Project Associate – Communications, Outreach and Gender

In December 2015, UNDP Tajikistan with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) launched Phase I of the ‘Civil Registry System Reform Project in Tajikistan’ directly contributing to implementation of the on-going reform of civil registration offices (ZAGS). The first phase of the project runs until November 2019.

Building on the results and lessons learned from Phase I, UNDP is planning to launch Phase II of the project as of 1 December 2019 until 30 November 2023. The second phase of the project will continue to be implemented by UNDP in close partnership with the Ministry of Justice. The project will work with other different actors at different levels to make civil registry institutions and mechanisms more responsive to the populations needs and more functional, by developing capacities among the relevant institutions and stakeholders and by simplifying and standardization processes. This will include more refined capacity development approaches and creating strategic partnerships with other institutions, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Interior. The project will apply human rights-based approach and will work on both the supply and demand sides of civil registration service provision enabling each side to substantively contribute to implementation of the civil registration reform process.

Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager and supervision of the Project Officer, the Project Associate will be responsible for the general, day-to-day programmatic functions

The Project Associate will work closely with the Project Officer and will be responsible for follow up on the provisions of the Annual Work Plan in line with the Project Document. S/he will have a good understanding of UNDP policies and procedures.

1.Provide effective support to management of the Project

• Provide substantive inputs to formulation of the annual work plans in line with the Project Document;
• Ensure timely follow up and response to incoming queries from the project team, Government, and Implementing Partners;
• Collect data and provide inputs to drafting progress reports, as well as any other reports requested by UNDP, donors, Government and or other stakeholders;
• Provide support in ensuring efficient contract management, including development of contract, and processing amendments, when and if required, for timely implementation of envisaged baseline surveys, feasibility studies, annual action research and project evaluations to inform project level planning and decision making;
• Regularly collect and compile project related data and information to guide project level planning and decision making; Follow up on the incoming enquiries related to project progress in ATLAS;
• Provide logistical support in planning and conducting Steering Committee meetings and else project related events (e.g. conferences, round tables, etc.);
• Take minutes and ensure timely dissemination among the programme partners;
• Assist the Project Manager in establishing trustful relationships and maintaining continuous and constructive dialogue with the government, civil society, local communities, donors and else partners to maximize impact and results.

2.Provide effective support to project communications and outreach activities

• Provide support for the management and implementation of the communications strategy.
• Assist in planning, publicizing, and carrying out knowledge exchanges, press releases, outreach activities, and media events.
• Assist in preparation of the media and communications outputs such as articles and human-interest stories.
• Asist Project Officer on Communications, Outreach and Gender in managing and updating the website and other social media channels of the program.

3.Gender Mainstreaming   

• Contribute in planning, monitoring and reporting of the project and integrate gender in all the processes.
• Support implementation of the strategy for mainstreaming gender and a human rights approach in programme activities and  provide assistance in developing the action-plan for implementing the strategy.
• Provide necessary orientation and advise to all the implementing partners and agencies on gender issues and policies.
• Contribute to produce resource materials addressing the issues of gender.
• Engage with the partners in reviewing and providing necessary inputs on drafting necessary regulations.
• Assist implementing partners to develop gender sensitive and gender responsive monitoring mechanism.
• Maintain awareness of and relationships with civil society organizations and development partners also working in areas of social inclusion and women rights.

Backstop the Project officer in her/his absence

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 4: Originate (Peer Regarded Lead Expert)

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 4: Originate (Peer Regarded Lead Expert)

Delivery

Ability to get things done

Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda

• Analysis and creation of messages and strategies
• Creates effective advocacy strategies
• Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses

Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

Results-Based Programme Development and Management

• Contributing to results through provision of information
• Provide information for linkages across project activities to help identify critical points of integration
• Provide information and documentation on specific stages of project implementation
• Provide background information to identify opportunities for project development and helps drafting proposals
• Participate in the formulation of project proposals

Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

Building Strategic Partnerships

• Identifying and building partnerships
• Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to UNDP’s mandate and strategic agenda
• Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners
• Promotes UNDP’s agenda in inter-agency meetings

Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches

• Developing new approaches
• Seeks a broad range of perspectives in developing project proposals
• Identifies new approaches and promotes their use in other situations
• Creates an environment that fosters innovation and innovative thinking
• Makes the case for innovative ideas from the team with own supervisor

Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

Resource Mobilization

• Implementing resource mobilization strategies
• Analyzes information on potential bilateral donors and national counterparts to recommend a strategic approach
• Identifies and compiles lessons learned
• Develops a resource mobilization strategy at the country level

Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of the subject-matter
• Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work Assignments
• Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments

Level 4: Originate (Peer Regarded Lead Expert)

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals

• Research and analysis
• Analysis and creation of messages and strategies
• Performed analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses
• Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for global advocacy work and adapts it for use at country level

Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

Client Orientation

• Contributing to positive outcomes for the client
• Anticipates client needs
• Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider
• Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective
• Solicits feedback on service provision and quality

Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

Education:

Minimum bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Public relations, Sociology, Human Rights, Law or relevant fields;

Experience:

At least three (3) years of proven professional experience in the area of gender equality and mainstreaming communication, public relations and Human Rights.

Previous experience in the area of civil registration is a strong advantage;

Proven experience of working with state institutions, related to justice sector, human rights and gender;

Good knowledge of Government structure and gender issues, including the elements of public awareness framework;

Language Requirements:

Fluency in both verbal and written English, Tajik and Russian is a must. 

Other:

Good understanding of Tajikistan’s gender related development context in general and civil registration issues in particular.

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.)