Jobs - 70547- Junior Professional Officer (JPO), External Relati

Junior Professional Officer (JPO), External Relations Officer (Kuwait Nationals Only)

Location :

Geneva, SWITZERLAND

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

14-Apr-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-2

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One-year fixed-term appointment, renewable

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

Disclaimer: “The above position with UNFPA is open in the context of the Junior Programme Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of Kuwait and is addressed exclusively to candidates with Kuwaiti citizenship.”

Information on the receiving office:

The post is located in the Geneva Liaison Office, of the Division for Governance and Multilateral Affairs (DGM) and reports to the Chief of the Office. DGM leads development of strategies and policies to promote UNFPA institutional objectives in intergovernmental and inter-agency processes, and coordinates on issues pertaining to the General Assembly, ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, such as economic and financial issues, UN operational activity and UN development policy. DGM provides strategic advice to Regional and Country offices in conducting high-level dialogue on policy and agenda setting issues.

The Geneva Office functions include maintaining UNFPA relations with Permanent Missions in Geneva, United Nations Agencies and inter-agency groups, organizations based in Europe, Inter-parliamentary Union, international health and human rights experts, national and international NGOs, academic and research institutes, and private sector entities; maintaining and strengthening relations with media as part of UNFPA’s advocacy efforts in Europe.

The External Relations Officer will work closely with the Senior External Relations Adviser on tasks related to representation, advocacy, technical advice, and information and communication.

Living conditions at the Duty Station

This post is in a Family Duty Station.

The cost of living in Geneva is quite high compared to other duty stations. Therefore the officer will be entitled to a compensatory post-adjustment commensurate with the cost of living. Geneva does not have a security phase. However normal caution should be exercised in public places to avoid theft and other security threats.

Supervision

Name of Supervisor: Alfonso Barragues

Title of Supervisor: External Relations Advisor

Content and methodology of supervision:

As part of the UNDP JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following supervision modalities:

Structured guidance provided by the supervisor, especially in the beginning of the assignment, with the purpose of gradually increasing the responsibilities of the JPO.
Establishment of a work plan, with clear key results.
Effective supervision through knowledge sharing and performance/development feedback throughout the assignment.
Easy access to the supervisor.
Participation in Unit/Team/Office meetings to ensure integration and operational effectiveness.
Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise.
Completion of the yearly UNDP Results and Competency Assessment (RCA).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall responsibility of the Chief of the UNFPA Office in Geneva and under the direct supervision and guidance of the Senior External Relations Adviser, the External Relations Officer will:

Supporting engagement in political advocacy with Member States, multilateral agencies, and NGOs on issues related to population, human rights, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights;
Supporting the promotion of the ICPD agenda and UNFPA positions and policies, in relevant intergovernmental processes including the Human Rights Council, the World Health Assembly and the Regional Economic Commission for Europe;
Conduct research on issues related to human rights, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights with a view to applying research findings into evidence-based advocacy;
Supporting the engagement with international human rights mechanisms to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights as enforceable rights, including the Universal Periodic Review, United Nations Treaty Bodies, and Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council;
Developing briefing notes, issue briefs and other technical documents for UNFPA staff and selected partners on issues related to the work of Intergovernmental bodies and international human rights mechanisms;
Assisting in the preparation of background documentation and notes for senior management for meetings and conferences;
Supporting the coordination of UNFPA’s participation in relevant UN inter-agency working groups;
Assisting in the building of partnerships with Member States, NGO’s and other relevant stakeholders;
Supporting media efforts on population and sexual and reproductive health and rights issues including development and dissemination of information to journalists and outreach to media based at the United Nations in Geneva;
Organizing planning and implementation of special events to promote UNFPA’s mandate in the context of implementing the ICPD framework for actions, the 2030 development agenda, as well as on the occasion of international days of relevance to the organization such us the International Population Day, the Day against FGM, the International Human Rights Day or the 16 Days of Violence Against Women;
Representing UNFPA at United Nations and other meetings, as requested, and providing notes and reports on the meeting outcomes while ensuring adequate and timely follow-up;
Preparing research information, advocacy and communications materials including draft statements, speeches, fact sheets, media advisories and presentations to be used by Geneva Office on range of substantive issues related to population, human rights, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights;
Contributing to maintaining and strengthening relations with UN, NGOs (including groups such as EuroNGOs), other Geneva-based agencies and groups, and Permanent Missions to the UN in Geneva; and
Supporting internal communications needs of Geneva Office and any other tasks as required by the supervisor.

Competencies

Values: Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN System, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change.
Core Competencies: Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impact.
Functional Skill Set: Strategically positioning UNFPA work, managing and promoting the use of knowledge and information, undertaking research for evidence-based advocacy, translating normative concepts in simple messages for da diverse range of audiences, developing partnerships and tailoring technical advice to the needs of different partners.

Learning Elements

At the end of the assignment, the External Relations Officer should be able to:

better understand population and development and human rights issues, their linkages with the work of other UN agencies, the importance of networking with other groups such as parliamentarians and NGOs, and the functioning of the multilateral system;
develop IEC materials on population and development (information, education and communications);
Develop strategic thinking to ensure that public events and other outreach initiatives organized or supported by the office meet their advocacy objectives; and
Develop sound planning, implementation and monitoring experience and report on specific interventions.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

An advanced university degree in social sciences, international relations, law, public information or related field. (A first level degree in any of the above fields in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.)

Expereince:

At least two years of experience in development cooperation or human rights promotion work (four years with a first level university degree). Prior experience in developing countries is an asset.

Language:

Fluency in English and knowledge of French. Knowledge of other working languages of the UN is an asset.
Ability to write clearly and concisely.
Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

Duration of assignment:

One-year fixed-term appointment, renewable at least once subject to satisfactory performance.