JPO – Programme Analyst, Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Strengthening at UNDP Rwanda: Deadline: 9 February 2021

The UNDP Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme:

The UNDP JPO Programme equips outstanding young leaders with the skills and experience required to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make a positive difference in the world. As a pathway into the world of development, the programme offers young professionals excellent exposure to multilateral cooperation and sustainable development while providing a valuable entry point into the UN system.

During their assignments, JPOs benefit from the guidance of experienced UNDP staff members and are actively involved in supporting the design and implementation of UNDP’s programs within UNDP’s headquarters, regional or country offices.

Job Purpose:

A JPO is being recruited in the UNDP Rwanda Country Office within the framework of SDGs domestication and response by focusing on strengthening civil society contribution and oversight capacities taking into consideration the global commitment to leave no one behind and reach the farthest behind first. Through its existing CSOs strengthening program, the JPO will promote community driven development with due consideration of key targeted groups particularly persons with disabilities, youth, women and girls.  UNDP Rwanda Country programme 2018-2023 focus on promoting sustainable development with focus at the community level and the most vulnerable. According to the Rwanda Governance Scorecard 7th edition launched in 2020, the role of non-state actors scored the lowest with 74,8% within the pillar related to civil and political rights hence calling to increased investment in the participation and voice of civil society organizations in development and public processes. Beyond the CSOs’ role to empower citizens, they also hold an important accountability role holding the Government and all duty bearers accountable in the delivery of programs and services aiming at accelerating SDGs domestication at national and community levels. Moreover, the Government of Rwanda recently initiated the process of developing the CSOs policy which as soon as it is adopted by cabinet will require concerted efforts by partners to further explore the CSOs space for sustainable development and accountable governance.

During this decade of action and amidst COVID19 outbreak, empowerment of citizens through CSOs to actively engage in promoting and protecting the wellbeing of the people with focus on the most vulnerable is highly needed. CSOs actions and voice are needed to hold accountable all duty bearers and ensure that inequalities are not deepened but addressed. Inequalities based on age, disability and gender as well as the urban and rural dividends need community engagement to address root causes including adjustment of mindset and power relations for people centered and inclusive development. In the 7th edition of the Rwanda Governance Scorecard, the pillar related to human and social development scored the lowest (73,3%) out of all the eight pillars due to persisting challenges in the education, health, social protection as well as climate change and environmental resilience sectors. Without a strong human and social capital, Rwanda will not be equipped to meet its national targets as well as meet the SDGs targets. Empowering CSOs to engage and play an active role human and social capital development is not only timely but fundamental for sustainable change at local and national level, it is crucial to promote people’s voice and contribution through their community based and national CSOs.

Within the framework of the “Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSO) for Responsive and Accountable Governance in Rwanda” 2018- 2023 programme, UNDP Rwanda has been working with the public sector and CSOs to enhance accountable governance and community driven development by building CSOs capacities, promoting CSOs voice in public and development process, technically and financially supporting innovative CSOs projects. Through this framework, UNDP is supporting CSOs as key actors for accountable governance and SDGs domestication. In collaboration with the partner public institutions and CSOs, UNDP Rwanda is earmarking support for inclusive governance with focus on the empowerment of persons with disabilities, youth, women and girls.

Reporting structure and partners:

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP Team Leader- Transformational governance unit,-  CSOs strengthening program analyst is responsible for general management of the projects and initiatives implemented within the framework of the “Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSO) for Responsive and Accountable Governance in Rwanda” 2018- 2023 programme. The CSOs strengthening program analyst will analyze political, governance, social and economic trends vis-à-vis CSOs strengthening in Rwanda as well as inclusion of the most vulnerable in public and development processes particularly PWDs, youth, women and girls. The CSOs strengthening program analyst will also facilitate the formulation, management and evaluation of approved project activities and provides technical advisory services to partner organizations.

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 Performance Management Document (PMD)
• Established synergy mechanisms with team members and other departments

Learning and Training:

As part of the UNDP JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following training and learning opportunities:

• Participation in a two-week long Programme Policy and Operations Induction Course within the first 3 to 6 months of assignment.
• Use of yearly JPO duty-related travel and training allocation (DTTA), as per the online DTTA guide
• Other training and learning opportunities, as presented in the UNDP JPO Orientation Programme
• In addition, the JPO will benefit from the following specific training and learning modalities/opportunities in the receiving office: Online learning package for all staff

More information about UNDP Rwanda and the Programme on CSOs strengthening and empowerment of the most vulnerable can be found here LINK.

• Analyze strategically development trends in the Country to propose policy and programme strategies to accelerate the localization of SDGs with due consideration of the needs of CSOs and the promotion of fundamental rights at community level
• Identification of priority areas for SDGs domestication and leave no one behind within the CSOs strengthening programme framework
• Design, facilitate and contribute to policy dialogue with the Government, Development partners, CSOs, the media for the empowerment of CSOs in Rwanda
• Promote partnership between UNDP and Government, Development partners, CSOs, the private sector and the media towards CSOs stretghening in Rwanda

• Innovation – Ability to make new and useful ideas work
• Leadership – Ability to persuade others to follow
• People Management – Ability to improve performance and satisfaction
• Communication – Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
• Delivery – Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

• Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration and management, Governance, Development studies, Law, Business Administration or related field.

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in development work;
• Hands on experience in project management
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation and reporting
• Experience in managing funding for development projects

• Fluent in English required and knowledge of French is desirable

• Proven experience in resource mobilization and partnership building is an asset
• Strong computer and IT skills

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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