UN WOMEN Jobs - 64966- National Programme Officer (Gender and HIV/AIDS)

National Programme Officer (Gender and HIV/AIDS)

Advertised on behalf of

UN WOMEN

Location :

Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

01-Apr-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year with possibility of extension

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

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (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.

The work of UN Women in Cambodia is informed by the UN Women Strategic Plan 2014-2017 and the Development Results Framework of the UN Women Cambodia Country Office. UN Women uses a governance framework for its programming in Cambodia. This includes a focus on increasing accountability, transparency and democratic participation through all policy and programme interventions of the Cambodia Country Office, with an attendant emphasis on UN Women’s coordination of joint UN efforts in support of national priorities to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. Specific focus areas of the Cambodia Country Office Governance Programme include increasing and supporting women’s participation in public decision-making processes with an emphasis on young women; strengthening mechanisms for the protection of women’s human rights with a particular focus of CEDAW; and support to mainstreaming gender into policies and programmes, including in the context of the response to HIV/AIDS.

Gender and HIV: Cambodia has committed to the elimination of new HIV infections by 2020. This goal will not be achieved if gender inequalities – apparent in high rates of gender-based sexual and physical violence, and limited progress in the realization of women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights – are not addressed . Indeed, by 2020, roughly 54% of new infections are projected to occur among females, of which 21% are projected to be among low-risk women . Cambodia is often lauded as a success story for having halted and reversed its HIV epidemic, yet HIV prevalence is high among female entertainment workers, transgender women, men who have sex with men, and injecting drug users; and as demonstrated by the recent HIV outbreak in Roka Commune, there remain weaknesses in the current response, which require constant vigilance and improved monitoring. The significant decrease in external funding to the HIV response in recent years also presents a challenge to financing the response in a sustainable manner and points to the need for enhancing programme effectiveness and efficiency.

The draft National Strategic Plan for HIV (NSP) IV is informed by these considerations, and with UN Women support, gender analysis and agreed gender-responsive interventions have been integrated into the draft NSP IV; HIV issues have been integrated into the 2nd National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women; and a draft National Policy on Women, the Girl Child and HIV/AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), (2015) reflecting changes in the epidemic and in the policy environment, has been developed.

UN Women has secured funding from the UN Women Singapore National Committee for a project for the Gender Sensitive Response to the HIV Outbreak in Roka Commune. Building on UN Women Cambodia Country Office’s work in 2014 and 2015, and with the 2016 annual workplan, the project aims to support national capacity for a gender-competent response to the HIV outbreak. The strategic objectives are to mitigate the impact of HIV on the local community through implementing gender-responsive actions focused on the needs and capacities of affected women and girls and to strengthen capacity for gender-sensitive HIV responses. These will be achieved through two main approaches:

Responding to the gendered dynamics of the local situation addressing issues related to gender, poverty, migration, sexual decision-making and violence;
Pursuing a whole of community approach which strengthens community solidarity and support by not singling out HIV positive people.

UN Women’s support to Roka will be carried out through working with government partners, including Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA) and local authorities, health centers, and especially with the local Commune Committee for Women and Children (CCWC), as well as through partnerships with relevant Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). It is envisaged that the project will increase accountability for the HIV response through strengthening the skills of community members to engage as rights holders at the same time as supporting the capacity development of relevant duty-bearers for gender responsive budgeting and planning. The project will be supported by a whole of office approach, engaging all teams in the CCO and lessons learned and experiences from the project will be fed into national policy making and programming as relevant.

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the UN Women Deputy Country Representative and the day to day supervision of the Governance Programme Officer, the National Programme Officer (Gender and HIV/AIDS) will be responsible for the development and successful implementation of Cambodia Country Office (CCO) programming related to HIV and AIDS. While the primary focus will be on the Roka project, including supporting partners in programme design and implementation, following up and monitoring performance, s/he will also be expected to make relevant linkages across the CCO programme including with the programme areas of Women’s Economic Empowerment and Elimination of Violence Against Women, provide technical support on gender and HIV, represent the CCO in relevant technical fora and meetings and contribute to the work of the Governance team in support of gender-responsive good governance and women’s human rights.

