UN WOMEN Jobs - 51000- Deputy Representative (Programme and Operations) -

Deputy Representative (Programme and Operations) - (Open to CARICOM Nationals Only)

Advertised on behalf of

UN WOMEN

Location :

MCO Caribbean, BARBADOS

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

01-Jan-2015

Application Deadline :

21-Nov-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-D

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 Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women's rights at the center of all its efforts, the UN Women will leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It will provide strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States' priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

The scope of work of the UN Women Deputy Representative for the UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) - Caribbean requires experience and in-depth understanding of gender equality and women's empowerment issues, as well as management and programming expertise, to translate UN Women's strategic plans into effective development initiatives and results. It also requires developing mutually reinforcing partnerships with relevant Government counterparts, UN organizations, CSOs, and with bilateral and non-traditional donors in order to promote inter-agency partnerships, support for UN reform, and mobilization of visibility and resources to advance gender equality and women's empowerment.

The Deputy Representative is supervised by the Multi-Country Representative for the Caribbean who provides strategic guidance and direction to the incumbent. The Deputy Representative supports the Representative in the overall management of the MCO. The incumbent is responsible for substantially contributing to the design, implementation, management and oversight of the country/multi-country programme and to the operations supporting its implementation to ensure effective and efficient delivery of results as planned in UN Women’s Strategic Plan and the Multi-Country Office’s plans.

The incumbent is expected to bring innovative thinking which fits and adapts to the changing environment to the strategic development of the programme portfolio, and to help raise resources to fund it. She/he also plays a key role in ensuring effective use and management of UN Women resources (material, financial and human) in compliance with UN Women programming and operational policies and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the UN Women Representative – Caribbean, the Deputy Director will be responsible for delivery of the following functions:

Advisory and specialized technical support;
Programme management, monitoring and oversight;
Support to UN Women Representative on Resource Mobilization, Operations/Office management;
Substantive support to UN coordination, advocacy and partnership building;
Knowledge management and capacity building;
Lead the Multi-Country Office’s efforts in developing and implementing a communications strategy in line with the UN Women corporate guidelines on communications.

Advisory and specialized technical support:

As Deputy Representative, serve as key advisor to the Representative and as a senior member of her/his management team in the Multi-Country Office (MCO) strategic discussions and formulation of programs and management operations, including work planning;
Provide specialized technical and strategic support in managing all aspects of MCO programme design and management of related activities and for ensuring accountability in programme monitoring, reporting and evaluation;
Support, guide and provide input to assure quality control in the formulation of relevant, high quality, results-based and rights-based country programmes and to ensure programme coherence, technical integrity, inter-unit programme cooperation and coordination;
Provide strategic and specialized technical advice to the Representative and put in place systems, processes and mechanisms to improve/enhance programme planning, implementation, monitoring and timely progress reporting;
Draft policy documents, briefs and other strategic papers/materials for use in the development and presentation of innovative and coherent policy and programmatic positions in support of national development priorities and commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment, incorporating regional and global perspectives and contributing to regional and global strategies;
Review and evaluate proposals submitted to the MCO. Oversee the preparation of donor proposals and reports to ensure quality, timeliness, compliance with requirements as per established rules, regulations, including the commitments under relevant UNDAFs and the UN Women global Strategic Facilitate the review and approval of proposals and reports by the Representative. Take timely action to take any corrective action to meet standards for submissions;
Regularly assess the country level annual work plans, monitor progress on the achievement of goals and targets, and present the Representative with recommendations to assist in development planning;
Establish and maintain alliances and partnerships with various inter-agency partners and working groups to ensure active participation and promotion of UN Women’s vision and mission within the UNDAF and other UN inter-agency frameworks, in close partnership with other UNCT gender advisors/specialists;
Monitor and report on the allocation and use of UN resources allocated to gender equality by the UN system and propose changes to maximize use of resources;
Prepare briefing materials for the UNW Representative on issues to be discussed in UNCT and other events and meetings. Follow up on required action/outstanding issues and report on outcome/result. Alert UN Women Representative on critical issues for action to be addressed;
Participate in global practice network on coordination, sharing and learning best practices to keep abreast of and/or to contribute to on-going debates and strategic thinking and to exchange experience and/or seek support on coordination issues affecting UN Women and UN system programs and operations.

