Individual Consultancy for Programme Officer - UNFPA SROC Belize

Purpose of Consultancy

The Programme Officer consultant will report to the Belize Liaison Office and will operate as part of a small multi-disciplinary team, which provides technical, policy and programme support and guidance to government and CSO entities in an integrated and coordinated manner. The Consultant will support the implementation of the UNFPA Belize Programme, primarily the Luxembourg Project: “Leaving No One Behind: Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in the Afro-descendant, Creole, Garifuna and Miskito communities in selected municipalities of the Central America Caribbean Coast”.

This includes reviewing programme activities, establishing and implementing mechanisms to systematically assess the achievement of results, conducting field visits, participating in technical and coordination mechanisms, review meetings and monitoring evaluation missions; preparing and contributing to status and progress reports and analyzing basic factors affecting the achievement of results, recommending corrective actions and following up on recommendations.

Scope of work/Main tasks and responsibilities, et al

Under the overall guidance of the Director for the Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean and direct supervision of the Belize Liaison Officer, the incumbent will:

• Provide technical guidance to inform the selection of implementing partners for the project and identify capacity building needs of partners and lead the coordination of technical assistance, mentoring, training and capacity development initiatives targeted to partners.
• Ensure timely and effective implementation of UNFPA activities (administrative and programmatic) of the annual operational plan of the project, with emphasis on the territory in charge, based on UNFPA's implementation and procurement modalities.
• Work in close communication with the Representative/Head of Office, UNFPA liaison and the Regional Project Coordination to ensure the effective implementation of the project objectives in the country.
• Provide support to strengthen multi-sectoral partnerships including with government agencies, civil society, UN Agencies and development partners for more effective and coordinated programme development and implementation as appropriate.
• Identify promising practices, technical expertise and strategic opportunities relating to adolescents and youth in Belize and identify, develop and disseminate knowledge products, lessons learned and good practice. Assist in the development, editing and finalization of articles, press releases, human interest stories, speeches and other advocacy/information materials for both web-based and traditional media as appropriate.
• Prepare progress reports, memory aids, presentations and systematization of activities that allow a permanent update of information to evaluate and report on the project management, its intermediate results, the impacts of the intervention and possible difficulties that affect progress.
• Perform other duties as required. 

Qualifications and Experience:

The ideal consultant should possess the following:

EDUCATION:

• University degree in social sciences, political science, international relations, social work or related areas, OR
• A first level university degree with at least five (5) years of professional training/certification or experience may be accepted in place of an advanced university degree.

EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of the municipalities and the social and cultural context and Afro- descendant populations of the territories (Belize, Stann Creek, & Toledo Districts) prioritized by the project.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels;
• Ability to lead formation of strategies and their implementation; to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN Agencies and main constituents, coordinate and advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies; and to interact with donors, identify and analyze trends, opportunities and threats to fundraising;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

LANGUAGE:

• Fluency in English required; working knowledge of Spanish is an asset.

COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills, incl. dissemination of communication materials and awareness raising at the national and community levels;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; and ability to work with tight deadlines.

Other Desirable Skills:

• Initiative, sound judgment, strong interest in development work, especially the mission of the United Nations Population Fund and dedication to the principles of the United Nations.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.   

Note: 

• There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. 
• UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
• UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life.  We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.