UNDP Hiring Project Officer

Job Description

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

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.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP is a longstanding technical partner of governments, civil society and communities providing advice on law, policy, governance, and human rights. As an integrator across policy, programmes and organizations in the UN system, UNDP has partnerships at the highest levels of government, with law-making bodies such as parliaments, judiciary, national human rights institutions and with civil society organizations. 

The Inclusive Governance Initiative (IGI) is coordinated by UNDP’s Africa Region HIV and Health team.  IGI is designed to support state entities in sub-Saharan Africa to become increasingly accountable and responsive to, and inclusive of, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBTI), which in turn will contribute to better laws, more responsive public sector services, and social norms that affirm these populations’ perspectives, needs and rights. 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Governance Specialist, the Project Officer provides technical support to the UNDP country office in implementing activities related to IGI project.

Scope of Work 

With support and oversight from the Governance Specialist, the overall work of the Project Officer will be to ensure that UNDP and its partners receive technical support as required to implement IGI project activities in Kenya.  The Project Officer assists the Governance Specialist to ensure the provision of effective and efficient implementation of IGI project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

A. Support to the planning, implementation, management, and oversight to the IGI project focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Monitoring and assisting in responding to key opportunities (and risks) within the country related to LGBTI inclusion; 
• Supporting the implementation and monitoring of IGI country-level activities as per strategies and workplans that will be periodically developed and updated, including: 

1. Monitor and share information about LGBTI-related issues and activities in Kenya, including actions and statements by parliamentarians, civil servants, the judiciary, important influencers, and civil society; 
2. Convening of Implementing Partners and coordination of their activities;
3. Policy research to identify and track potential allies among key stakeholder groups;
4. Preparation of policy briefs, speaking notes, PowerPoint presentations and similar tools;
5. Development and implementation of IGI related communications activities, in social and traditional media;
6. Drafting concept notes for training workshops. 

• Under the supervision of the Governance Specialist, lead in the development of annual workplans and budgets for WBA activities in Kenya each year;
• Developing virtual and in-person advocacy training sessions for LGBTI groups and groups of other stakeholders with the potential to support LGBTI issues; 
• Leading the delivery of virtual and face to face capacity development training for LGBTI groups and groups of other stakeholders;
• Developing materials and conduct online sessions to prepare LGBTI for effective participation in regional events including EAC, ACHPR, and AU meetings; 
• Documenting and producing lessons learned on LGBTI advocacy capacity interventions;
• Supporting the planning and facilitation of a national strategy development process to build consensus with key stakeholders on the most appropriate strategic direction for UNDP-managed work on LGBTI inclusion in the country. 

B. Provides administrative support to the IGI Project focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Develops materials for meetings, presentations, and workshops;
• Compiles, analyses, and summarizes data pertaining to the IGI  project; 
• Maintains training plans for the monitoring of project implementation;
• Performs other tasks as required.

C. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing for the WBA project focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Conducts spot checks on approved technical trainings to ensure compliance;
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in the project.

Institutional Arrangement

• The Project Officer – IGI   will work directly under the supervision of the Governance Specialist.

Competencies

Core

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
•  Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross Functional and Technical Competencies:

Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Monitoring: 

• Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results.

Evaluation: 

• Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks – Ability to anticipate the client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

Partnerships Management: 

• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Knowledge Generation: 

• Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.

Innovation Capacity Development: 

• Ability to define and create the conditions for trying out new ways of working or introducing new problem-solving approaches to an organization. 
• Ability to develop, manage and evaluate a learning curriculum that raises awareness, builds confidence, strengthens innovation capabilities around a certain method, tool or technique; or helps develop an innovation mindset. 
• Ability to create the authorizing environment (mandate, incentives) to embed and spread new ways of working. In-depth knowledge of one or more innovation methods, broad knowledge of innovation processes and innovation management. 
• Ability to align a learning and development strategy with a broader innovation strategy.

Health: 

• Social Determinants of Health.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree in Law, Public Health, Development Studies, or related fields is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in relevant field in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years (with Master´s degree) or four years (with Bachelor´s degree) of experience in LGBTI or key population related projects;
• Experience working with LGBTI+ and/or key population related community-based organizations, either in a technical support capacity or in a direct management role is an asset.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages;
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems; 
• Previous UN development system experience would be an added advantage.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Kiswahili is required.

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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