Mission and objectives

UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress The primary and overarching objective of United Nations Development Programme in Kenya is the eradication of poverty in the context of sustainable development, including the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, and promotion of United Nations fundamental principles. A core dimension to the work of UNDP in Kenya is on Democratic Governance given the national focus on governance reforms. UNDP supports the country’s efforts towards achieving the Vision 2030 Political Pillar, which envisions a democratic system that is issue-based, people-centered, results oriented and accountable to the public. This Political Pillar gears to transform the country’s political governance across five strategic areas; The Rule of Law, Electoral and Political Processes, Democracy and Public Service Delivery, Transparency and Accountability, Security Peace Building and Conflict Management. These strategic areas are anchored in the Constitution, promulgated in August 2010 marking a major milestone in the democratic journey of Kenya and set a new threshold in terms of people-centred development.

Context

This UNV assignment is part of UNDP’s programme on strengthening efforts on peacebuilding and preventing violent extremism in the East Africa region. UNDP takes a developmental approach to conflict prevention, PVE, peacebuilding, and crisis response. UNDP and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)’s have embarked on new strategic partnership aims to strengthen peacebuilding and the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in the East African region “Building Resilience and Community Empowerment for Peace (BRACE4PEACE), focusing on Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. (2024-2027). The initiative is both in line with the KOICA’s efforts to operationalize the Humanitarian-Peace-Development (HDP) Nexus implementation strategy and with the existing UNDP Strategic Plan 2022-2025, UNDP’s “Crisis Offer: A Framework for Development Solutions to Crisis and Fragility (2022)”; the Governance and Peacebuilding Framework for Africa (Pillar 1: Early Warning and Prevention); the priorities under the Regional Framework for Arab States “Development as a Pathway for Conflict Prevention and Recovery (2023); and contributions to the implementation of UNDP’s Regional Programmes for Africa and the Arab States, as well as UNDP’s Strategic Offer for Africa. The primary objective of the programme is to strengthen communities’ resilience to VE and conflict, fostering an environment more conducive to sustaining peace in East Africa. The five key expected outcomes are: 1. Socio-economic resilience and livelihood capacities of at-risk youth and other vulnerable populations in target locations strengthened. 2. Community-level violent extremism early warning and response (EWER) mechanisms that also integrate climate security are enhanced. 3. Governance and oversight of religious institutions are strengthened to enhance resilience against violent extremism. 4. Community-based reintegration initiatives support both returnees and community members, and mental health and psychological support (MHPSS) capacities in affected communities are enhanced. 5. Sub-regional analysis and engagement platforms inform national and local policies, strategies, and responses.

Task description

To support in the realization of the above outcomes, a Project Officer (UNV) will be recruited to perform the following tasks: Support the programme team to ensure effective project planning and implementation. • Compile and summarize information and data for the formulation of program work plans, draft annual/quarterly budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements, and on other specific project related topics or issues. • Provide comprehensive support in all aspects of programme implementation in accordance with the project documents, annual work plans and other agreements between UNDP and responsible partners. • Ensure quality of delivery by consultants, beneficiaries, and contracted companies; and communicate findings to the supervisor. • Ensure compliance of project business processes with UNDP Project Operational Policies and Procedures (POPP) and UNDP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). When necessary, provide guidance to project staff on business processes, administrative and other requirements and procedures. • Support mainstreaming gender equality in the project implementation, including in data collection and compilation. Prepare gender equality background materials for use in discussions, briefings, and correspondence. • Provide administrative and logistical support to ensure successful project delivery that includes organizing/coordinating project events and selecting appropriate venues, coordinating project procurement procedures, maintaining project records and files and supporting contracting activities. Support partnerships and resource mobilization. • Establish and maintain contacts and cooperation with the relevant UN Agencies, government institutions, NGOs, tertiary institutions, partners, and other relevant stakeholders. Provide support in updating the database of the relevant public and development partners, and other stakeholders who are counterparts for the programme. • Ensure regular communication and coordination with partners, project counterparts, stakeholders, and beneficiaries; and develop and maintain effective mechanisms for integrating and responding to their feedback and insight. • Support creation of high-quality information and visibility of the project activities among the stakeholders; and ensure careful selection of communication tools and tailoring the messages to take into account the overall socio-political and development context in target counties. • Undertake horizon scanning and explore opportunities for resource mobilization in consultation with direct supervisor. Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project. • Participate in training and organize briefings on internal procedures for the project staff. Provide support to other capacity building activities, including to the design and delivery of tools, materials for workshops, or platforms that tap into the collective intelligence of communities and mobilize action. • Provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned within the CO and regionally. Keep pulse on emerging best practices nationally, regionally, and internationally that relate to the work of the assigned project. • Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Relevant experience

3 years

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Kiswahili, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.

Competencies and values

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

Skills and experience

administration or progressive experience in project management is required. • At least two years’ experience in peacebuilding and/or preventing/countering violent extremism programmes is mandatory • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), e-mail, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment is required • Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is desirable • 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. • 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; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Area(s) of expertise

Administration

Other informationLiving conditions and remarks

Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is a multicultural city, very well served with transport and technological advancement, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is just 25Ks away from the City Centre accessible by public transport and taxis. Uber and other taxi services are in plenty. There is availability of diverse housing depending on affordability while food is easily accessed through the many supermarkets and open markets in the city centre and Nairobi’s environs. Nairobi has been fairly safe as long as you don’t patronize well known insecurity prone regions. However, with the ongoing demonstrations by youth on the cost of living, taxation and governance of the country, one needs to be careful and pay attention to the UNDSS alerts. Nairobi is generally warm with no particular dress code. Kenya is a unique country. It provides an interesting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, stamina and commitment to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in potentially hazardous conditions is essential.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are 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

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