Programme management, monitoring and oversight:

Recommend and establish programme monitoring standards, criteria and other indicators for measuring and assessing progress/results;
Monitor the progress on mutually agreed results frameworks and performance indicators and take timely support, action and/or decisions as required;
Lead the processes of preparing reports on progress of programme implementation, assessing results and identifying areas for the Representative’s action and/or decision to ensure achievement of results as planned and in accordance with UN Women’s goals and objectives and accountability framework;
Identify areas that may require improvement and capture best practices/lessons learned, using corporate monitoring tools, as well as Audits and other corporate reports. Take action to improve areas of weakness;
Ensure substantive and high quality proposals following the established rules, and regulations, and adhering to the Strategic Plan and Annual Work plans;
Establish and/or support the development of sustainable and solid relations with counterparts, for effective advocacy and partnerships resulting in the achievement of UN Women goals and objectives in the country, and consequently in the enhanced reputation and credibility of UN Women in delivering results on gender equality and women’s rights.

Support to UN Women Representative on Resource Mobilization, Operations/Office management:

Build and maintain effective partnerships with various stakeholders at regional, national and local levels, for delivery of the women’s rights agenda in the country;
Represent UN Women in government, partners and UN meetings as appropriate and ensure a full brief to the UN Women Representative;
Identify and follow-up opportunities for resource mobilization for UN Women’s work in the country in consultation with the UN Women Representative;
Support the UN Women Representative in managing activities and other promotional events to engage bilateral and multilateral institutions/donors, private sector;
Act as OIC in the absence of the UN Women Representative;
Support the Representative in the management of the MCO;
Manage the formulation of the annual MCO work plan and monitor implementation;
Develop and facilitate an integrated results-based approach to the work of the MCO using the annual work plan as the road map;
Communicate standards of performance, and assign responsibilities and accountabilities for achieving results;
Support the Representative in the management of human, material, and financial resources, in line with UN Women policies, rules and procedures;
As required coordinate the provision of administrative services with service providers;
Propose and secure annual allocations for the country programme, and ensure the efficient and effective use of such resources in compliance with UN Women financial rules, regulations, and procedures;
Support the Representative in the formulation and implementation of a country resource mobilization strategy;
Empower, and help develop international and national programme staff, under the incumbent’s supervision, providing them with managerial direction, guidance and leadership;
Contribute substantially to staff management as a whole within the MCO, particularly on learning, career management, and teamwork. Establish and maintain a harmonious working environment; seek to strengthen team-building by encouraging active participation and interaction at all levels; foster staff motivation, development and empowerment; and lead by example;
As required, advise on and support the establishment of a MCO security strategy and plan in line with UN procedures and requirements;
Ensure an ethics-based approach to management of all human and financial resources;
Perform any other duties as may be requested by the UN Women Representative.

Substantive support to UN coordination, advocacy and partnership building:

Establish and maintain effective consultations with governments, partners, stakeholders and donors to achieve active collaboration, cooperation and alliances on programme development and implementation, resource mobilization and sustained partnerships;
Represent UN Women in meetings as delegated/appropriate to consult, collaborate and interact on common issues and activities and to participate in the CCA/UNDAF process to ensure the integration of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Actively seek out participation of UN Women in UN system thematic and other working groups to establish effective networks, facilitate joint programming and promote UN Women competencies and interests to advance gender and women’s human rights;
Support the Representative in partnership building and advocate for UN Women with government counterparts, donor community and other partners;
Represent UN Women in national and international fora as requested by the Representative.

Knowledge management and capacity building:

Collect and share good practices and lessons learned on coordination and gender mainstreaming in UN system programming and development at country level to contribute to development of knowledge products and tools in UN Women;
Manage the process of collecting and sharing lessons learned on gender equality and women’s empowerment to build knowledge and capacity of partners and stakeholders;
Design and implement capacity building training activities to enhance skills and knowledge in results based management; results based reporting and budgeting, and systematic quality assurance;
Oversee cutting-edge research and knowledge generation to inform and advise national development priorities and commitments for gender equality and women’s empowerment, ensuring the integration of regional and global contexts and developments;
Contribute to global and regional programme knowledge networks and practices, and development of knowledge products.

