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.
The project “Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) in the Marshall Islands)” implemented by the Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands (GoRMI) in collaboration with UNDP became operational in January 2020 with the objective to address expected impacts of climate change on water security on Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI).
RMI is a small island developing state in the Pacific. The nation is a large-ocean state, with a total land area of only 182 km², spread across over 2 million km² of ocean. There are 24 inhabited atolls and islands, which are mostly remote and lie merely 2 m above sea level on average. There are no rivers, streams or lakes in RMI and the number of small surface ponds is very limited.
GoRMI, with the assistance of UNDP, has developed a project on adaptation to climate change impacts to water supply in RMI. The project is co-financed by GoRMI and Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project will build resilience to the impacts of climate change on water supply, particularly in 24 atolls and islands that are highly vulnerable to
- Water Security – Improving household and community rainwater harvesting and storage structures to increase resilience of water supply in 77 rural communities in the outer islands and atolls accounting for approximately 28% of RMI’s population, including 7,630 (49%) women, currently at risk.
- Water Resilience – Securing groundwater resources from contamination due to inundation caused by wave overtopping of seawater.
- Water Governance – Strengthening the technical capacities of national and subnational institutions and key stakeholders to integrated climate change risks into water governance processes so that management of climate change risks are coordinated, effective, participatory, equitable, and sustained over the long-term when risks are expected to worsen.
The project aligns with GoRMI’s key climate change policies and strategies and has been developed through extensive consultation with government, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and beneficiary communities. The proposed project is aligned with RMI’s NDC and country work programme to the GCF. The NDA has issued a letter of no-objection and the proposed project is aligned with the work programme of the AE (UNDP) selected by the NDA.
This GCF project will be executed by UNDP, in close partnership with the GoRMI, given UNDP’s extensive experience in implementing climate change adaptation projects globally. The project implementation will be led by a team based in Majuro, RMI and Suva, Fiji.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Community Engagement Associate will primarily focus on securing community support and engagement with ACWA project implementation activities but will also have involvement in other aspects of the project as described below.
The incumpents will work in tandem with the Area Coordinators and Site Coordinators in the implementation of project activities at the target communities and liaising with the Mayors, Members of Parliament, and community leaders. The Project will operate all outreach initiatives to the target communities based on the four Atoll and Island geographical areas that have been designated based on their geographical locations.
Summary of Key Functions
- Oversee the implementation of project activities
- Coordinate with various stakeholders at national and community level
- Oversight Site Coordinators
- Strengthen community engagement
- Support Grievanec Redress Mechanism
Oversee the implementation of project activities
- Establish and maintain social rapport with communities in the 24 targeted Atolls and Islands.
- Provide supports for Technical Design Survey disclosure meetings, delivery of material to Atolls and Islands, insltallation works for rainwater harevesting system, groundwater rehavilitation.
- Conduct training for Site Coordinators and communities, Community-based Water Commmittees for water safety management, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and gender equality.
- Compiles summary reports to the Project Manager and Area Coordinators following individual missions and be prepared to provide responses to queries.
- Contribute and participate in trainings, workshops, and other activities conducted by ACWA project to promote and maintain community engagement and participation.
Coordinate with various stakeholders at national and community level
- Establish and maintain social rapport with the Paramount Chiefs, ranking chiefs, and elders of the target communities and ensuring they are kept abreast of project progress as it relates to their domains.
- Ensure close coordination with local leaderships for transparent and accountable communication
Oversight Site Coordinators
- Monitor, supervise and oversight Site Coordinator for their daily activity and compile bio-weekly report
- Guide and train Site Coordinator for monitoring and porting activities
Strengthen community engagement
- Conduct visits to targeted communities in the 24 Atolls and Islands with the objective of informing the people about ACWA project and its overarching goals and methodology and receiving feedback.
- Closely work with ACWA Project Management Unit (PMU) team especially Area Coordinator, Water Governance Coordination Specialist, Field Engineers, and Chief Technical Advisor to ensure community support and engagement with ACWA project activities
Support Grievance Redress Mechanism
- Support Chief Technical Advisor and Site Coordinator to ensure proper handling community suggestion, concern or request to be accountable and complie report.
- Any other responsibilities that may be assigned by the Project Manager.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core competencies:
- Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
- Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
- Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
- Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
- Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
- Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction and Strategy
- System 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
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
- Partnership Management. Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
2030 Agenda- Peace
- Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions. Community engagement for prevention, response, and social cohesion
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary education is required OR
- A university degree in Social Science or relevant fields will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
- Minimum of 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant working experience in community engagement, development, environmental management, customer service, teaching, facilitation of stakeholder meetings at community level is required
- Demonstrated strong ability of supporting/promoting community work development.
- Proficiency in the use of basic software applications (MS Word, MS Excel) and adequate knowledge and practical experience in handling web-based information management systems.
- Experiences working in remote Islands is strongly desirable
- Proven good inter-personal skills
- Understanding of climate change issues is desirable
Required languages:
- Fluency in English (oral and written) and Marshallese (as national language) is a requirement.
Disclaimer
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.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.