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UNV Programme Officer - Women in Politics - Fiji

Suva

  • Organization: UNV - United Nations Volunteers
  • Location: Suva
  • Grade: Volunteer - International Specialist - Internationally recruited Volunteer
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
    • Political Affairs
    • Women's Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

Preamble:

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.

In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.

In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

1. Type of Assignment: International UN Volunteer

2. Type of Assignment Place: Family Duty Station

3. Assignment Title: Programme Officer – Women in Politics

4. Link with UNV Strategic Framework: Securing access to basic social services 5. Duty Station, Country: Suva, Fiji

6. Duration (in months): 12

7. Expected Starting Date: As soon as possible

8. Host Agency/Host Institute: UNDP Pacific

9. Organizational Context/Project:

Within UNDP’s global policy framework and practice architecture the Program Officer –Women in Politics will support implementation of governance outputs in the Asia Pacific Regional Programme and the Sub Regional Programme Document for the Pacific (SRPD). Within the UNDP Pacific Office, the Program Officer will work under the supervision of Programme Manager (Parliamentary Development & Women in Politics) and technical guidance of the Team Leader – Effective Governance specifically to provide technical advice and support to the implementation of the UNDP PacificOffice’s work in this field in 15 Pacific Islands Countries (PICs).

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000 Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001 www.unv.org

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).The legitimacy of legislatures stems from their role as national representative forums, and the continuing low numbers of women in national parliaments in the Pacific, currently at only 5.2%,

has been noted as a critical challenge by leaders of Pacific Island Countries. There are now

several regional instruments that have been endorsed by Pacific Island Countries declaring

their support for strengthening democratic governance and the role of women in senior national

th

decision making positions. The SPC 5 Pacific Women’s Ministerial Meeting Communique

2013 recognised the need for Pacific Island Ministers and parliamentarians to be made aware

of gender issues using, for example, parliamentary select committees and advocacy

committees.

The Pacific Island Forum Leaders have endorsed and committed to the Gender Equality Dec-

laration 2012 which seeks to support women’s political representation by considering specific

legislative changes to allow Temporary Special Measures (TSM) such as reserved seats,

among other strategies. Leaders also committed to ensuring that gender analysis is factored

into sustainable development discussions, country programming, and policy decisions. The

leaders have also re-committed togender equality actions of the Convention for the Elimination

of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Revised Pacific Platform for Ac-

tion on Advancement of Women and Gender Equality (2005 to 2015); the 42nd Pacific Island

Forum commitment to increase the representation of women in legislatures and decision mak-

ing; and the 40th Pacific Islands Forum commitment to eradicate sexual and gender based

violence.

The outcome statement of the 12th Triennial Pacific Women’s Conference 2013 committed to

enforcing gender responsive legislation for CEDAW commitments; adequate resourcing for

policies and laws that address gender equality; and implementing TSM and affirmative action

to rectify the region’s low level of representation of women in national legislatures.

The UNDP Pacific Office based in Suva, Fiji, in collaboration with other partners, such as the

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, will be implementing a work programme designed to provide

assistance to PICs in increasing the role of women in decision-making.

The UN Volunteer Program Officer – Women in Politics under the direct supervision of the

Programme Manager (Parliamentary Development & Women in Politics) and under the

technical guidance of the Team Leader – Effective Governance, is expected to work closely

with Programme Analyst and Programme Associate to ensure effective delivery and

implementation of Output 2.6 (increased women’s participation decision-making) of the UNDP

Pacific Office regional work programme and to provide substantive and technical advice and

advocacy regarding Women in Politics in the Pacific. The incumbent will be responsible for

management, including coordination and implementation of selected areas within the

parliamentary development programme/projects including output areas relating to women’s

political participation.

The allocation of time devoted between the different parliament projects and programme will

be agreed in consultation with the Programme Manager (Parliamentary Development &

Women in Politics) & Team Leader – Effective Governance. The UNV Program Officer will be

based in Suva, Fiji with regular travel to other Pacific Island Countries.

