Mali: Programme Assistant, Mali

May 25, 2023 | United Nations Development Programme
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Mali is a landlocked country situated in the Sahel region, which continues to face significant challenges, marked by growing fragility and a protracted, multifaceted crisis. This fragility results, among others, from deficits of resilience to shocks, and lack of governance as well as low public and private investments. Despite the presence of international forces and the establishment of the G5 Sahel Force, violent extremism and radicalization continue to have a devastating effect on people's lives and livelihoods. Since the signing of the agreement for peace and national reconciliation in May 2015, the development context in Mali has dramatically changed with a rapid deterioration of the security situation in the northern region with its gradual impact in the central regions of Mopti and Timbuktu.

Climate change is an additional pervasive threat to peace, affecting security, development and peacebuilding in Mali, across the Sahel, and globally. Temperatures in the Sahel are rising one and a half times faster than the global average, and all models point to more erratic and unpredictable rainfall patterns. In many parts of Mali and the Sahel, these climate change impacts occur against a backdrop of existing food and livelihood insecurity, poverty and poor governance, with which climate impacts interact. In response, UNDP aims to increase resilience and livelihood opportunities in the agriculture sector and livestock sector, anchored by environmental sustainability and climate change adaptation of the population.

The Environment & Climate Change Cluster (ECC) supports grassroots initiatives, strengthening the organizational and operational capacities of local institutions and grassroots communities to prepare for better absorbing environmental, economic and social shocks and adapt to it while addressing the root causes of their vulnerability. Thus, in the face of the challenges of climate change, UNDP initiatives are in line with the current priorities of the Government of Mali, particularly in the context of disaster risk management and adaptation to climate change, the preservation of biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energies, strengthening the resilience of the communities affected by the conflict and supporting the implementation of Mali's commitments in their National Determined Contribution (NDC).

This UNV assignment is part of UNDP Climate Security flagship programme initiative based on four mutually complementary pillars: i) Improved land and water governance systems and inclusive conflict management practices to reduce the risk of conflict, ii) Increased community resilience through energy efficiency that reduces vulnerabilities, iii) Strengthened disaster risk management capacity to reduce community vulnerabilities, and iv) Enhanced capacity for sustainable natural resource management.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Clilmate Security Advisor or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Assistant will: Programmatic support for project planning, implementation, and learning

  • Participate actively in the planning of activities and monitoring of implementation of all projects and initiatives under the climate security programme, including nationally and directly implemented programmes,
  • Support in the preparation and development of project documents (work plans, terms of reference, minutes, mission files, etc.),
  • Provide technical, practical, and logistical support to the organization of events, trainings, workshops, and missions. This will include participation and preparation of reports,
  • Proactively ensure the follow-up of pending issues with operations/program colleagues to ensure smooth project implementation,
  • Provide support in the periodic reporting of climate security projects,
  • Support gender mainstreaming efforts in all projects under climate security programme,
  • Participate in research activities, data collection analysis, and identification of good practices emanating from the UNDP climate security program,
  • Accompany the Climate Security Advisor in internal and external meetings as required. Resource mobilization
  • Support the Climate Security Advisor on resource mobilization efforts, notably the development of concept notes, budgets, and proposal documents,
  • Assist in compilation and quality assurance of donor financial and narrative reports,
  • Support the liaison with donors present in Mali by preparation of briefing notes, letters and other documentation,
  • Lead all practical aspects in the organization of partner meetings and donor visits in the field. Logistical and administrative support
  • Support the administrative, financial and logistical management of projects as required,
  • Lead on all logistical aspects and the organization of external meetings, workshops, and other events, including the drafting of minutes,
  • Ensure the electronic archiving of all projects under the climate security portfolio,
  • Monitor the receipt of products and services and verify their acceptability against technical specifications,
  • Ensure proper inventory management and maintenance. Communication and visibility
  • In collaboration with the communication unit, support the collection of photos and testimonies for social networks as well as the realization of visibility campaigns, filming of movies, etc., about the climate security actions of UNDP and its partners,
  • Contribute to the writing and/or revision of studies, blogs, and project communication and visibility materials,
  • Contribute to the improvement of the visibility of UNDP interventions.
  • Any other support required by the Environment/Climate Change Cluster of UNDP Mali.
  • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Results/expected outputs:
  • As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP Mali and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
  • Programmatic and administrative/logistical support to the Environment/Climate Change Cluster, and the Climate Security programme in particular, enables timely planning and implementation of activities as per annual work plans,
  • Close coordination with other functions within the UNDP country office, notably operations, enables smooth delivery of project activities, boosts delivery, and affords the incumbent an opportunity to further familiarize her/herself with UNDP and wider UN system functions, rules and procedures,
  • Quality input is provided for resource mobilization processes, notably development concept notes and proposal, leveraging additional resources are mobilized for the Climate Security programme,
  • The visibility of UNDP as a key actor in climate, peace, and security programming is increased locally through support for the organization of events with external partners and preparation of communication and/or knowledge products,
  • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment,
  • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 – 26

Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

1 years of experience in national and/or international level in environmental, climate change mitigation and adaptation, resilience-building, agriculture or other relevant programmes; experience working with UNDP, including internships, is an advantage; experience with project management, financial management, research and data collection, and resource mobilization for development programmes is considered as an advantage.

  • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
  • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
  • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet required; familiarity with database management and user knowledge of GIS applications is an advantage;
  • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
  • Sound security awareness;
  • Have affinity with or interest in Climate Change resilience and adaptation, environmental protection, and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise: Energy and environment , Natural and life sciences

Driving license

-

Languages: French, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in Master’s degree in a relevant area, e.g. Environmental Science, Agroeconomics, Climatology, Agronomy, Rural Engineering, Hydraulics, Natural Resource Management, Political and Social Sciences, Conflict Prevention or any other related field;

Competencies and values

  • Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
  • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
  • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
  • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
  • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
  • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
  • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Bamako is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Mali is a non-family duty station. Living conditions are acceptable in Bamako, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent. Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication. Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali. Appropriate measures are in place to mitigate the current security risk for UN personnel in the country. All UN personnel, undergo a security briefing and the 3-day mandatory training “Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments” (SSAFE) upon arrival, where practical guidance and recommendations are provided regarding security threats in Mali. An additional security briefing is provided upon arrival to the final duty station. A welfare committee is also active in all duty stations to ensure sufficient access to welfare commodities, including food supplies. Emergency contacts (security, medical, staff counselling...) are made available for all UN As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. It is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy