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 Gambia has a small, undiversified economy heavily reliant on tourism, trade, remittances, and subsistence agriculture. Almost half of the population (48.6%) live below the poverty line and unemployment is generally high (35.2%), but worst felt by the youth (41.5%) who also make up the majority of the population. The limited socioeconomic opportunities for sustainable livelihoods has driven many, especially youths, to undertake irregular migration in search of more prosperous futures (e.g. over 35 000 Gambians arrived in Europe by irregular means between 2014-2018).
Since its inauguration in 2019, the Senegambia Bridge, connecting the northern and southern halves of The Gambia by road, has contributed to a significant increase in mobility and economic opportunities. However, the reduced transit times and increased volume of transiting people have enhanced the vulnerability of border communities, especially impacting the livelihoods of women and youth. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic brought additional challenges, adding to the economic hardship of the 48 border communities. Many small businesses in Jarra West and Upper Baddibu had to stop operating and were no longer able to sell their products on the market. With sparsely monitored and porous borders, the vulnerable situation has led to an increased frequency some serious issues including: (i) high rates in irregular migration of young people; (ii) human trafficking and smuggling of migrants; and (iii) harassment of women and informal cross-border traders at border posts.
The Joint Programme between UNDP, IOM, ITC and UNICEF will address the aforementioned issues by supporting the authorities and communities to have better equipped and capacitated border posts and staff, strengthened protection and reporting mechanisms, and provision of skills training for improved and/or alternative livelihood opportunities. The UNDP support will, among other things, focus on entrepreneurship support (including agribusiness), financial and digital skills training, women and youth networks, etc.
Scope of Work
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Specialist, Poverty and Inclusive Growth, the Migration Project Analyst will:
Duties and Responsibilities
Implementation of programme strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Lead the day-to-day management of the implementation of the project with guidance from the Programme Specialist;
- Work closely with the relevant UNDP programme Units; Poverty, Environment and the Accelerator to ensure that project components that they are taking the lead on are being implemented on time;
- Provide operational and technical support to project implementing partners and responsible parties to ensure implementation of project activities is in accordance with approved work plan;
- Focus on quality control of implementation of project.
Perform programme monitoring and evaluation functions and contribute to the formulation of M&E strategy and its implementation for tracking programme results.
- Monthly Field monitoring of projects being implemented;
- Preparation of regular quarterly reports (progress and financial) on the status of project implementation;
- Consistently assess progress of implementation and identify strategies and actions required to accelerate delivery;
- Prepare the M&E plan for monitoring Low Value Grantees.
Financial & Operational Management:
- Maintain integrity of financial and administrative procedures as well as a consistent application of procedure, rules, and regulations regarding programme implementation and operations;
- Prepare and maintain complete project file with all needed documentation for audit purposes;
- Undertake overall financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the project; ensuring that all project activities completed are evaluated as per the M &E plan of the project.
Support in the partnership building, such as:
- Maintain good cooperation and coordination between national counterparts, project’s partners, and other relevant stakeholders;
- Maintain regular contacts with beneficiaries, and service providers to ensure relevance and quality of projects’ outputs;
- Support activities related to assessing capacities and needs of government organizations and partners, in close collaboration with national counterparts at both central and local level.
Knowledge Management and Policy Development:
- Identify sources of information related to policy-driven issues, identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to the programme;
- Contribute to high-quality policy advice to the ministries of finance, economic, planning and employment, trade, industry and youth empowerment, and other institutional partners as required, as it relates to developing polices programmes and strategies, and issues of institutional development, accountability, and oversight to promote accelerate economic growth, employment, and livelihood generation and broad -base development,
Institutional Arrangement
The Migration Project Analyst will work under the direct supervision and the overall guidance of the Programme Specialist, Poverty and Inclusive Growth.
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
Technical and cross-functional Competencies:
Inclusive Growth: Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
Business Management: Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Development Effectiveness: Relationship Management: Ability to engage and foster strategic partnerships with other parties, Inter-Agency Coordination and forge productive working relationships
Business Management: Portfolio Management: Ability to select, priorities and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment
Development Planning: Social Inclusion: Knowledge of inclusive growth, decent employment and social protection concepts, principles and issues and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations
2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness: Effectiveness Project Quality Assurance
Civil Society: Civil Society Engagement: Knowledge to create and implement civil society initiatives and apply across UNDP’s development work
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) or equivalent in Economics, Poverty and Development Studies/Management, Migration or related disciplines is required, OR
- A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in a relevant field with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Up to 2 years (with a Master’s degree) or minimum 2 years(with a Bachelor’s degree) of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in providing management advisory services, and/or hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, or other relevant programmes is required;
- Experience with government and NGOs is an asset, as well as experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
Required Skills:
- Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
Desired Skills:
- Practical programme management experience in programme development, design, implementation, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation;
- Demonstrated experience in communicating to establish and maintain partnerships with government, CSOs, Community Based Organizations and/or mobilizing resources;
- Experience working with government, NGOs and local communities is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;
- Must be adept at problem-solving, including being able to identify issues and resolve programs in a timely manner;
- Demonstrated familiarity with communications, monitoring of projects and project report writing;
- Demonstrated Field Work Experience within several regions in the Gambia;
- Demonstrated experience in the UNDP ERP systems is an asset;
- Knowledge of the Gambian context and the current transitional process would be an advantage;
- Extensive experience in presenting in public forums, including high-level national stakeholders;
- Good experience in designing and developing projects to alleviate poverty and inequalities is desired;
- Experience in drafting reports and procedures, facilitating lessons learned review, and defining and following up on constructive recommendations is desirable;
- Experience of working with an international organization, non- governmental organization, or within the United Nations common system is an added advantage;
- Familiarity with M & E, project report writing with excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
- Proven ability /accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing is an advantage;
- Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
- Proven ability to manage programmes and projects;
- Improved performance and demonstrable results;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in the team, delivering through and with others.
Required Languages:
Fluency in English is required
Knowledge of at local language is required:
1. Mandinka
2. Wollof,
3. Fula
Disclaimer
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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