Community Development Specialist – P4

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Organizational Context

UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, aiming to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so that countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
In Myanmar, UNDP focuses on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities to both ongoing and future challenges. The UNDP’s Community First Programme (CFP) provides direct support to these communities, addressing their urgent basic needs and building their resilience to future shocks. The CFP is centered around three area-based projects: (i) Rakhine Triple Nexus (RTN), (ii) Enabling Community Recovery and Resilience (ENCORE), and (iii) Urban Resilience Programme (URP).
The Rakhine Triple Nexus (RTN) is a vital component of the CFP, designed to empower the most vulnerable communities, including the stateless and displaced, by facilitating their transition from crisis to recovery and ultimately to long-term resilience. The RTN encompasses a variety of interventions across economic, social, legal, disaster, and climate sectors. These interventions contribute to three primary outcomes:
1. Vulnerable communities, including displaced and stateless populations, gain access to enhanced tools for pursuing inclusive development and social cohesion. This includes improved access to legal services, protection, and fundamental rights.
2. These communities benefit from improved access to basic services such as drinking water, community access roads, and essential infrastructure, while also being better prepared for external shocks and natural resource management.
3. The most vulnerable households and individuals have their livelihoods rehabilitated and revitalized, with diversified income-generation opportunities.
UNDP’s activities in Rakhine are managed through its Field Office in Sittwe and a Sub-Office in Maungdaw, ensuring effective implementation and support on the ground.

Job Purpose:

The UNDP Community Development Specialist will oversee the efficient and effective management of the programmatic activities, and coordinate community development initiatives in Rakhine, reporting to the Head of the Field Office.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.) Advise and support the Head of the Field office in overseeing the efficient and effective management of the Sittwe Field Office.

a) Ensure the smooth operation of the office, including security and asset management.
b) Promote teamwork, supervise staff, and support their professional development.
c) Build partnerships, foster collaboration, and create synergies among different UN agencies and INGOs.
d) Provide timely, comprehensive, and verified updates to the Head of the Rakhine office on all relevant political, security, social and other developments that pertain to Northern Rakhine.
e) Ensure timely communication with the Field Office and Country Office and provide regular reports.
f) Support functions and deputize for the Head of the Rakhine office and Triple Nexus Project, as required.

2.) Lead, coordinate and identify synergies with other UN entities operating in Rakhine.

a) Coordinate with other UN agencies and relevant INGOs, NNGOs on matters related to UNDP mandate, in order to identify synergies, complementarities and opportunities for nexus approaches.
b) Lead in joint planning, implementation, and monitoring of rapid needs assessments (RNAs), area-based programming, and quick impact projects (QIPs).
c) Test new approaches and opportunities to expand the operational space of UNDP in conflict affected areas, with a clear and sound risk mitigation strategy.
d) Promote the identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned for organizational sharing and learning.

3.) Coordinate and implement community development and resilience-building initiatives, including disaster response.

a) Under the supervision of the Head of the Field Office, coordinate community needs assessments for vulnerable communities in Rakhine, support community development and resilience-building initiatives through proper planning and strategic intervention.
b) Coordinate and support the implementation of early recovery and development work, including emergency and disaster response.
c) Engagement of partners and responsible parties for the implementation of project activities in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
d) Support the implementation and monitoring of RTNP activities and the achievement of results, including work plan development, budgeting, and reporting.
e) Support capacity-building efforts for national counterparts and CSOs.

4.) Advise on resource mobilization, partnership development and knowledge management.
a) Advise on resource mobilization through development of project concept notes, funding proposals, donor briefings and presentations.
b) Support and advise on identification of additional partnership and funding opportunities.
c) Provide inputs for communication materials and documents produced by the Rakhine Office and/or the Myanmar CO.
d) Advise on writing of Annual/Semi-Annual project reports and donor reports.

5.) Ensures the representation and coordination in the northern Rakhine mechanisms and Rakhine-wide as requested.

a) Represent UNDP in coordination and expert bodies, including ASMT, 3RG, RAHCT, etc. as delegated and requested by the Head of the Field Office.
b) Deputize for the Head of Office Rakhine.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: The incumbent will manage the day-to-day activities of the substantive teams in the offices, which is composed by one Livelihoods Coordinator (NPSA-8), two Field Office Associate(NPSA-7), one Field Office Assistant (NPSA-5) and one Driver (NPSA-2). He/She will also oversee the M&E functions embedded in the project as well as the overall programme coordination.

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

• Business Direction and Strategy Strategic Thinking Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
• Business Management Results-based Management Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools
• Business Management Portfolio Management Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.
• Business Management Communication Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
  Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
• Business Direction & Strategy Systems Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
• 2030 Agenda: People Gender Women Peace and Security
• 2030 Agenda: Planet Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery Recovery: Preparedness for disaster recovery

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Development, Environmental Science,a relevant Social Sciences field, or other relevant development and programme areas is required. Or,
• A First level university degree in the areas stated above, with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in development programmes and projects management, especially post-conflict is required.
• At least 5 years of management responsibilities of a team in a conflict or post-conflict context is desired.
• Experience in a multilateral organization in a multi-cultural setting is desired.
• Experience in emergency contexts is desired.
• Programme management and livelihoods and recovery experience is desired.
• Direct experience in managing UNDP programmatic activities and operations is desirable.
• Experience in crisis or post-crisis early recovery programming is desired.
• Experience in Rakhine, Myanmar is desirable.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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