UNDP Jobs - 82845- National Programme Coordinator

National Programme Coordinator - UM Dukhun

Location :

Elfashir, SUDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

27-Jan-2019

Application Deadline :

20-Jan-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

45 Working Days

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

45 Working Days

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

Background and Project Description

After more than a decade, conflict has subsided in Darfur since mid-2015. Nonetheless, roughly 2 million persons still remain displaced: 1.6 million are registered in approximately 66 camps, while UN humanitarian agencies estimate that an additional 500,000 displaced persons live in some 108 host communities and settlements across Darfur.Moreover, non-displaced persons living in their areas of origin, or in areas where IDPs reside, face similar challenges to those experienced by the displaced.

The gradual improvement of the security situation since mid-2016 has encouraged the return of IDPs and refugees to Um Dukun locality, but pockets of insecurity still remain. The impact of conflict and the effects of climate change have disrupted livelihoods and led to depletion of natural resources. The lack or deterioration of infrastructure such as access roads and markets has further left communities with no, or very few opportunities to generate income to improve their standard of living.

Most of the interventions in Um Dukhun have focused on repeated short – to medium term relief to displaced populations. This protracted relief aid has however not led to any substantive change in the situation of IDPs, returnees and their host communities in the 15 years since the start of the conflict, nor has it enabled them and the government to take more meaningful ownership and responsibility in finding long-term solutions towards ending their displacement. The Government of Sudan (GoS) and the international community have come to recognise the need to collectively support durable solutions for IDPs, returnees and their host communities. Durable solutions for displacement affected communities (DACs) - including dispute resolution between opposing ethnic groups; addressing housing, land and property issues; as well as ensuring sustainable access to basic services and livelihood opportunities – are considered key to preventing a relapse into conflict and attaining durable peace in Darfur.

Durable solutions mean gradually working towards ending the situation of displacement for IDPs and returnees. This is considered to be achieved when IDPs and returnees no longer have any specific assistance and protection needs that are linked to their displacement and can enjoy their human rights without being discriminated as IDPs. Working towards durable solutions should therefore have the ultimate goal of diminishing or ending the needs and vulnerabilities of displacement affected communities, while strengthening their capacities, skills, and increasing their resilience so that they are able to enjoy their lives like other persons who have not been displaced. The concept of durable solutions is in line with efforts of the GoS to move away from the provision of humanitarian assistance to more long-term and sustainable programmes.

Recently, the collaboration on durable solutions between the GoS and the international community has resulted in the initiation of an area-based durable solutions pilot process in Um Dukhun (Central Darfur), representing a rural setting. The current plan of action (PoA) for Um Dukhun is de

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective and Scope of Work

To oversee the implementation of the Plan of Action for Um Dukhun, the project is recruiting a Programme Coordinator. The pilot communities of Abujaradil, Marari, Salaley and Sorey were selected to design PoAs and will be the first to implement them. Drawing on lessons learned of the implementation of the PoA for Um Dukhun, others may be selected in a later phase.

Coordination Structures

State and local authorities will be jointly responsible for the overall implementation of the plan of action through an existing Steering Committee at locality level, while the displacement affected community will bear the responsibility and accountability for operational and technical decisions through a community-based Technical Committee that will be established at community level. The international community and partners will complement efforts of the community, local, state and national authorities, especially with initial capacity building to establish functional committees.

The Programme Coordinator is expected to work closely with the Steering Committee which is chaired by the Locality Commissioner and consists of the following members at locality level: the Executive Deputy Director of the locality, the HAC Commissioner, the NISS Secretary, Police and SAF Commanders, all line ministries, Head of the Peace and Reconciliation Committees, the Commissioner for Nomads, Farmers Representative and three female community members. The Programme Coordinator will attend Steering Committee meetings relating to the plan of action.

The Programme Coordinator is also expected to work closely with the ad-hoc Um Dukhun Task Team (UMD TT – comprising the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), the Food and Agricultural Office (FAO), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Innovative Relief and Development Solutions (IRDS)) to set up, or strengthen and support existing Technical Committees in the pilot communities, according to the established Plans of Action in each village. S/he will also support the TCs to implement projects that they have designed (if necessary, after training) and that have been endorsed by their communities and local government officials, especially the Commissioner of UMD and the Wali of Central Darfur State.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies
Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Ability to work with a multi-cultural and diverse team.
Functional Competencies:
Demonstrated strong coordination and facilitation skills;
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently but also to liaise effectively with project stakeholders at different levels.
Proactively initiate discussions about socio-economic issues and impacts of economic and political situations on poverty.

Required Skills and Experience

Master’s degree in social sciences or similar.
Demonstration of minimum 10 years experience in working with communities and implementing community projects.
Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting training activities.
Excellent communication skills.
Good knowledge of computer software (MS Office)
Native or long-time resident of Um Dukhun Locality
Languages: English and Arabic. Desirable: local (UMD) language/s
Desirable: Understanding of internal displacement and experience working with displaced communities.