Background

The Spotlight Initiative is a partnership between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) launched in 2017, to eliminate all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), including harmful practices. The Africa investment is at the heart of the Spotlight Initiative, which is implemented in 8 African Union (AU) Member States (Liberia, Nigeria, Niger, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Malawi) and through an African regional programme that complement the country programmes.

UN Women is leading the overall coordination of Stream I of the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Program (SIARP)  that aims to promote regional response to addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Harmful Practices (HP), and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights (SRH&RR) in Africa. In addition, UN Women coordinates the implementation of activities under Pillar 6 of Stream I in close collaboration with recipient UN organizations (RUNOs) namely the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),  the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

UN Women Liaison Office seeks to engage a ‘’National Consultant – Program Specialist” to coordinate the implementation of Stream I component and pillar 6 activities, manage the partnership with regional partners and other stakeholders, oversee the monitoring and reporting of the program, manage financial resources and support resource mobilization strategies.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Special Representative and close collaboration with the Recipient UN Organizations, implementing partners, the African Union Commission and EU, the consultant will be responsible for the overall coordination of implementation and closure of the Stream 1 of the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Program

The consultant will be expected to perform the following specific duties:

  • Manage the overall Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Program Stream 1 work plan implementation.
  • Provide substantial guidance and technical support to program implementation partners to ensure the reports are submitted on time, partners agreement closed in the system meeting the requirements set by the donor and UN Women.  
  • Liaise with the Programme Coordination Unit (PCU), the program implementation partners, other recipient UN organization, and UN Women to ensure the Programme results are achieved and the program closure is well managed.
  • Prepare and present work-plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the Programme Coordination Unit and UN Women Special Representative.
  • Organize the final Stream 1 Committee Meeting in coordination with Recipient UN Organization (RUNOs) and the AUC
  • Provide technical and administrative support to the Civil Society Regional Reference Group (CSRRG)
  • Coordinate the development and preparation of financial resources of the Programme including budgeting and budget revisions, and expenditure tracking and reporting.
  • Oversee and monitor the allocation and disbursement of funds to participating partners and coordinate the submission of implementing partner financial and narrative reports.
  • Develop/compile annual, quarterly, final narrative and financial  and ad hoc reports.
  • Monitor the implementation of activities and the expenditure of funds on regular bases.
  • Ensure documentation of the programme implementation process, and Knowledge malmanagement products produced throughout the program implementation.
  • Represent UN Women in meetings and policy dialogues on issues related to Spotlight Initiative as necessary.
  • Document best practices and lessons learned to guide programme improvement and strategy planning.
  • Support the development of partnerships and resource mobilization strategies of the UN Women liaison Office to the AUC and UNECA.
  • Contribute to the exchange of information and knowledge products internally and externally.

Competencies

Core Values:

  • Respect for Diversity
  • Integrity
  • Professionalism

Core Competencies:

  •  Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
  •  Accountability
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Effective Communication
  • Inclusive Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Leading by Example

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

 FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

  • Strong programme formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills
  • Strong budget and finance skills
  • Strong knowledge of Results Based Management
  • Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports to inform management and strategic decision-making.
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Good knowledge of UN programme management systems and familiar with Spotlight initiative program
  • Ability to identify and analyze trends, opportunities and threats to fundraising and develop strategies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in law, human rights, gender equality, management, social sciences or other related areas is required.
  • A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  • A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage

Experience and competencies:

  • At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience at international level in managing complex and multi-component programme interventions with regional partners, preferably programs focused on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls;
  • Experience in coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating development programmes and projects;
  • Previous experience working in the UN system is an asset.
  • Experience in leading/managing a team is an asset.

Application:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided?on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need. 

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application. 

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)