Mozambique: Programme Specialist - Livelihoods and Women Economic Recovery

Nov 28, 2021 | United Nations Development Program
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The United Nations Development Programme is a United Nations organization tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth and human development.

The cyclones IDAI and Kenneth in 2019 caused widespread devastations in Mozmabique. UNDP supported the Government of Mozambique to raise funds and design the Mozambique Recovery Facility (MRF) Programm to respond to effects of cyclones, contribute to address the root causes of vulnerability and build resilience of affected communities to future disasters. The MRF a USD 72.2 million recovery and resilience building programme is implemented in partnership with the Government of Mozambique, and funded through a UNDP-led multi-donor Basket Fund as an agile tool to implement short-to-long term resilience and recovery activities. The MRF has three pillars: livelihoods and women economic empowerment; public and community infrastructure, and strengthening of national capacities and systems to plan and implement the recovery and resilience programme.

The Livelihood and Women Economic Recovery is one of the main components of the Pillar 1 of the Recovery Facility. UNDP works with communities and societies affected by the Cyclones to achieve early and long term livelihood and economic recovery of the most vulnerable affected people. Livelihoods and economic recovery programmes are linked to the process of promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, working with institutions and communities to recover, be resilient and sustainable.

In order to fulfill this mandate, under the guidance and supervision of the Programme Manager of the Recovery Facility Programme Management Unit, the Livelihood Recovery Specialist will be responsible for the design and implementation of the livelihood and economic recovery schemes which will comprise strategic planning, resource mobilization, the provision of technical assistance and the start-up of activities as well as monitoring and evaluations plans. He/she will also have a key role for the due reporting process with the objective of systematically communicating and ensuring accountability of results of the livelihoods recovery and community economic revitalization activities with the Government, development partners and others as applicable.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Specialist - Livelihood and Women Economic Recovery is expected to perform the following functions:

  • Design the implementation strategy of the livelihood and temporary employment schemes within UNDP’s Recovery Facility
  • Ensure programme quality and results to promote sustainability of livelihood and employment in different contexts,
  • Ensure greater technical expertise on livelihood, community economic development and employments in emergencies.

1) Project Management

  • Design and conduct beneficiary selection procedures and identification of community productive assets for the emergency employment activities.
  • Provide direction and guidance to livelihood and economic recovery project team, contractors and consultants to ensure the project outputs are achieved.
  • Identify and draft ToRs to ensure the availability of technical expertise required in areas like business development services, livelihoods, value chains, micro finance.
  • Organize planning meetings with relevant parties and lead the development of annual work-plan and corresponding budget plan with clearly stated milestones contributing to the achievement of target outputs defined in the Recovery Facility.
  • Ensure local ownership and sustainability through liaison with provincial, local Government entities on a regular basis.
  • Identify and obtain any support and advice required for the management, planning and control of the project.
  • Closely work with the experts, site supervisors and implementing partners and provides constant advice.
  • Ensures the database on the progress of payments for Emergency Employment and Cash for Work interventions are recorded and updated regularly.
  • Regular reporting of the progress with relevant statistics of Livelihood Recovery interventions for internal and external use..
  • Take corrective measures to keep the project on the right track for achieving the planned results.
  • Under the direction of Programme Manager organize regular meetings for the project team members to assess work progress, discuss challenges and constraints, and provide guidance and support.
  • Develop and implement a Communication Plan for the project.
  • Any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

2) Project Planning and Implementation

  • Responsible for the quarterly and annual planning of project activities, with the participation of all project personnel; substantially contribute to finalize plans and submit them to UNDP Country Office /project board.
  • Provides technical assistance to the project team, implementing partners and ensure require progress reporting and accountability for resources used.
  • Support PM to ensure systematic and effective implementation and monitoring of the Livelihood and Economic Recovery related projects and establish appropriate implementation and monitoring plans.
  • Ensures total accuracy and the highest level of transparency in the management of the Project financial resources in accordance with UNDP and national regulations and procedures;
  • Works with project staff and IPs to prepare all necessary financial reports to accompany Project quarterly and annual work plans and reports.
  • Supports the resource mobilization for the project by explaining the need for emergency employment and livelihood recovery and also elaborating the approach of UNDP along with other partners.

3) Monitoring and Knowledge Management

  • Responsible for the implementation of the Project M&E Plan;
  • Carry’s out monitoring visits to Project sites on a regular basis; survey (informally) the intended beneficiaries and other stakeholders;
  • Closely monitors the Livelihood and Economic Recovery activities and ensures the efficient management of relevant records and register for cash disbursement
  • Collates the results of monitoring, analyze them, and formulate proposals for adaptive management measures for consideration by the Project Board;
  • Ensures preparation of lessons learnt and the best practices.
  • Responsible for documentation of the implementation effectiveness of the 3x6 approach for Livelihood Recovery.

4) Project Outreach

  • Responsible for outreaching communities through community engagement experts and also other forms of outreach to sensitize the importance of the Livelihood Recovery activities and also foster community engagement in the implementation and monitoring of the project activities.
  • Responsible to create and foster a good working relationship with the media (print, radio and television);
  • Ensures and contributes to the production and publication of public information material;
  • Establishes and maintains good working relationships and cooperation with peer project officers;
  • Arranges stakeholder visits to the project sites to witnesses the progress.

5) Reporting and Accountability

  • Provide regular report to UNDP management, donors and other forums/meeting noting progress and achievements, acknowledging difficulties and proposing possible solutions for consideration and guidance by the Project Board/management and/or programme manager.
  • Responsible for the preparation of quarterly and annual project plans and reports
  • Respond to request for reports on Project management and performance from any key stakeholders, through the Project Board

The Programme Specialist - Livelihood and Women Economic Recovery will directly report to the MRF Programme Manager. The scope of responsibilities imply that the Programme Specialist - Livelihood and Women Economic Recovery will interact with the Head of Unit, relevant Programme Specialists and Officers, Administration Assistant, Procurement Analysts, Finance Officers, Implementing Partners/Responsible Partners, Government counter parts, donor agencies focal points and stakeholders.

Travel: The assignment involves occasional travel to project sites within Sofala and other provinces depending on activities

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

  • Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects;
  • Strong knowledge of community based economic development and proverty related issues and approaches.

Management and Leadership

  • Demonstrates team-building capacity including interpersonal and communication skills and ability to cope with a difficult environment where formal institutions of government are at the embryonic stage;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Additional Competencies

  • Innovation: ability to make new and useful ideas work;
  • Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender and social-economic issues;
  • Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master’s Degree in Economic Development, Sustainable livelihoods, Public policy, or other relevant social sciences. Areas of specialization could include; Economic Development, Environmental planning, Land use and comprehensive planning. Or Bachelor Degree with 7 years of relevant experience is acceptable in lieu of Master degree.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in programme development and management in challenging environments; 
  • Relevant senior level professional experience in rural development policy analysis, and project management;
  • Facilitation and reporting skills highly desirable;
  • Experience in project design, implementation and evaluation;
  • Specialty in economic Development of vulnerable groups;
  • In-depth practical knowledge of programmatic issues regarding transition from relief to recovery;
  • PRINCE TWO, Project Management, Audit certificate added value.

Language

  • Fluency in English and Portuguese languages are required.

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.