Job Description
Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Over the last decade, Bangladesh has experienced remarkable economic growth and human development. Despite progress, fragile employment and the growing frequency and intensity of disasters and climate hazards are impeding progress. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequality and forced millions of people into poverty in Bangladesh. Women are facing the burden of these complicated issues, and the pandemic primarily had gendered consequences, slowing or even reversing much of the progress made toward gender equality.
SWAPNO (Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities) is a gender-based social security project that aims to lift poverty-stricken rural women (divorced/separated/widowed/having a husband with disability) out of economic insecurity by providing them with productive and sustainable livelihood opportunities. In addition to self-employment, SWAPNO also helps place women in local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and private sector companies in the formal and informal sectors.

Since its inception, SWAPNO has benefited 12,492 beneficiaries in five districts. Among them, SWAPNO II has covered 3564 in Jamalpur, Lalmonirhat and Gaibandha districts. The project has aided economically disadvantaged women in developing their talents, linking them to services and the local market, and ensuring their financial inclusion. This has ensured their survival, improved their resilience to shocks, and provided them more power.

Based on the success of the project and the experience gained, SWAPNO II aspires to implement the project across the 12 districts of Bangladesh – Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Sherpur, Gopalgonj, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Cumilla, and Chandpur. SWAPNO will specifically targeted women group from 18 to 30 years and 31 to 45 years to ensure employability and sustainability of project outcomes. The project will maximize the possibilities for financial inclusion while also emphasizing future employability by improving industry skills for job placements in the formal sector and local SMEs. Additionally, SWAPNO will aim to attract investors for social enterprises that offer commercially viable solutions for social problems, encourage environment-friendly business, create employment, and collaborate with the private sector. The project will put further emphasis on the importance of disaster resilience and climate change adaptation and train women to develop their life and soft skills.

In this backdrop, this Implementation Plan outlines SWAPNO’s strategy to support women’s access to decent employment, ensure a discrimination-free environment in public workplaces, develop adaptive livelihoods, establish localized Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), access to financial services for sustainable graduation from extreme poverty, and develop local government capacity to implement pro-poor projects. SWAPNO II will contribute to achieve the following results:

Outcome 1: Strengthen Institutional Capacity for Sustaining SWAPNO Benefits
Outcome 2: Increased Income and Assets Engaging Local Economy and Skill Development
Outcome 3: Strengthened Human Capabilities and Resilience Capacity

Duties and Responsibilities
The Regional Coordination Analyst will work under the leadership of the National Project Manager (NPM) and coordinate all the programme implementation and management team in field territory. The Regional Coordination Analyst will supervise the district colleagues for effective liaison with district and local administrations involved in the programme to guarantee their active participation.
Supervise FMAs/DFAs of the region (Rangpur, Bagerhat, Jamalpur, Cumilla) and UNV Field Monitoring Officer at Gaibandha district;
Maintain close relationship with the district and Upazila level Government officials and elected representatives;
Ensure all planned and emergency interventions are executed effectively and efficiently;
Submit quarterly progress and financial reports;
Plan, supervise and facilitate (if needed) training sessions to ensure quality delivery;
Actively works with local business chambers and enterprises to ensure apprenticeship and employment;
Support all Technical Staff to plan and implement planned activities in the region;
Maintain district account jointly with the FMA/DFA;
Guide and monitor the work of NGO field workers and organizations contracted for training in micro-enterprise skills;
Keep close contact with the Upazila officials, Union level representatives responsible for SWAPNO and various field level committees set up for the project, for capacity building, finance and M&E;
Maintain contact with district officials and a selected NGO to accomplish various activities of SWAPNO;
Identify and utilise best practices that could contribute to the development of SWAPNO’s direct and indirect beneficiaries;
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies

Core competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

General (across the functions)

Event planning and execution. Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP’s overall brand and mandate.
Business Management

Communication. Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Monitoring & Evaluation. Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.
Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
Results-based Management. Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
Administration & Operations

Documents and records management. Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving
Business Management
Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings). Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.
Ethics

UN policy knowledge – ethics. Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, International Development or other relevant field from any recognized University is required, or
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of relevant work experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in rural development, poverty alleviation and government issues is required
Possession of a motorcycle-driving license is required;
Working experience in social protection, rural development, gender mainstreaming, poverty alleviation, food security enterprise development and/or livelihood promotion;
Experience working with government structures such as Union Parishads or Upazila Parishads, NGOs, INGOs, private sector and/or development agencies;
Ability to mobilize and facilitate social protection, livelihoods and enterprise support, etc., for individuals and community groups, including through digital means;
Experience in coordinating programme implementation and managing teams;
Experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other relevant software, and handling of web-based management ERP systems;
Ability to facilitate groups and individuals through a digital innovation process;
Ability to think clearly and analytically;
A sound knowledge of enterprise development and livelihood interventions for poor communities.
Ability to plan own work, setting priorities and completing it under pressure or when faced with competing demands;
Required languages:

Fluency in English and Bengali is required.
Disclaimer

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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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