Antecedentes

Although the Government of Albania has been successfully implementing important political, social and economic reforms, Roma and Egyptian face direct and indirect barriers in accessing public services, stemming from an eligibility criterion they cannot comply with, lack of information or understanding of administrative procedures, as well as stigma and frequent discriminatory attitude from the majority population. Long-term exclusion has affected the living conditions of Roma and Egyptians, treatment by the majority population and relationship with government institutions. Studies show that the level of poverty among Roma is twice as high as the majority population . Regardless of their recognition as minority, Roma are both marginalized and socially excluded communities.

This project that is funded  by the European Union and aims to further improve the social inclusion of most vulnerable communities consisting of Roma and Egyptians in Albania, with focus in the regions of Tirana, Durrës, Shkodra and Berat. The project’s purpose is to promote the economic and social empowerment of Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania by standardizing an innovative and integrated new approach at the policy and programming level and to provide integrated social inclusion models at sub-national level focusing in the regions of Tirana, Durrës, Shkodra and Berat.

This will be achieved by facilitating the horizontal and vertical communication and cooperation of the different stakeholders, including the target groups, at the national and sub-national/local level and implementing innovative tools, new models in flagship initiatives for increasing employment and vocational training opportunities, improving access to basic social services, strengthening institutional capacity, and establishing supportive mechanisms for those who live under severe circumstances. In the long term, this aims to lift the Roma and Egyptian families out of poverty and support their sustainable inclusion in the Albanian society and labour market.

The project is composed based on four (4) project objectives formalized in four (4) work packages, introduced below.

Objective 1 – Increased employment and skills development opportunities accessed by Roma and Egyptian women and men reduce the employment gap between R&E communities and the majority of the population.

Objective 2 – Community Led Local Development (CLLD) for R&E inclusion at the local level through integrated, inclusive and sustainable development.

Objective 3 – Procedures, models, tools and guidelines established and made operational based on the Integrated Approach and a Behavioural Change Model to support better access of Roma and Egyptian communities to basic equitable, inclusive and decentralised services and to foster a tolerant and inclusive society in Albania.

Objective 4 – The National Action Plan for Roma and Egyptian Integration in the Republic of Albania, 2015-2020, supported for implementation, monitoring and evaluation at the national, regional and local level.

All of the above will be supported by a comprehensive communication and visibility strategic plan. The methodology selected is based on hands-on support to active participation in community development activities and businesses required and selected by the beneficiaries. Through this methodology it has been calculated that the impact will be stronger and the interest of different stakeholders higher and more sustainable in the long term.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Local Coordinators (LC) will work under the direct supervision of UNDP Project Manager based in Tirana and will be responsible for the implementation of programme activities, achievement of outputs and objectives of the programme at the regional and local levels. The LC will achieve the outputs by working in close relationship with the Heads of Regional Council, Municipality and relevant Administrative Units and will provide technical assistance for the implementation of programme activities to the administrative units/municipality and the Roma/Egyptian community.

In close relationship with UNDP and other partners, the LC will be responsible for mobilizing local minority communities via community counselling forums (CCFs) in their region. There will be special efforts made on encouraging greater involvement of women and youth. LC will build on local community dynamics and social mechanisms, and involve community volunteers practically by engaging community participation from identifying to implementing the local development infrastructures. LC will work on supplementing existing activities and/or creating links with other initiatives to enhance development effectiveness. Activities that LC will organize, or participate in, range from direct assistance, to working with different stakeholders linking them towards joint activities, bringing together different social, ethnic and age groups.  LC will help in building bridges between government units and citizens as well as fostering a constructive dialogue within the communities and with external government and civil society stakeholders. Specifically, the LC will:

• Ensure successful implementation of all project activities outlined in the project document for administrative unit/municipal level and will be the representative of the project management at the regional level;
• Fulfil the outputs and objectives of the project at the administrative unit/Municipal level by working with and through the mobilization of commune authorities (both elected and administrative) and the community people;
• Empower and support the most disadvantaged groups, and mobilize the community to form the CCFs and support them with technical assistance;
• Support communities to initiate social infrastructure and community development initiatives (with partnering organizations) and support the communities to identify, prioritize and develop proposals for infrastructure development;
• Act as a liaison between emerging community initiatives and local authorities;
• Network and build relationship with local grassroots initiatives; volunteer organizations and CSOs promoting community based services, particularly partner organizations of the project;
• Support local governments to establish the Regional Roma Committees that will include various stakeholders as an advisory committee to local government;
• In collaboration with all partners, the LC will be responsible for development and organization of regional level trainings and strategic development initiatives for the administrative unit /municipal authorities and the communities and the Regional Roma Committees;
• Prepare the local level quarterly and annual work plan and progress reports;
• Ensure appropriate documentation of best practices of programme experiences and support the wide-scale dissemination of information;
• Participate in policy discussions on local level planning, local socio-economic development and provision of social services;
• Participate in trainings provided by UNDP and partner organizations in order to improve the skills necessary for successful implementation of the project;
• Provide other services as required by the project management.

Competencias

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism

• Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to work proficiently with framework supervision, plan own work and meet tight deadlines.
• Capable to work in a pressured environment and ready to take on a wide range of tasks.
• Self-motivation and ability to recommend options for resolution of issues.
• Diversity and conflict resolution skills.

Communication

• Very good communication skills (spoken and written) with people of different backgrounds, and ability to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style.
• Self-initiative, resourcefulness, tact, and flexibility.
• Reporting skills.

Teamwork

• Very good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and a respect for diversity.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

• University degree in social sciences, social work, education, communication and human rights.

Work Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in working with vulnerable ethnic minorities, civil society and/or grassroots initiatives;
• Practical experience of working with local administrations or elected authorities for planning and management;
• Proven skills and field experience in participatory planning, especially involving vulnerable groups;
• Proven experience in project development in local communities, involving the poor and vulnerable individuals/groups;
• Proven abilities in computer programmes is required.

Language requirement:

• Excellent spoken and written Albanian and English languages;
• Knowledge of Romani will be an additional asset, but not a requirement.

Other required skills:

• Proven abilities in computer programmes.

Application Procedure:

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via UNDP Albania website. Applications should contain:

• Cover letter stating your interest in and qualifications for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application.
• Filled UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs); blank form - Download here. Please upload the P11 instead of your CV.

Interested applicants are advised to carefully study all sections of this ToRs and ensure that they meet the general requirements as well as specific qualifications described. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

How to Submit the Application:

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

• Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs) - Download here;
• Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs) and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;
• Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement); Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;”
• Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above);
• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

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.