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000. Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany

W. www.unv.org

F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).10. Description of tasks:

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (Parliamentary Development &

Women in Politics) and under the technical guidance of the Team Leader – Effective

Governance, the UN Volunteer will provide:

1. Technical Support and Advice

  • Provide technical advice and support for implementation of Output 2.6 (increased women’s participation decision-making) of the UNDP Pacific Office’s work programme
  • Within the framework of the Pacific Office’s work, provide technical advice and support to Governments and Parliaments in the Pacific on issues related to women in politics;
  • Engage in effective advocacy towards national parliaments and other relevant stakeholders on the role of women in politics and provide technical advice ac- cordingly
  • Work with regional partners, such as PIFS, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Associ- ation and Inter-Parliamentary Union to: o Explore options for developing joint activities in this field; o Support South-South exchange of experiences within the Pacific and beyond;
  • Undertake research and compile examples of good practice from the region and be- yond with regards to women’s political participation;
  • Develop and deliver tailored training courses on topics related to women in politics;
  • Develop manuals and knowledge products on work relating to women in politics as requested;
  • Contribute to effective project monitoring and evaluation through provision of inputs to project reports, briefings and presentations. 2. Policy Development
  • Contribute to regional and global policy developments on women in politics that are grounded in cutting edge policy developments and practices from the region, fed into HQ policy processes, and replicated in countries of the Pacific;
  • Strengthen UNDP’s policies and programmes in the areas of women in politics as well as UNDP’s potential for influence within the international community by effectively channeling the views and perspectives from partners in the region to the global level;
  • Contribute to the promotion of UNDP policy on women in politics, grounded on interna- tional norms and standards and good practice experience at the country level through expert advice to country teams and byfacilitating engagement between HQ and country teams in priority areas. 3. Knowledge Management
  • Collaborate with UNDP Country Offices, Regional Governance team, and across UNDP’s practices at regional and global levels, to support governments, Parliaments and other stakeholders in using knowledge to strengthen democratic governance in the Pacific;
  • Contribute to the development of knowledge products pertaining to women in politics and governance in the Pacific region, especially related to fostering inclusiveness and adherence to international norms and standards;
  • Contribute to relevant country level, regional and global knowledge sharing events.

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000. Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany

F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001. www.unv.org

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

  • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
  • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
  • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
  • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica- tions/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
  • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
  • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

11. Results/Expected Outputs:

  • Contributed to generate an impact on the overall performance of development pro- jects and success in implementation of global operational practice area strategies.
  • Helped to strengthen UNDP’s image and position as a trusted capacity development partner for both governments and development partners.
  • Contributed to policy development work delivered by UNDP.
  • Supported knowledge management production and dissemination.
  • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) govern- mental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
  • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
  • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development dur- ing the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

12. Qualifications/Requirements (including competencies, values and skills):

A) Qualifications, skills, experience:

Degree level: Bachelor's degree

Type of Degree: e.g. Graduate degree in law, legislative studies, development studies,

economics, government studies/political science, public policy or related subject.

Years of work experience:

Minimum 5 years of overall relevant professional experience working in the field of

governance;

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000. Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany

F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001. www.unv.org

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Minimum 5 years of overall relevant professional experience working in the field of govern- ance;

  • Proven knowledge of key issues relating to women’s participation in decision making;
  • Previous experience working on women in politics issues a significant advantage;
  • Previous experience working in Pacific Island Countries preferred;
  • A proven track record of effective development implementation of major activities (work- shops, conferences, etc)
  • A proven track record of effective delivery in providing high quality research;
  • Experience in contributing to knowledge sharing and knowledge product development and dissemination.

Language (s), Excellent command of English, including drafting and presentation

skills

Driving license required: No

Computer skills: Experience in the use of computers and office software packages and

handling of web based management systems.

B) Competencies and values:

  • Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take own- ership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confi- dentially; responsive and client-oriented.
  • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
  • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work envi- ronment.
  • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish prior- ities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
  • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious work- ing relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diver- sity and gender;
  • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability toprepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military person-

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000A. Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany

W. www.unv.org

F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). nel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse back- grounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective,

without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide

range of different target groups;

  • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, re- mote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of oper- ations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
  • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes sol- idarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

13. Living Conditions:

Fiji, one of the larger countries of the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human

development and is one of the most developed economics in the region. After nearly a century

as British colony, Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers

approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high

level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism, but is

becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit

of currency is Fiji Dollar.

