Conflict Sensitivity Reporting Officer

Background Information - Job-specific

DFID will contract UNOPS to carry out a “Field Office - Monitoring and Liaison” Project in close cooperation with DFID leadership. The Field Office through UNOPS contributes to post earthquake reconstruction programming by providing political and social analysis as well as liaison and monitoring capacity at a local level to further DFID’s partnership with GoN on reconstruction.

The position of Conflict Sensitivity Officer will be integral to the structure and performance of the Field Office, and its ability to reflect and safeguard DFID’s core values and commitment to Conflict Sensitive approaches to reconstruction and development. The position will support DFID’s Reconstruction Team in achieving effective design and implementation of its post-earthquake reconstruction programming, by:-

• Contributing in the analysis and reporting of political and social trends pertinent to Reconstruction work, and advising on Do No Harm, Safe and Effective Development, and Risk Management.
• Supporting partner organizations to achieve greater conflict sensitivity and adherence to basic operating guidelines
• Liaising with government and stakeholders at both local and local level, representing the positions of DFID Nepal, and advocating on issues related to Conflict Sensitivity as directed.  
• Monitoring DFID-funded projects and being an active recipient of feedback on DFID and partners’ image and acceptance in the area of responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

I. Conflict Sensitive Approach - Reporting and Progress Monitoring

•  Contribute to Conflict Sensitivity and/or Do No Harm workshops for local partners and relevant stakeholders throughout DFID’s reconstruction focus area;
• Support the team leader in analysing conflict risk and in the selection of beneficiaries for DFID-funded projects across the portfolio;
• Monitor and report on partners’ adherence to Do No Harm,  Conflict Sensitivity (Safe and Effective Development), and BOGs principles by DFID partners and DFID-funded projects, and provide DFID with actionable analysis and guidance on enhancing its own and partners’ capacity in relation to these issues;
• Support recurring stakeholder mapping exercises for partners and relevant stakeholders throughout DFID’s reconstruction focus area
• Monitor, within the area of responsibility, progress of community infrastructure reconstruction and other DFID funded projects, and advise Field Office / DFID regarding , and potential conflict risks;
  • Provide political and situational analysis to DFID and partners, related to area of responsibility; Track and analyse political and social trends, as well as specific issues as directed
• Monitor the progress of DFID-funded projects, including the completion of infrastructure reconstruction
• Conduct other monitoring and reporting activities as directed by Team Leader

II. Liaison with authorities and support to partners

• Develop and consolidate a network of contacts among civil society, community, and political parties
• Establish positive and productive work relationships with local authorities, including line ministries, and National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) at sub-regional level.
• Organize or facilitate periodic public meetings to present partners’ project updates and explain international development partners’ Basic Operating Guidelines (BOGs)
• Provide or facilitate orientation on BOGs to partner organisations
• Actively update relevant authorities and stakeholders on the progress of DFID-funded projects
• On the basis of visits to work sites, ground-truth local reporting from partners,
• Support the Team Leader by providing ad-hoc support to the field office on the condition of operational space for I/NGOs in the local and on the  effectiveness of coordination around reconstruction
• Be an active and open recipient of feedback on image and acceptance of DFID and DFID-funded projects and report to / advise Field Office Leadership accordingly
• Other communication and coordination tasks, as directed by Team Leader

III. Special Tasks:

Field visit support: Provide necessary support during UK Embassy and DFID visits to the area of responsibility. Monitoring and Progress Controls

General: Ensure that the project maintains a Conflict Sensitive approach to realizing required programme outputs within the specified time frame, cost, quality, and scope. The Local Liaison and Reporting shall contribute to the overall business targets and needs.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Bachelor degree in development studies, political science, sociology, governance, conflict resolution and peace building, management or relevant field is required;
• Master degree in a relevant field will be preferred and may be considered in lieu of the requirement of the Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.

Work Experience

• At least two years’ relevant work experience in Conflict Sensitive approach to development, Risk Management, peace building, management, journalism or a related field is required;
• One year of experience in training and advising on conflict sensitivity is required;
• Readiness to go on extended field visits in rural areas with simple facilities (up to 50% of time) is required;
• Good knowledge of computers and relevant software is required;
• Deep understanding of political context and security issues in Nepal in general particularly where relevant to development and reconstruction works is desirable;
• Professional experience in networking, communication, representation and negotiation is desirable;
• Good understanding of bilateral development works in Nepal and previous experience with DFID or DFID-funded projects is highly desirable;
• Experience of working with local government and/or LGCDP as well as with marginalized and vulnerable communities is desirable;
• Technical knowledge related to community infrastructure construction will be an advantage;
• Experience of monitoring and evaluation will be an advantage;
• Motorbike license and willingness to ride is highly preferred;
• Knowledge of UNOPS/UN rules and regulations is desirable;
• Willingness to accept, uphold and promote employer values
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Collaborative approach to working in a multi ethnic team
• Represent the positions of DFID Nepal appropriately to a wide range of local stakeholders

Language:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Nepali is required

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. 

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement 
Contract level: LICA 8
Contract duration: Initially for 1 Year


For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

Certifications

Certification in Prince 2 Foundation and Practitioner are highly desirable