UN WOMEN Jobs - 2948- Programme Specialist, Latin America and the Caribb

Programme Specialist, Latin America and the Caribbean

Advertised on behalf of

UN WOMEN

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

ALD International

Starting Date :

17-Dec-2007

Application Deadline :

13-Nov-07 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

ALD-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 Year

Languages Required :

English Spanish

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

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) Section in New York, the Programme Specialist provides the day-to-day operational and technical support to the section programme and corporate responsibilities. In close collaboration with UNIFEM colleagues from the field and HQ, the Programme Specialist is responsible for the management of the Section's portfolio on Reducing Feminized Poverty and Women's Economic Rights for programmes, projects and other initiatives and activities, including full substantive, financial, administrative support, following UNDP/UNIFEM procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

Formulating and finalizing programmes/projects within the LAC region, including preparation of concept papers on women's economic rights, organization of technical inputs and management of the consulting process amongst RPDS, Thematic Advisors, Consultants and HQ, ensuring the preparation of quality project documents and facilitating the approval process;
Under the guidance of the Chief, coordinate the design and development of LAC-wide programmes related to reducing feminized poverty and provide substantive, technical and administrative support for timely implementation and monitoring of those programmes, including reviewing and monitoring of work plans to ensure timely implementation, overall management of regional programmes ensuring timely disbursements of funds and adherence to policies and procedures and facilitating communication to develop synergies and common approaches to programme development and implementation.
Facilitate communications between UNIFEM's Thematic Advisors and RPDs and provide substantive inputs for global initiatives ensuring that the LAC perspectives are reflected
Maintain on-going monitoring, reporting and feedback on programme and project implementation with the LAC region with the view to identifying and resolving technical and management problems, capturing and extracting results and lessons learned, and ensuring timely reporting to donors and Headquarters on programme implementation. Presenting, presenting and follow up LAC projects on goal 1 (feminized poverty) for Project Advisory Committee (PAC) approval and participation in PACs meetings on behalf of the LAC Section and sub-regional offices.
Coordinate gathering of information on LAC activities for documentation, including dissemination of information among regional and sub-regional offices and liaising with sub-regional offices.
Develop working relationships with other UN organizations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, NGOs, donors, foundations, governments and other relevant networks; and develop, organize and/or participate in panels and workshops at regional and global levels, as necessary.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNIFEM
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Technical/Functional:

Substantive knowledge and understanding specifically on gender equality issues as well as more broadly, feminized poverty and development cooperation
Experience in programme management, coordination and implementation
Excellent writing skills to contribute to the formulation of policies, procedures and guidelines
Familiarity with results based management and rights-based programming
Familiarity with UN system

Behavioural:

Excellent interpersonal communication skills, initiative and dynamism.
Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.
Maturity, ability to take decisions under pressure and ability to deal with matters that are politically or culturally sensitive.
Ability to work as a member of a team
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

A Masters degree in International Affairs, Law, Social Sciences, Economic and Political Development, and/ or a closely related discipline. Gender studies a plus
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in international development work preferably focused on, or strongly involving gender equality at national, regional and international levels
Knowledge of and experience with the LAC geographic specialization
Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish is required; working ability in at least one other LAC language (Portuguese, French) would be preferred