TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR
JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS – (JPOs)
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A. General Information
JPO functional title: Junior Professional Officer
Main sector of assignment: Gender and GBV in Emergencies
Country and Duty Station: Yangon, Myanmar
Duration of assignment: One-year fixed-term appointment, renewable at least once subject to satisfactory performance
The UNFPA Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme is intended to provide on-the-job training for young professionals who wish to obtain practical experience in development assistance. It gives them an opportunity to acquire professional knowledge in population projects in a developing country.
B. Supervision
The JPO will be working under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Representative, and under the direct supervision of the Gender Based Violence Specialist. In addition, the JPO will be guided by the JPO Focal point at UNFPA Headquarters on career development and administrative issues.
Name of Supervisor: Alexandra Robinson
Title of Supervisor: Programme Specialist, GBV
Content and methodology of supervision:
As part of the UNDP JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following supervision modalities:
· Structured guidance provided by the supervisor, especially in the beginning of the assignment, with the purpose of gradually increasing the responsibilities of the JPO
· Establishment of a work plan, with clear key results
· Effective supervision through knowledge sharing and performance/development feedback throughout the assignment
· Easy access to the supervisor
· Participation in Unit/Team/Office meetings to ensure integration and operational effectiveness
· Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise
· Completion of the yearly UNDP Results and Competency Assessment (RCA)
· If more than one supervisor; clear agreement of the roles and responsibilities between the relevant parties
In addition, the following specific supervision arrangements will apply:
C. Duties and Responsibilities
1. Support leadership of the GBV Sub Sector at the national level in gap and needs analysis, assessments and information management.
2. Support the transition of GBV in emergency programmes into longer term structures in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the National Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women (2013-2022) supported by the Government authorities at the township levels in collaboration between the GBV team and the National Gender Programme Analyst.
3. Support the implementation of the pillars under the UNSCR 1325 through the GBV programme to support the Women Peace and Security agenda and peacebuilding activities in Myanmar.
4. Carry out grant management functions in respect of the GBV programme.
5. Support the implementation of youth participation in the GBV programme, based on the recent assessment of young people’s sexual and reproductive health, particularly in areas where youth are affected by displacement, emergency and protracted conflict.
6. Participate in joint development partners and government assessments on GBV, Adolescents and youth, Reproductive Health and Population and Development with a view to provide the evidence base for UNFPA’s interventions in the country in collaboration with GBV and humanitarian team.
7. Provide continuous analytical updates and strategic advice based on local developments, including the development and passage of new laws which affect women and girls.
8. Participate in coordination fora as these relate to GBV, humanitarian, population dynamics, gender equality, adolescents and youth and reproductive health and rights.
9. Contribute to initiating/strengthening Government partner capacity (Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement) at a national and state and township level on issues of gender, with specific emphasis on GBV and its links reproductive health and population, especially in regions experiencing transition into early recovery and development programming.
10. In collaboration with Unit team and field office staff, participate in field visits to understand work with regional partners in local government and civil society and identify policy and future programming issues to develop recommendations for future programmatic interventions.
11. Review field reports from implementing partners and provide summary management briefs and technical guidance to programme staff for follow up for integrated technical and programme support as required.
12. Participate in joint field monitoring visits, quarterly and annual review meetings for GBV programmes and write reports on findings, challenges and recommendations as well as follow up of implementation of recommendations.
13. Participate in, and contribute to, UN Joint programmes on GBV/humanitarian coordination meetings and forums and ensure UNFPA interests are represented in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
14. Provide other support as needed for the country office and assist in supporting implementation and monitoring of the country programme as required.
D. Qualifications and Experience:
· Postgraduate degree in social sciences or related fields with specialized knowledge in the field of gender, development, health or law.
· At least 2 years of experience in increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of gender, development and population activities.
· Prior experience in developing countries is an asset.
· Prior training in GBV and humanitarian issues and their practical application highly desirable.
· Fluency in English.
· Ability to write clearly and concisely.
· Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.
E. Learning Elements (should be defined in form of measurable results)
Upon completion of the two-year assignment, the JPO will be able to:
· Work with a variety of stakeholders in identifying gaps and priorities for gender, GBV, RH, youth and population programming for underdeveloped communities
· Possess a strong understanding of the humanitarian coordination structures and the role of UNFPA in leading the GBV Sub Sector
· Write periodic reports detailing the progress on UNFPA interventions in the region and make appropriate recommendations for strengthened programming
· Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship and working between the country office and a number of sub-offices in terms of roles, day-to-day management, advocacy and representation, including contribution within the context of the UN Delivering as One.
· Effectively engage in in planning, preparing and analyzing budgets and reports;
· Work with the press and contributing to communications of the country office.
· Integrate GBV RH youth and population into development and/or recovery situations as well as disaster/emergency preparedness and peace building.
F. Required Competencies
Values: Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN System, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change
Core Competencies: Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impact
G. Background Information
Information on the receiving office:
In addition to the Sexual and Reproductive Health, Population and Dynamics and Youth and Adolescents programmes, UNFPA provides support to Myanmar women and girls across the spectrum from the provision of services in areas of the humanitarian response to the broader development outcomes relevant to gender equality. UNFPA leads the provision of strong capacity building by UNFPA in the humanitarian response including medical and psycho social care for survivors of gender based violence, engagement of men and boys (including religious and village leaders), supports women with the tools to demand representation in the peace process and political dialogue and works alongside the Government in the development of evidenced based law and policy development to meet gender equality outcomes. The work of UNFPA at the national level supports the capacity building of Government and influences law and policy development as the co-chair of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Sectoral working group, a member of the drafting committee for the Prevention of Violence Against Women law and as a result of the involvement of the development of the National Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women.
The UNFPA office in Myanmar consists of over 80 employees of whom 12 are international staff. The JPO would be working within the humanitarian team under the direct supervision of the GBV Programme Specialist. However, the humanitarian team is managed under the overall direction of the Humanitarian Specialist who also supports the reproductive health in emergency programme. The JPO would also be working closely with the National Gender Programme Analyst to support the transition of emergency programmes into longer term structures supported by the Government.
The work of the JPO would be in supporting the programme management and grant management of the GBV programme which, including core funds, has 8 different grant sources as well as supporting the coordination of the GBV Sub Sector which is led by UNFPA and sits within the Protection Sector under the IASC humanitarian coordination system.
Family Duty Station
Living conditions at the Duty Station:
Yangon, where the JPO will be residing is the location of the UNPFA Country Office. There are two field offices in Sittwe, Rakhine and Myitkyina, Kachin where the JPO may be travelling to in undertaking some of the duties of the position. Myanmar is a vibrant country which is undergoing intense political, economic and social reform. Yangon is a major city which has a large taxi system and shopping malls where most things are available. Yangon has a tropical monsoon climate, featuring a lengthy rainy season from May through October and a dry season from November through April.
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