Programme Specialist

About the job

Job Description

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.

Background

The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program for Ethiopia was initiated as a crucial step towards implementing the peace agreement signed between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) on 2nd November 2022 in South Africa. This agreement ended the long-standing conflict that had arisen between the TPLF and the central government in Ethiopia, resulting in widespread violence and displacement.

The objective of the DDR program is to facilitate the disarmament of former combatants from Tigray, Amhara and Afar, their demobilization and eventual reintegration into civilian life. The program is geared towards restoring peace, promoting reconciliation, and creating a conducive environment for sustainable development. Eventual areas of coverage will go beyond Northern Ethiopia and cover other regions of Ethiopia.

The Government of Ethiopia has mandated and created the “National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC)” which is responsible for the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of the DDR programme in the country.

UNDP is supporting the NRC in close coordination with various national and international partners, including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other actors. It is expected that the DDR program will provide an opportunity for the combatants in North Ethiopia to turn their focus towards peaceful and productive activities, thereby contributing to the overall stability and development of the North Ethiopia region. Gender based programming and response is an integral part of the overall response.

The DDR program has close linkages with the National Dialogue, Transitional Justice, and Peace Support programme. The DDR programme is anchored in the Governance Unit.

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Resident Representative and matrix supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (Programme), the Programme Specialist is responsible for providing support on program implementation and operational aspects of demobilization, reinsertion, reintegration, and general support including partnerships and resource mobilization on the DDR program.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Effectively Manage Programme Strategy, Policy and Partnerships
• Contributing to the development and implementation of DDR strategies, policies, and frameworks.
• Coordination with national and local authorities, civil society, community leaders, and other stakeholders on DDR planning, implementation, and monitoring with regards to demobilization and reinsertion benefits.
• Facilitating dialogue, engagement, and cooperation among all relevant actors to ensure coordination, collaboration, and coherence in the demobilization process.
• Supporting and coordination with the “Third Party Monitoring Agent” being contracted for monitoring, reporting, and evaluating DDR programs, activities, and outcomes, including impact on peace, security, and development.
• Ensure implementation of components of the programme to align with the Annual Work Plan; UNDP compliance, SES, gender mainstreaming and other corporate standards.
• Coordination and support efforts for Resource Mobilization.
• Facilitating meetings with development partners, drafting funding proposals, and supporting expansion of resource mobilization partners.
• Facilitating and engagement with the African Union, and relevant stakeholders to coordinate and work closely with UNDP on the DDR program.
• Coordination with National Dialogue, Transitional Justice, and Peace Support program to ensure implementation planning in the three regions of Tigray, Afar and Amhara.
• Support key programs in the Governance unit in coordination and resource mobilization.
• Any other task assigned by the DDR Advisor.
• Ensure provision of advocacy, knowledge building and communication efforts.
• Develop concept notes, background documents, briefs and presentations related to activities, events.
• Coordinate and support the organization of advocacy activities and campaign events, trainings, workshops, and knowledge products.
• Ensure information and updates are shared with relevant thematic networks, communities of practice and reference groups.
• Lead development partners field visits to showcase impact of the programme towards peacebuilding.
• Leads and/or participates in large, complex programmes/projects, field missions, etc., including provision of guidance to government officials and other relevant parties; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; ensuring follow-up actions.
• Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues; manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.
• Prepares and/or supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings (e.g. conferences, workshops) to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations; assists in the planning of high-level visits.

Competencies

• Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

• Cross-functional and technical competencies

Business Direction & Strategy-System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Partnership Management & Strategic Engagement: Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives.

Business Management & Results-Based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results

Business Management & Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment.

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

Business Development & Knowledge Facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.

2030 Agenda - Peace, Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights: Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration.

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Management, International Relations, Development, or Conflict Resolution or other related fields is required. OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years (with a master’s degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in project management support in peacebuilding and Security Sector Reform (SSR) projects is required.
• Experience in Partnership engagement and resource mobilization is an asset
• Experience and knowledge of DDR processes, policies, and practices will be an asset.
• Experience working in the UN System at regional or national level is desired.
• Experience in managing programs/projects, implementation and reporting is an asset.
• Experience in coordinating with national and local authorities, civil society, community leaders, and other stakeholders on DDR planning, implementation, and monitoring is an asset.
• Previous experience facilitating meetings with development partners, drafted funding proposals and concept notes in peacebuilding is an asset.
• Experience leading and/or participating in large, complex projects, field missions, (including provision of guidance to government officials and other relevant parties is an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is desired.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

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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