Fiji comprises of approximately 330 islands, approximately third of which are inhabited. Fiji

covers about 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands

are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva and is located on the South Eastern

side of the main island of Viti Levu.

Fiji's population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders, and a

blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman and Rabi islanders making it a rich and vibrant

mix of cultures, sights, sounds and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the

Island and it is the common language of communication although the native indigenous Fijian

language is spoken by many as is the Hindi language.

Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water

that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls

throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although

they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year round tropical temperatures of between 25-29

degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000, and it is a multiracial and

multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region, but remains easy-going

and friendly.

It has reasonably modern facilities including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants

and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but availability of small

apartments is limited; an open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in

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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).Suva. The public transport is quite good: local busses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is available also for exploring and visiting other parts of the country,

which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.

Fiji along with many other Pacific islands is known for being one of the friendliest nations in

the world. However, security precautions should be taken at all times. Suva is a safe city,

where common sense takes a long way in avoiding risks such as pick pockets and house

burglaries.

The UN Volunteer will work as part of the UNV field unit, which is integrated into the UNDP Fiji

Multi-Country Office, located close to the city centre in Suva. The UN Volunteer will adhere to

and observe all UNDP Fiji MCO working hours and conditions, holidays and human resource

and security procedures at all times.

14. Conditions of Service for international UN Volunteers:

The duration of your assignment is 12 months. A volunteer receives a Volunteer Living

Allowance (VLA) which is composed of the Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family

Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three).

The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing,

utilities, transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be computed by

applying the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate of US$ 1,587. The VLA

base rate is a global rate across the world, while the PAM is duty station/country-specific and

fluctuates on a monthly basis according to the cost of living. This method ensures that

international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations

irrespective of varying costs of living. The PAM is established by the International Civil Service

Commission (ICSC) and is published at the beginning of every month on the ICSC website

(http://icsc.un.org). For example, if the PAM for the current month is 30.4%, then the VLA for

that month will be (US$ 1,587 x 30.4 /100) + 1,587= US$ 2,069. Moreover, a Family Allowance

(FA) is added in accordance with the number of recognized dependents: US$ 250 if the UN

Volunteer has 1 recognized dependent, and US$ 450 if the UN Volunteer has 2 or more

recognized dependents. Accordingly, the VLA per month will be US$ 2069 for a volunteer

without dependent; US$ 2,319 for a volunteer with one recognized dependent and US$ 2,519

for a volunteer with two or more recognized dependents.

In non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC,

international UN Volunteers receive a Well-Being Differential (WBD) on a monthly basis.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are provided a settling-in-grant (SIG) at the start of the

assignment (if the volunteer did not reside in the duty station for at least 6 months prior to

taking up the assignment) and in the event of a permanent reassignment to another duty

station.

UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual

leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security

reimbursements).

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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).UN Volunteers are paid Daily Subsistence Allowance at the UN rate for official travels, flight tickets for periodic home visit and for the final repatriation travel (if applicable). Resettlement

allowance is paid for satisfactory service at the end of the assignment.

UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service,

including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate.

15. Application Procedure:

If you have not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by registering your profile at

https://ereta.unv.org/html/index.php?module=myprofile. Important: Once you have created

your UNV account by validating your email address, please complete all sections of your

profile.

Go to ‘Special Recruitment’ section on the left menu, click on the ‘Edit’ button and select the

advertisement code “17FJI_WOMEN” from the drop down list. Please do not forget to click the

‘Update’ button.

If you are registered in the UNV database, please update your profile at:

http://myprofile.unv.org click on the ‘Special Recruitment’ option on the left menu, then click on

the ‘Edit’ button and select the advertisement code “17FJI_WOMEN”.

Application deadline is12 March 2017. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications

from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender,

nationality and culture.

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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

This vacancy is now closed.
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