Program Support Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in approximately 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality and exclusion. The programme helps countries to develop policies, leadership and partnership skills, institutional capacities, and to build resilience to sustainable development results. UNDP implements several projects in different areas, offering its partners technical, operational and management assistance through access to methodologies, specialized knowledge, specialized advice and technical cooperation through its Global Policy Network. UNDP in Guyana is guided by a Country Programme Document (currently Country Programme 2022-2026, as approved by the Executive Board in February 2022), which is in line with the strategic priorities of the Government of Guyana, enshrined in key strategies and plans, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030). UNDP continues to support Guyana in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and an agenda that focuses on i) building a diversified and resilient productive sector, with emphasis on job creation and support to small-medium businesses; (ii) supporting effective governance, safety, security and the rule of law; (iii) environmental management and resilience; (iv) enhancing and expanding social services, particularly in education and health and including support for the national COVID-19 recovery programmes. More specifically, in this new Country Programme, support to Amerindian Communities, which are aimed at leaving no one behind and reaching the furthest behind first, are undertaken in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MoAA), National Toshaos’ Council, Amerindian Village Councils and Communities and other key stakeholders. Planned/ongoing activities cover livelihood opportunities, land tenure, energy services and extending internet connectivity.

Context

This UNV assignment is a part of the Spotlight Initiative which is a global initiative of the United Nations which has received generous support from the European Union. It is a multi-year program that addresses all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG), and harmful practices. It follows a transformative and evidence-based approach, addressing unequal power relations between men and women and focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as ending impunity for VAWG. In line with the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Initiative will follow a human rights-based approach and take into consideration the specific needs of women and girls who experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and uphold the principle of “leaving no one behind.” The Spotlight Initiative aims to support transformative change on the ground to end violence against women and girls, in numerous countries globally, including Guyana. The initiative comes with the highest level of commitment globally and is governed by the UN Deputy Secretary-General and the Vice President of the EU Commission. This position is in line with the spirit of the UN Reform that promotes joint UN work to support countries to deliver on the 2030 Agenda as well as the EU/UN Spotlight Initiative. The National UN Volunteer Specialist will work closely with the Programme Coordinator to support the overall implementation of the Spotlight Programme in Guyana.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of RCO/Spotlight, the UNV Programme Support Officer will: • Ensure that members are kept up to date with programme progress and activities, and that meetings are planned, resourced, and documented effectively. • Assist with coordination and organisation of travel (incl. overseas), schedules and accommodation for team. • Draft agendas and take minutes at meetings ensuring actions are captured and communicated clearly and promptly. • Support Program Management with tracking, reconciling, and reporting on budget and expenditure. • Follow up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of the reports to Spotlight Secretariat. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Results/expected outputs: As an active Spotlight Initiative, Guyana team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to Spotlight Initiative, Guyana, and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions is required including: • Timely and accurate financial transactions, reports, and documentation completed. • Timely and effective organization of a regional Spotlight/GBV event hosted by the Government of Guyana