Programme Analyst

UNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for Women (Part of UN Women)  Arab States Regional Office Programme Analyst
Location: OPT, Gaza Strip
Application Deadline: 17 September 2010
Type of Contract: Fixed Term Appointment Local (Palestinian Nationals only)
Post Level: ICS-8
Languages Required: English, Arabic
Supervisor: OPT Head of Office
Duration of Initial Contract: 1 Year
Expected Duration of Assignment: 1 Year (Renewable)
Location: UNIFEM Arab States Regional Office-OPT-Gaza Strip
 

Background
The UNIFEM Arab States Regional Office developed their new programme of assistance to Palestinian women in response to the adverse socio-economic conditions that have deteriorated steadily since 2000. The new programme aims to promote Palestinian women’s participation in the social, economic and political life of their communities by empowering them to become agents for change in their struggle for achieving human security and therefore, a just and a peaceful society. Since 2004, the UNIFEM programme for the occupied Palestinian territory has steadily expanded, with extensive grassroots outreach and a large portfolio of projects that encompass both development and humanitarian objectives.

In line with the new UNIFEM Strategic Plan: 2008-2011, UNIFEM’s work in the occupied Palestinian territory is driven by the overarching global goal: National commitments to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment are implemented. In support of that goal, UNIFEM is working in specific thematic areas related to: Enhancing women’s economic security and rights; Reducing the prevalence of violence against women and HIV/AIDS; and Advancing gender justice in democratic governance.
The Programme Analyst is part of a larger UNIFEM team working in the oPt, but is responsible for the day-to-day operation, monitoring and follow-up of all UNIFEM programme activities in the Gaza Strip. The Programme Analyst works under the supervision of the oPt Head of Office and is responsible for maintaining regular contacts and information flow with the UNIFEM staff members in the West Bank. The Programme Analyst may supervise one or more junior project support staff.

Functions / Key Results Expected
-Support to formulation and implementation of UNIFEM oPt programme strategies
-Coordination and Management of the UNIFEM oPt programme in Gaza
-Administrative and financial support to project teams in Gaza
-Support to resource mobilization
-Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1-Support to formulation and implementation of UNIFEM oPt programme strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:
-Thorough analysis and presentation of background information for preparation of the oPt programme strategy.
-Participate in identifying new programme needs and initiatives, joint UN programmes, and conduct of needs and vulnerability assessments as appropriate.
-Conduct of pertinent research studies.
-Development of appropriate programme and project monitoring tools, and ensuring their effective application.
-Contribution to the establishment of oPt annual management and programme delivery targets (BSC).
-Preparation of project concept notes, project documents, work plans, budgets, and proposals on implementation arrangements.
2-Coordination and Management of the UNIFEM oPt programme activities in Gaza, focusing on achievement of the following results:
-Efficient programme implementation in the Gaza Strip to ensure early project results.
-Regular field visits to monitor project activities per established annual project workplans and effective coordination.
-Technical backstopping and troubleshooting for project activities;
-Regular communication and coordination with UNIFEM’s project teams, beneficiaries, development partners, UN agencies and stakeholders in the Gaza Strip.
-In close consultation with oPt and ASRO teams, contribution to the planning, monitoring and evaluation of pertinent project activities.
-Identification of local expertise and contribution to building up of Consultant Roster.
-Information exchange and networking amongst UNIFEM project partners and other stakeholders.
-Preparation of regular progress reports to oPt and HQ teams as required.
3-Administrative and financial support to project teams in Gaza, focusing on achievement of the following results:
-Timely review of periodic progress and financial reports for UNIFEM projects in Gaza and initiation of required follow-up actions.
-With Atlas Buyer profile and in close consultation with OPT/West Bank and ASRO/Operation teams, initiation of necessary actions related to all project procurement activities, including preparation of an annual procurement plan for projects in Gaza, and drafting of LAMRC submissions and contracts.
-Creation of requisitions in Atlas for development projects, register of project goods receipt in Atlas, and budget checking for requisitions, POs and/or non-PO vouchers as pertinent.
-Effective tracking and management of various contracts issued to ensure timely work completion per schedule and disbursements.
3-Regular monitoring and control of project expenditures in Atlas ensuring that all transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas.
-Timely initiation of project budget revisions to ensure availability of funds, in close coordination with OPT and ASRO teams.
-Initiation of timely corrective actions on incomplete transactions in Atlas (unposted vouchers, budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers, etc).
4-Support to resource mobilization, focusing on achievement of the following results:
-Effective analysis of information on donors in the area, and preparation of donor’s profile.
-Tracking and reporting on resources mobilized.
-Review of donor contributions, where applicable, monitoring them in Atlas, and follow up with OPT/ASRO/HQ as deemed necessary.

5-Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in OPT, focusing on achievement of the following results:
-Participation in delivery of any OPT’s training activities for Programme/ projects staff on UNIFEM’s standard programe and operations procedures.
-Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the overall OPT efficiency and effectiveness in programme management, financial resources management, and success in implementation of operational strategies. Accurate analysis and presentation of financial information enhances UNIFEM’s credibility in use of financial resources and proper financial process management. The information provided facilitates decision-making of Management.
The expected impact of these results is empowering and mobilizing Palestinian women in the Gaza Strip through minimizing or reducing the negative impact of the socio-political context on them. UNIFEM will be building new strategic partnerships, particularly at the policy level, while strengthening existing partnerships, particularly at the local level and reducing the gap in between. This is essential within the rapidly evolving context of the Gaza Strip, where development initiatives should be developed alongside humanitarian initiatives that relieve very real and extensive suffering.

Competencies

Knowledge and learning:
-Shares knowledge and experience and provides helpful advice to others in the team;
-Ability to develop systems for structuring, and providing access to information and knowledge;
-Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in more practice areas, acts on learning plan.

4-Management, Leadership, Skills, and effectiveness:
-Ability to lead strategic planning, and reporting;
-Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of projects;
-Strong analytical skills;
-Solid knowledge in research, information resources and communication;
-Builds strong relationship with supervisors and other staff;
-Ability to affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change;
-good oral and written communication skills;
-openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
-Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills
-Ability to work independently and under pressure.

Corporate Competencies:
-Familiarity with UN systems and procedures;
-Gender literate;
-Promotes the vision, and strategic goals of UNIFEM;
-Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required:
-UNDP Procurement Certification.
-Prince2 Foundation

Recruitment Qualifications:
Education: Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent in Economics, Business, Public Administration or Social Science) and 2 years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's Degree and 4 years of relevant experience
Experience: Up to 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services and hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. Development work experience in the Gaza Strip 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.
Language Requirements: Excellent English and Arabic language skills (written and spoken).

How to Apply:
Apply by sending your cover letter, CV and UN P11 form to the following e-mail address: [email protected]