Position: Project Officer
The Project Officer will be responsible for the coordination of United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) portfolio being led by UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA). Under the direct supervision of the UNESCO ROSA Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Programme Specialist, and in close collaboration with the UNPRPD Team involved as co-partners in the four countries, the Projects Coordinator will be responsible for the implementation, reporting, and coordintion of the following projects, funded by the UN Multi-Partners Fund-in Trust:
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(i) The Multi-country UNPRPD Project “Ending Stigma and Discrimination, Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Marginalization of Persons with Disabilities in Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe”; and (ii) the UNPRPD Fourth Round Project in Zimbabwe.
These two projects seek to advance disability inclusion and combat stigma and discriminaiton against persons with disabilities, with a particular gender focus. The Coordinator will work closely with the co-implementing United Nations agencies, the UNESCO National Offices invoved, as well as the Advisory Groups, in order to ensure the quality and relevance of all project documents, decisions, activities, implementation arrangements and deadlines. More specifically, the Project Officer will be required to:
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- Lead the implementation and day-to-day management of the UNPRPD projects in consultation with the SHS Programme Specialist, according to the work plan for each UNPRPD component and in accordance with UNESCO’s rules and regulations.
- Ensure that the project and programme outputs are achieved as identified in the proposal and as advised and instructed by the Advisory Group.
- Supervise and advise the project assistants involved in the projects in the four countries, and liaise and coordinate with the programme specialists, participating UN agencies, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) for the successful implentation of the UNPRPD projects.
- Advise stakeholders involved in the project implementation on practical methods and approaches to ensure disability inclusion and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and OPDs.
- Monitor effective and timely reporting of the projects, lead the drafting of the periodic narrative reports required by UNPRPD (the donor) and UNESCO, and maintain comprehensive administrative records, including financial statements.
- Maintain regular, effective communication with the UNPRPD-participating UN agencies, Data Protection Officers, the UNPRPD Secretariat, governments, and other partners, to ensure due accountability and efficient implementation.
- Ensure UNESCO’s contribution and reporting to the United Nations Country Teams (UNCT) in the four countries, to ensure that disability work is aligned with and contributes to the UNCT Joint Programmes.
- Undertake the appropriate communication and dissemination of information to ensure project visibility.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Humanities, Development, Human Rights or a relevant related field.
Work Experience
- Less than 2 years of professional experience in the field of development, social inclusion of the most vulnerable, disability rights, and/or gender mainstreaming.
- Solid experience of project management and research.
- Demonstrated experience in analysing and interpreting related quantitative and qualitative information, accessing databases, presenting data, writing reports.
Skills/competencies
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of UNPRPD and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
- Strong knowledge of contemporary development issues nationally, regionally and globally focusing on disability rights, gender, social inclusion, sexual and reproductive health and rights, the human rights-based approach (HRBA), access to justice, and national and global planning frameworks.
- Ability to work independently.
- In-depth knowledge of national frameworks for addressing social inclusion and disability issues.
- Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written) including the ability to write clear and comprehensive reports.
Languages
- Excellent level (written and spoken) of English.
Work Experience
- Experience within the United Nations system.
Skills/competencies
- Literacy in computing, information management, website and social media.
- Good oral presentation skills.
Languages
- Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.
For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
