The Position:
Violence against women and girls (VAWG), including sexual violence, remains a grave human rights violation worldwide and a critical societal concern in Sierra Leone. The number of reported cases is deeply concerning, with an estimated 62 percent of women aged 15-19 having experienced physical or sexual violence. Common forms of VAWG in Sierra Leone include intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.ย
Spotlight Initiative is the worldโs largest effort to end violence against women and girls. It is a global partnership between the EU and the UN (26 countries and 5 regions). A flagship programme to achieve the SDGs and a demonstration fund for the UN Reform. The initiative aims to ensure all women and girls, particularly the most vulnerable, live a life free of violence and harmful practices, collectively described as Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Four UN agencies in Sierra Leone, UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, and UNFPA, respectively, will be implementing the programme.ย
In response to the anticipated Spotlight Initiative that seeks to eliminate all forms of VAWG, encompassing harmful practices like female genital mutilation, the United Nations Population Fund in Sierra Leone, seeks to engage a Project Officer to lead the implementation of the UNFPA component of the Project. The Project Officer will work closely with the Gender and Rights Team with direct reporting to the Deputy Representative.
The Project Officer (Spotlight) guides and facilitates the delivery of UNFPA programmatic actions by monitoring results achieved during implementation and ensuring appropriate application of systems and procedures, and develops enhancements if necessary. Monitors the implementation of the partners.ย
She/he works in close collaboration with the Programmes and Operations team, UNFPA Regional Office, Government officials, multi and bi-lateral donors, and civil society, ensuring successful UNFPะ project implementation under the portfolio.
You would be responsible for:
The main role of the consultant is to lead the day-to-day implementation of the Programme for UNFPA in Sierra Leone:
1.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Programme Implementation
Assist in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of activities for eliminating violence against women and girls (VAWG) and harmful practices. Organize and facilitate workshops, training sessions, community dialogues, and awareness-raising campaigns. Support the development and distribution of IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials. Coordinate logistical arrangements for programme activities, including travel, meetings, and workshops. Ensure the timely and effective implementation of project work plans.2.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Community Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, traditional leaders, women's groups, youth groups, and other relevant stakeholders. Conduct community mobilization and sensitization activities to promote behavior change related to eliminating violence against women and girls (VAWG) and harmful practices. Support the establishment and strengthening of community-based structures for VAWG prevention and response. Facilitate participatory processes to ensure community ownership and involvement in programme activities.3.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Monitoring and Evaluation
Collect and analyze data related to programme activities and indicators. Prepare regular progress reports and contribute to donor reporting. Monitor programme implementation against work plans and budgets. Document best practices and lessons learned. Contribute to programme evaluations and assessments.4.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Partnership and Coordination
Liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and other partners involved in the elimination of VAWG. Participate in coordination meetings and working groups. Support the development and maintenance of partnerships.ย Ensure effective communication and collaboration with all stakeholders.5.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Financial Management
Develop and manage project budgets and work plans, ensuring adherence to UNFPAโs policies and procedures Monitor project expenditures and identify variances. Identifying and assessing financial risks associated with projects. Developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies. Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards.6.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Reporting
Prepare and submit timely and accurate reports on program activities, progress, and challenges in keeping with UNFPAโs policies and procedures. Prepare donor report in keeping with the Donor Agreement. Maintain accurate records and documentation of program activities. Preparing financial reports for management and stakeholdersย Key Deliverables:
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Qualifications and Experience:ย
Education:
At least a Masterโs degree in social and/or economic sciences, project management, public health, gender studies, or a related field
Knowledge and Experience:ย
At least five (5) years of working experience in development programming or project management.ย Demonstrated ability to produce clear written materials, track the progress of activities, and strategically communicate information.ย Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment and as part of a cross-disciplinary team operating in multiple locations.ย Experience in working on Spotlight Initiative Programmes will be an advantage.ย Strong analytical orientation and sound judgment; initiative, culturally sensitive, and resourceful.ย Strong communication, coordination, and collaboration skills with proven experience applied in an international context.ย Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with national and global partners and professionally provide creative solutions.ยย
Languages:ย
Fluency in spoken English and excellent written English skills are required.
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Required Competencies:ย
Values:
Exemplifying integrity,ย Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,ย Embracing cultural diversity,ย Embracing changeย ย
Core Competencies:
Strategically positioning the UNFPA programme Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness. Generating, managing, and promoting the use of knowledge and information Facilitating quality programmatic resultsย
Functional Competencies:
Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,ย Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impactยUNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA fosters a work environment that embodies the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click hereย to learn more.
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Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, and other administrative requirements.ย
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process, and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.ย