Planning Officer

Job Title: Planning Officer

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: MINUSMA

Assignment country: Mali

Expected start date: 01/01/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Bamako

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 to support political processes in the country and to carry out a number of security-related tasks. The Mission has been asked to support the transitional authorities of Mali in the stabilization of the country and implementation of the transitional roadmap, focusing on major population centers and lines of communication, protecting civilians, human rights monitoring, the creation of conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance and the return of displaced persons, the extension of State authority and the preparation of free, inclusive and peaceful elections. (http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusma).

Context

• 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

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Mission Planning Officer and/or the Officer in Charge, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support the Senior Mission Planning Officer (and/or the Officer in Charge) and the SPU in developing and delivering strategic planning processes for Mission-wide integrated mandate implementation; • Work with SPU on developing, revising and operationalizing the Mission strategic plan, and other thematic/sectoral action plans as may be required, with particular support to sectoral working groups in their development of results-based content for such plans; • Work in collaboration with SPU colleagues to support the timely development, implementation and review/reporting of substantive content for the Mission results-based budget process, with particular attention to the tracking of programmatic funding utilization and preparing related reports and documentation for review by UNHQ bodies; • In coordination with SPU Colleagues, provide substantive and practical support in implementing the Mission’s mandate and ensuring proper coordination within MINUSMA and with the UN Country Team, especially with regard to integrated planning processes and shared analysis; • In coordination with SPU colleagues, participate in regular meetings of project review committees and represent SPU interests in the strategic planning of various funding streams available for project-based activities in support of the Mission mandate; • Review project approval internal memos for compliance with programmatic funding policy and other internal direction, update the memo tracker on a weekly basis and liaise with the Office of the Chief of Staff (OCOS) on memo approval process. Support OCOS, in coordination with SPU colleagues, in the establishment and functioning of a standing Programmatic Activities Steering Group, including acting as the secretariat for its periodic meetings and liaising with its members; • In coordination with SPU colleagues, participate in various strategic planning exercises in coordination with the different Mission components and the UN Country Team, including support to engagement with the UN Resident Coordinators Office on UN Country Team planning processes such as the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework; • Support the implementation of Mission-wide assessment tools, including the Comprehensive Performance and Planning Assessment System (CPAS) • In collaboration with SPU colleagues, support quarterly monitoring and data collection mechanisms, including CPAS, ensuring that all components of the Mission are adopting monitoring and reporting practices in line with SPU requirements; and act as a resource as well as provide advice and facilitation to support monitoring and reporting by the different mission components, as needed; • In collaboration with SPU colleagues, liaise with the Risk Management and Compliance Unit (RMCU) to support the alignment of the Risk Treatment and Response Plans with the Mission Plan • Perform other relevant duties as required.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in in Project/Programme Management, International Relations, Peace and Security or related matters is required. Previous experience in strategic or programme planning at an international level, interacting with teams, UN agencies, government bodies and international institutions is highly desirable. Experience in planning, budgeting, drafting reports and communication with headquarters is an asset. Knowledge of and experience in contributing to Mission Plans, Integrated Strategic Frameworks, UNDAFs and/or result-based budget frameworks is a strong asset. Experience in information management and monitoring and evaluation is an asset. Experience in UN field operations or comparable work for governments, international or regional organizations is an asset. Excel, data analysis and data visualization skills are an asset

Area(s) of expertise

Business management, Development programmes, Administration

Driving license

-

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Desirable French, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in : International Relations; Political Science; Public/Business Administration; Programme Management or a related field. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualification and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Competencies and values

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • 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. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Living conditions and other 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 at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA. 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. For the sake of a rewarding experience, UN volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply. https://www.unv.org

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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