timely execution;
Support implementing partners to achieve results in a timely manner through provision of technical guidance and support for capacity development;
Facilitate partnership building between civil society organizations (CSO) and government partners;
Support the GRB Project Manager in pursuing linkages between GRB activities in BiH and other countries in the sub-regional programme, contribute to information exchange and the development of sub-regional activities and knowledge products;
Undertake in-country and out-of-country missions, as needed.
Participate in relevant UN, government, donor and CSO meetings on behalf of UNIFEM and ensure coordination and collaboration between UNIFEM and other UN agencies operating the country

Provide programmatic and coordination support, as needed, in the area of women’s economic rights and labour legislation to the UNIFEM project manager of the sub-regional programme “Accountability for the Protection of Women’s Human Rights”.

Competencies

Familiarity with the UN System, dedication to its principles, and knowledge of the Human Rights Based Approach.
Experience in work on protection and promotion of women human rights and gender equality
Cultural, gender, religion, race, national and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Knowledge of BiH governmental institutions and legislative framework
Experience in working with international institutions in the field
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and fair treatment of people, without favoritism.

Required Skills and Experience

Advanced degree in economics, public policy, development studies, gender studies, international relations, or similar.
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. Previous employment experience with international organizations is an asset as is previous work on gender and public finance.
Demonstrated interest and/or experience in gender work;
Programme/project design and management skills.
Strong analytical, writing and communication skills in both Bosnian and English.
Good computer skills in Windows environment, knowledge of internet communications and command of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point)