UNIFEM Recruiting National Programme Officer (Abuja)

The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)

NATIONAL PROGRAMME OFFICER

Location : Abuja, NIGERIA

Duration of Initial Contract : One year

Background
Under the overall supervision of the UNIFEM Representative in Nigeria, the Programme Officer performs duties related to the development, execution, monitoring and effective delivery of UNIFEM Programme/projects aimed at the economic and political empowerment of women in Nigeria in accordance with UNIFEM strategic plan, rules and regulations.

The National Programme Officer will be required to supervise other UNIFEM staff in Nigeria and act as Officer-in-Charge from time-to-time. The post holder works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project staff for resolving complex issues and ensuring exchange of information

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions
1. Supervision and Coordination
2. Programme Management and Implementation
3. Support to management of the Sub-Regional and Country Strategy
4. Research and Advocacy on gender issues and women’s empowerment
5. Networking with clients and partners on UNIFEM’s areas of work
6. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing
7. Support to Gender Equality and Development

1. Supervision and Coordination
Provides support for the supervision and coordination of programme, operations and other staff in country, particularly in the absence or by delegation of the Country Director.
Participate in UN Country Team meetings in the absence of the Country Director or as and when directed/delegated to do so.

2. Programme Management and Implementation:
Play a lead role in formulation and implementation of programme strategies focusing on achievement of results, including grant management and reporting with support from finance staff;
Manage relationships with partner organisations, including troubleshooting where necessary;
Manage staff responsible for the implementation of these projects;
Coordinate the production of high-quality project outputs
Input into the design and implementation of national and sub-national level dialogue processes
Lead on designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for the country programme including visits to projects’ sites and discussion with projects’ personnel
Provide leadership for agency efforts at promoting and monitoring quality performance and compliance in all programmes and processes
Monitor project and programme financial/budget status;
Present information for audit and support for implementation of audit recommendations.

3. Support to management of the Sub-Regional and Country Strategy:
Generate innovative ideas and develop programmes as well as project proposals for funding;
Participate in the review and critique of project proposals and strategic planning document from various agencies and institutions to ensure that they are gender sensitive and conform to UNIFEM’s funding requirements.
Liaise with various governmental bodies, NGOs, women’s groups and other members of civil society to raise project proposals for funding and networking purposes
Work in close collaboration with the staff of UNIFEM Africa Section and Sub- Regional Office to keep up to date with new developments in the field of gender and to participate in in-house gender working group meetings and other meetings as requested.

4. Research and Advocacy:
Coordinate and support high quality research in different locations to generate knowledge on gender equality and women’s empowerment issues in diverse thematic areas;
Derive policy recommendations from research and assist in the development and implementation of an evidence-based advocacy strategy for the programme;
Work in a team to produce concise reports, briefing notes, etc for external audiences, both national and international.

5. Networking:
Develop, maintain and increase the present network of UNIFEM contacts in the country, including government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), UN officials, NGOs and networks of NGOs, experts and consultants;
Represent UNIFEM values and ideas and be a spokesperson for the organisation at relevant conferences, seminars and other meetings;
Network with other local and international organisations working in the areas of Gender, establishing/maintaining collaborative activities and strategic alliances as appropriate;
Expand and coordinate contacts and networks within government and with other actors, contributing to gender equality and women’s rights nationally and internationally.

6. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing
Provide information on a timely basis, on important political and institutional changes of interest for UNIFEM, and on potential opportunities of work in the country.
Ensure learning and monitoring processes are in place and that resulting best practice is widely shared.
Organize trainings for partners, staff and other actors on a wide range of gender related issues;
Prepare briefings, talking points and presentation materials;
Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Organize projects’ review mission and other missions; ensures timely submission of project progress reports including terminal and technical reports to UNIFEM Headquarters.
Analyze incoming correspondence – letters, faxes, telexes and any other communication on programmes/projects and drafts replies on these correspondence as appropriate.

Competencies

Essential

Knowledge of gender and development theory;
Understanding of the current socioeconomic and political context of Nigeria;
Skills to clearly communicate complex issues relating to Gender to a wide range of audiences;
Excellent analytical skills;
Good research and writing skills;
Ability to take a strategic view;
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills;
Ability to work in collaboration with individuals from different backgrounds;
Capacity to encourage the development of skills among colleagues and associates.

Desirable
Knowledge of participatory training, learning and research techniques
Excellent facilitation skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Essential
– A Masters degree in Social Sciences, Management, International Relations, Humanities or any other relevant field.

Desirable
- Strong academic and professional experience in technical field of work in line with the needs of the various women’s organizations and groups in Nigeria.

Experience:
7 years of progressively responsible programme and people management experience is required at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and Microsoft Office software packages are essential.
Essential

Proven track record in:
Gender analysis with capacity to mainstream gender into programmes and engage in policy dialogue;
Project and staff management Experience;
Network building with a range of stakeholders (e.g. in civil society, government private sector and donor community); Working with local and international partners in complex projects and environments

Desirable
- Knowledge of participatory training, learning and research techniques
- Excellent facilitation skills

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.

Application Deadline : 11th June 2010

Click Here To Apply Online