UNDP Jobs - 63903- Employment Coordinator for Economic and Social Em

Employment Coordinator for Economic and Social Empowerment for Roma and Egyptians - a booster for social inclusion (ESERE) Project

Location :

Tirana, ALBANIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

25-Feb-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year (with possibility of extension)

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

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 (Decade of Roma Inclusion Secretariat Foundation, Civil Society Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the National Roma Integration Strategy and Decade Action Plan in 2012 in Albania), published in May 2013). 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 Roma and Egyptian communities and the majority of the population.

Objective 2 – Community Led Local Development (CLLD) for Roma and Egyptian 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.

Decade of Roma Inclusion Secretariat Foundation, Civil Society Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the National Roma Integration Strategy and Decade Action Plan in 2012 in Albania), published in May 2013

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Employment Coordinator is responsible for supporting Roma and Egyptians’ inclusion in active employment programmes, education and vocational training opportunities, aiming to develop tailor made employment promotion programmes for Roma and Egyptian communities and as such activating their productive potential and supporting their integration in the labour market, ultimately narrowing the employment gap between these minorities and the majority of the population.

In close relationship with UNDP, the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth, the National Employment Services and Regional Employment Offices as well as other partners, the Employment Coordinator will be responsible for: Carrying out a mapping of the working age Roma and Egyptian women and men in each project site (Tirana, Durres, Shkodra and Berat), disaggregated by age, gender, employment / income generation activities / unemployment / long-term status etc.; Provision of general employability training (including basic literacy/ life skills) to empower and motivate Roma and Egyptian citizens to enter the labour market; Design, make operational and pilot 5 employment promotion programmes tailored to the needs of the Roma and Egyptian communities; Provide capacity support to the National Employment Service and/or other implementing partners for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of employment promotion measures targeting Roma and Egyptian women and men.

Specifically, the Employment Coordinator will:

Ensure successful implementation of all project activities outlined in the project document for supporting Roma and Egyptians’ inclusion in active employment programmes, education and vocational training opportunities, aiming to develop tailor made employment promotion programmes for Roma and Egyptian communities;
Fulfil the outputs and objectives of the project related to the increased employment and skills development opportunities accessed by Roma and Egyptians women and men reduce the employment gap between Roma and Egyptian communities and the majority of the population;
Provide technical guidance and resources to contracted consultants and/or organizations and monitor their activities with a view to ensure quality deliverables;
Ensure successful completion of the project in accordance with the stated outcomes and performance indicators summarized in the project’s log frame matrix and within the planned schedule and budget as stipulated in the Work Package 1 - Increased employment and skills development opportunities accessed by Roma and Egyptians women and men reduce the employment gap between R&E communities and the majority of the population;
Cooperate with government counterparts in the framework of this Project, particularly with representatives of Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth, the National Employment Services, the Regional Employment Offices and other partners;
Participate in policy discussions on planning, socio-economic development and accession of Roma and Egyptian individuals in the labour market;
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.

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.
Ensure overall quality control on the preparation of documents for submission to UNDP country office in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
Provide technical guidance and resources to contracted consultants and/or organizations as well as monitor their activities with a view to assure quality deliverables.

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 and flexibility.
Very good 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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Graduate Degree in economics, social sciences, humanities, law or other related fields.

Work Experience:

At least five years of relevant professional work experience, particularly in the employment development sector;
Practical experience in working with central, local administration or elected authorities particularly on employment promotion opportunities for vulnerable groups;
Proven knowledge on the vocational training system and labour market opportunities;
Previous experience/familiarity with UNDP and / or other UN agencies is an asset.

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.