Lead the Multi-Country Office’s efforts in developing and implementing a communications strategy in line with the UN Women corporate guidelines on communications:

Through the supervision of the UN Women Communications Analyst, advise and guide the Multi-Country Office on Communications and advise the Representative on all communications events and activities, in coordination with Communications staff;
Guide the UN Women communications staff in the coordination and conducting of information and communication activities to ensure coherence with Corporate UN Women and UNCT information and communication goals and objectives.

Competencies

Core Values/Guiding Principles:

Integrity: Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct;
Professionalism: Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work;
Cultural sensitivity and valuing diversity: Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff. Demonstrate an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity.

Core Competencies:

Ethics and Values

Demonstrate and promote ethics and integrity by creating organizational precedents.

Organizational Awareness

Build support for the organization and ensure political acumen.

Development and Innovation

Support staff competence development, and contribute to an environment of creativity and innovation.

Work in teams

Build and promote effective teams;
Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Communication and Information Sharing

Create and promote an environment for open and effective communication.

Self-management and Emotional Intelligence

Stay composed and positive even in difficult moments, handle tense situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent behavior towards others.

Conflict Management

Surface conflicts and address them proactively acknowledging different feelings and views and directing energy towards a mutually acceptable solution.

Continuous Learning and Knowledge Sharing:

Share knowledge across the organization and build a culture of knowledge sharing and learning.

Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making:

Ensure fair and transparent decision making processes and manage risk.

Functional Competencies:

Demonstrated analytical and technical skills in managing development projects/programmes particularly those that are pertinent to UN Women strategic priorities on gender issues and women’s rights;
Demonstrated political acumen and technical capacity in representing the organization effectively in national and international fora to advocate and to promote organizational priorities, initiatives and a better understanding of the organizational strategic agenda;
Ability to establish and maintain broad strategic networks and partnerships with UN agencies and other international partners to promote partnership and build alliances to advance organizational interests and competencies and mobilize resources;
Ability to go beyond established procedures and practices, introduce new approaches and strategic innovations;
Good knowledge of Results Based Management principles and approaches.

Managerial Competencies:

Ability to plan work assignments, establish priorities and to meet strict assignment deadlines;
Proven ability in managing and empowering teams to work effectively together in reaching results;
Proven ability to lead and to drive results;
Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and to focus on impact and results;
Compelling communication (verbal and written) skills, including ability to prepare reports, formulate and defend sound recommendations and articulate options concisely conveying maximum necessary information;
Negotiating skills and ability to work at all levels with others to reach mutually benefiting and lasting understandings;
Excellent interpersonal skills; capacity to recognize and respond appropriately to the ideas, interests and concerns of others;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Other Competencies:

Professionalism

Knowledge of organizations rules and regulations as they pertain to the incumbent´s area of responsibility.

Teamwork

Good interpersonal skills; ability in multi- cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Communication

Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively.

Planning and Organizing

Uses time efficiently. Ability to prioritize assignments and allocate appropriate time for completing work;
Strictly observes deadline;
Work well under pressure;
Ability to handle a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner.

Programme management

Strong skills in the use of programmatic tools to plan, monitor and evaluate programmes and projects.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Initiative and willingness to learn new skills.

Technological Awareness

Possesses excellent computer skills to facilitate daily work.

Trust

Reputation for dealing honestly and openly with staff. Respected by peers, partners and staff.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in international development, public administration, public policy or other relevant social science fields.

Experience:

A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience that combines managerial, intellectual, and strategic leadership in development programmes with a strong focus in the area of gender equality and women's empowerment. Experience at the international level considered an asset, particularly work experience in developing countries;
Experience in working within the UN System, Agencies, Funds or Programmes, considered an asset, particularly proven experience in support of coordination, joint programming, and joint advocacy;
Several years field-based experience working with multi-cultural teams required;
Strong knowledge of Gender Equality issues in the Caribbean considered an asset;
Experience with programme management tools and platforms used by the UN system, including familiarity with ATLAS or a similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in written and spoken English;
Knowledge of another UN working language is desirable.