The National Programme Officer (Gender and HIV/AIDS) will work closely with the CCO programme staff, operations staff and staff of the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP). S/he will also collaborate with relevant programme staff of other UN agencies, government officials, civil society partners, and multilateral and bi-lateral donors to ensure the successful implementation of the programmes and projects that s/he is responsible for, and will actively engage with colleagues across the region in knowledge and information sharing and peer support.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Ensuring high quality programming of CCO for gender and HIV;
Overseeing the implementation of the Gender Sensitive Response to the HIV Outbreak in Roka Commune project;
Building of strategic partnerships and support to the implementation of the governance programme; and
Ensuring advocacy support, knowledge building and management.

Within the framework of UN Women-Cambodia’s Country Strategy and Annual Work Plan (AWP), the National Programme Officer (Gender and HIV/AIDS) will lead the conceptualization, planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of HIV related programmes and activities of CCO.

Ensuring high quality programming of CCO for gender and HIV:

Prepare concept notes, programme/project proposals, resource mobilization tools, activity and budget proposals on gender and HIV and recommend potential funding/partner institutions to be mobilized for the implementation of such proposals;
Act as lead officer of CCO for gender and HIV, particularly in conceptualizing interventions and managing relevant projects and programmes of the governance team which include planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, reporting and documentation and evaluation. Liaise with other CCO teams to coordinate and synergize results of gender and HIV initiatives particularly as part of “ whole of office” approach to Roka;
Monitor international, national and sub-national developments that impact on the HIV epidemic, and its gender dynamics and vulnerabilities in particular. Maintain a database of information on HIV and gender in Cambodia such as researches, statistics and information about policies, programmes, services, networks, trainings, and capacity building resources and opportunities;
Undertake substantive monitoring, documentation, reporting and evaluation of programme-related activities, including through field visits, analysis of partner reports, external assessments and evaluations, and feedbacks from credible informants. Provide support to the conduct of related programme/project audits and facilitate the implementation of audit recommendations;
Facilitate the preparation of contracts, agreements, and other administrative documents for the implementation of the programme and its projects and activities at the national and subnational levels. Provide support to the conduct of related programme/project audits and facilitate the implementation of audit recommendations;
Review project reports (financial and technical) from partners and prepare programme/donor reports in accordance with Results-Based Management Framework and established guidelines on donor reporting.

Overseeing the implementation of the Gender Sensitive Response to the HIV Outbreak in Roka Commune project:

Ensure that all activities and plans of the project in Roka Commune contribute to the results targeted by UN Women-Cambodia Country Strategy through sound planning and effective budgeting, monitoring, documentation, reporting and evaluation;
Establish productive, transparent and accountable relationships with partners in the project to ensure joint project ownership, timely delivery of quality results, proper use of funds and resources, documentation of outputs and processes, linkage of the project with relevant initiatives and enduring commitment to roll over and/or sustain the gains of the project;
Provide substantive/technical inputs for the successful implementation of the project including the promotion of accountability and of the meaningful engagement of affected girls and women and key populations in the HIV repsonse and in support of the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimiation against Women (CEDAW), Uinited Nations Security Councile Resolutions (UNSCRs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international women’s human rights frameworks; advocacy for policies/laws; capacity development; resource mobilization and others;
Represent CCO in all meetings and events relative to the implementation of the project and serve as resource person and channel of communication between the project partners, CCO and other stakeholders. Ensure that documents, files and information about the project are maintained according to CCO procedures and standards.

Building of strategic partnerships and support to the implementation of the governance programme:

Work/coordinate with external partners such as UN agencies, government entities, and civil society organizations to implement and synergize initiatives around gender and HIV including strengthening of self-representation of affected women and girls and key populations and organizations/networks in relevant projects, events and undertakings; and other concerns of CCO AWP and governance programme;
Participate in programming and planning activities of CCO to ensure that HIV related concerns are positioned within strategic priorities of various programmes of UN Women and are given adequate attention in planning, resource mobilization/allocation, research, monitoring, reporting, evaluation and knowledge management;
Collect and analyze information on donors with interest in HIV and gender, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identify opportunities for initiation of new projects, and participate actively in the overall resource mobilization efforts of CCO;
Facilitate the preparation of administrative and financial requirements for the implementation of HIV and gender programmes, projects, and activities in accordance with existing UN Women rules and procedures and with guidance from the National Programme Officer-Governance and concerned staff of Operations;
Maintain and update filing system of project documents, work plans, budgets, proposals in accordance with established systems and standards.

