UNESCO | Research and Policy Officer

UNESCO Research and Policy Officer (Gender Policy Institute) - Ramallah

Job ID/Title :     932 - UNESCO Research and Policy Officer (Gender Policy Institute)
Brand : UN Organization
Application Deadline :     24-Feb-17
Duty Station :     Ramallah
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Starting Date :(date when the selected canditate is expected to start)     15-Mar-17
Duration of Initial Contract :     12 Months. Renewable subject to funding.
   
Background:

UNESCO is supporting the development of Palestine's first policy institute focused on gender. The institute as a non-partisan, autonomous entity whose policy driven mandate is to execute the following four core functions:
- Policy agenda setting – problem identification underpins the center’s work
- Policy formulation – provide evidence-based action oriented policy advice and guidance for integrating gender across different sectors and national gender related strategies
- Policy review – provide review and recommendations on the status of policy implementation to change the reality for women and secondly, to review ministerial processes related to gender to help advocate for progressive practices
- Coordination – maintain the GPI library as an accessible shared resource, provide a platform and ‘safe’ space for policy debates, dialogues and idea exchanges as well as disseminating information between all relevant stakeholders.
Description of Responsibilities:

Role
While the position is initially a 12-month UNESCO contract, the intent is to transition the post to an independent contract under the institute once it is legally established. The Research and Policy Officer will work to ensure that government policies, as they relate to gender equality, non-discrimination and women’s rights, achieve desired results and meet minimum established levels of efficiency. The officer will assess the efficacy of such programs and policies. The officer will help identify and prioritize the programs or policies to examine, develop project plans, define data sets that must be gathered and determine what metrics must be examined. After developing a project plan, officer will lead and/or manage contracted experts in the gathering a specific data set or monitoring the performance of a specific system. After data is gathered, the officer conducts the statistical analysis of the data to determine existing trends and to test hypotheses. The Research and Policy Officer is then responsible for preparing and communicating reports detailing the efficacy of the program, weaknesses, strengths, and recommendations for improvement.

Job Summary
As a senior and key member of the leadership team, and reporting to the Executive Director, the post-holder will be responsible for developing and leading new policy-relevant research and analysis to the highest standards. The main duties and responsibilities include:
- Design, manage and deliver key projects by conducting qualitative and quantitative research to the highest standards and developing appropriate
policy ideas
- Exhibit advanced qualitative techniques, such as performing extensive inquiry into a wide variety of significant issues, problems, or proposals or existing data; determining data sources and relevance of findings and synthesizing information; evaluating tentative study findings and drawing logical conclusions; and identifying omissions, questionable assumptions, or inadequate data in the analytical work of others.
- Evidence of advanced knowledge of quantitative methods, such as cost benefit analysis, design of computer simulation models, visual presentation media and statistical analysis including survey methods and comparative and regression analysis.
- Assess the impact of proposed legislation through objective reports and analysis and present these to the Executive director for recommendation to the board and to committees.
- Analyze budgets and performance trend data
- Disseminate research projects through written reports, media articles, blogs and presentations
- Engage with stakeholders in government, the civil society sector, academia, private sector, donor community and international organizations to support and inform the policy work
- Communicate the work of the institute in national, regional and international media
- Represent the institute at its own seminars, conferences and other public events as well as events run by other organizations
resources in accordance with GPI rules and regulations and the adopted financial ERP/Accounting system
- Instill proper financial management, monitoring and reporting in compliance of donor and any other financial or assets contributions agreements
- Perform certification role, bank reconciliation, clearing of pending financial transactions and day to day oversight of the GPI budget and approved transactions.
- Ensure that all financial transactions are identified, recorded and verified in compliance with IPSAS guidelines.

Human Resources

- Monitor and ensure compliance with corporate human resources policies and strategies;
- Maintain oversight of robust recruitment and performance management processes in accordance with corporate rules and regulations, appropriate use of different contractual modalities and effective contracts management and benefits monitoring and administration
- Ensure optimal coverage of all essential staff by compiling and managing time and attendance for all team members
- Identify staff learning needs and implement effective training and learning strategies

Administrative support in the development and support of project implementation:

- Develop and formally adopt administrative and financial policies that are compliant with standard accounting and administrative guidelines and ensure they are in tandem not in conflict with UN, donor, or government guidelines.
- Monitor and draft financial implementation reports focusing on the planned versus actual for goods and services received and not only on obligations, and timely preparation and submission of accurate and evidence-based financial reports for management meetings, monthly reports, proposals, donor meetings and board meetings
- Maintain constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environment and any new business and legislative requirements for quick readjustment of objectives as well as risk assessment.

Effective supervision of junior administrative and support staff:

- Effective monitoring of all resources, and ensure that financial integrity is maintained;
- Ensure that adequate internal control systems are put in place;
- Maintain security of office premises and assets as well as compliance of safety measures and systems installed;
- Institute a high level of fiduciary integrity for funds and assets, ensuring the support of effective and timely execution of planned project and administrative activities
- Develop user-friendly templates, standard operating practices (SOPs) and work-flow processes and procedures

Procurement and Logistics

- Oversee procurement processes, logistical services and asset management in accordance with corporate rules and regulations;
- Develop a planned procurement strategy, including sourcing , supplier selection, evaluation and contracting
- Ensure office communications and systems are kept connected and up-to date as well as software licences and website renewals for the GPI library

Competencies :

-Ability to build coalitions, achieve consensus, and resolve disputes in complex public policy situations
-Thematic expertise of policy issues as they relate to gender equality, non-discrimination and women’s rights
-Strong knowledge of UN terminology and legal statutes and ratified legislation in respect of Gender and Women’s Rights
-Personal qualities that include integrity, commitment to gender equality and women’s rights, respect for diversity and the ability to inspire and motivate

Effective presentation skills

 
Qualifications :

-Master degree in Statistics, Economics, Public Policy, Gender Studies, Development Studies,  or other related fields
-At least five years post graduate professional work experience in policy, research or monitoring and evaluation oriented environment at an increasingly senior level
-Proven experience with  relevant research and analytical methodology and ability to apply such techniques to policy issues, as well as drafting of academically sound papers using evidence-based referencing and writing style such as:
-Strong writing and communication skills in English and proven ability to effectively articulate planning and policy issues to a wide variety of audiences
-Fluent level (reading, writing, speaking) in both English and Arabic is required.
-United Nations or NGO/INGO project experience will be an added advantage
-Proven proficiency in MS Office programmes (MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, Explorer)
-Proof of a valid ID card/permit that allows you to work in Ramallah will be requested for shortlisted candidates.


How to apply

All interested and qualified applicants are requested to apply on the UNDP PAPP jobs website at www.jobs.undp.ps and submit the following online:

-A one page cover letter/statement indicating how your experience matches the requirements of the post
-A completed UN P11 - Personal History profile, detailing all professional experience. Any periods of unemployment are to be included with all fields on the form completed in full, including your title/position, salary history, names of former supervisors and detailed information on the position’s responsibilities and your achievements. Include 3 professional references, who must be former supervisors.
-A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a plus, but does not replace the P11

Due to the high number of expected applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Evaluation during the recruitment process will include a written assessment as well as an oral interview.

Pension and medical benefits can be paid in addition to the net salary, subject to the terms of the SC Contract.

Deadline: 24 February 2017 (midnight Ramallah Time)
 

Apply online

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