Ensuring advocacy support, knowledge building and management:

Ensure sharing of information, tools and best practices with local, national and international partners working in support of youth and gender equality, including within UN Women, the UN family and Join UN Team on HIV/AIDs (JUTH);
Support the coordination of joint advocacy and capacity building around gender and HIV within the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and JUTH. Organize trainings for UN, government and civil society partners on HIV, gender and programming, in consultation with other UN agencies in the Gender Theme Group and drawing from existing tools and guidelines of the UN System. Actively share and promote UN Women's perspectives in relevant conferences, workshops and meetings;
Support the establishment of advocacy networks at national level and linkages to international networks related to the sectoral/thematic areas assigned. Proactively and substantively support and implement relevant high-impact advocacy activities and campaigns with key partners;
Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to CCO policy goals in the sectoral/thematic areas assigned. Proactively contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice in the country and within the region.

Impact of Results

The key results have impacts on the overall CCO effectiveness and efficiency in delivering results under UN Women Global Impact 1, CCO Outcome 1.1 and CCO Output 1.1.1. High quality programming for gender and HIV, successful implementation of the project, strategic partnerships, advocacy and knowledge building will promote a robust, innovative and sustainable approach to addressing the gendered dynamics of the HIV response.

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; and
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 safeguard ethics and integrity;
Organizational Awareness: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
Development and Innovation: Take charge of self-development and take initiative;
Work in 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;
Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for 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 positive behaviour 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: Encourage learning and sharing of knowledge;
Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making: Demonstrate informed and transparent decision making.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of UN context and topics: Needs a good knowledge of the role of the UN and its components and the Agency’s relationship with the UN. Needs a good knowledge of key UN topics like human rights, gender, youth, and environment, among others;
Technical and professional skills: (1) HIV programming and project administration – has a good understanding of various programming techniques and is able to contribute to the development of the most efficient and effective programming approaches; familiar with policies, procedures and rules in programme/project administration with partners; (2) Strategic partnerships and support to governance programme - has good skills in working with a variety of external partners; familiarity with gender issues in governance especially with respect to gender and HIV; able to contribute to the effective design and implementation of governance projects and initiatives; (3) Advocacy and knowledge management – skilled in developing, implementing and monitoring interagency advocacy strategies; able to conceptualize high value knowledge products based on project design and project outputs;
Oral and written communication skills: Has the required competencies to: write accurately in a clear and concise UN drafting style; review documents for content and style; assist with formal presentations; articulate relevant subject matter in a clear and concise way; pose basic questions and contributes information appropriately in formal settings; and effectively use appropriate support items, including charts, graphs, audio-visual techniques, and hand-outs; and
Evaluation process management: Has evaluation management skills, including developing a plan and schedule, assigning tasks, ensuring milestones are met on a timely basis. Has competencies in working together in a professional manner with team members exhibiting patience, courtesy, and respect for others and their ideas.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in International Development, Gender, Human Rights, Public Administration, Public Health or other related Behavioral or Social Sciences;

Experience:

At least two years of proven professional experience in working with gender and HIV issues with focus on capacity development, leadership and participation of affected women;
At least two years of track record in effective programming in national and international agency contexts in Cambodia, with demonstrated skills in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of youth development projects;
Solid experience in providing technical support and strategic coordination with a myriad of stakeholders and partners, including government, civil society, international organizations, donors, grassroots organizations and interagency committees;
Previous experience in providing capacity development or providing guidance to project counterparts would be an asset;
High level of proficiency in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and experience in handling web-based management systems;
Familiarity with HIV epidemic situation in Cambodia and relevant national HIV policies and programmes; CEDAW; Beijing Platform for Action; gender equality initiatives; human rights frameworks; major gender and HIV issues in Cambodia; and previous work experience with UN agencies are considered an advantage;

Language Requirements:

Fluency in Khmer and English (spoken and written).

"Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply."