Project Associate

Job Title: Project Associate

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: UNFPA

Assignment country: Panama

Expected start date: 20/07/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 5. Gender equality

Volunteer category: National 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: Panama City

Details

Mission and objectives

UNFPA works to improve the lives of people in more than 150 countries around the world, which are home to 80 percent of the world's population. In Latin America and the Caribbean region and sub-region, UNFPA has offices in 30 countries. UNFPAs Regional Office in Panama City, Panama provides strategic support and technical advice to the Country Offices: technical cooperation, training and support to empower our partners and colleagues on the ground to ensure that the reproductive health and rights of women and young people are placed at the very centre of development.

Context

UNFPA works to improve the lives of people in more than 150 countries around the world, which are home to 80 percent of the world's population. In Latin America and the Caribbean region and sub-region, UNFPA has offices in 30 countries. UNFPAs Regional Office in Panama City, Panama provides strategic support and technical advice to the Country Offices: technical cooperation, training and support to empower our partners and colleagues on the ground to ensure that the reproductive health and rights of women and young people are placed at the very centre of development. UNFPA Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 include three transformative results in order to accelerate efforts to meet zero unsatisfied needs in family planning, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender based violence and harmful practices, included child marriage and early unions. The Project Associate will be based at the regional office for Latin America and The Caribbean, based in Panama City. The UNFPA Project Associate supports the implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation of the regional program in gender, gender based violence and harmful practices area. The work in this area is relying on the following pillars: 1. Evidence and data for incidence: Strengthen the production, analysis and use of data and evidence on GBV and other harmful practices to make visible the magnitude of the phenomenon as well as support the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of evidence-based public policies that comply with international human rights standards and have adequate budgets. 2. Response: Scale up access to quality and gender-sensitive survivor-centered services across development, humanitarian and peace-building contexts. 3. Prevention: promote the transformation of social gender norms through comprehensive sexuality education, the promotion of positive masculinities and the empowerment of women and girls for the prevention of GBV and child marriages and early unions. The main responsibilities of the project associate are: organization of project meetings and events, facilitation of knowledge sharing for project development. The Project Associate supports the achievement of the project’s expected outcomes by providing financial and administrative support, monitoring and reporting, as well as logistical support for program coordination and activities. Managing and updating data inputs, assisting in the formulation of activities, assisting in project implementation, drafting reports and other documents, and establishing collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, are key aspects. He/she is instrumental in project implementation and budget management ensuring compliance with established systems and procedures.

Task description

The Project Associate will work in coordination with the gender advisor and the gender program specialist, and will be under the supervision of the gender regional advisor. The project associate must coordinate his/her work with the area of operations and finances of UNFPA. The Project Associate will support the overall programme coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting as follows: Programme support 1. Support timely management of the project and implementation of the activities listed in the annual work plan; 2. Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with regional and country office colleagues and external stakeholders of the projects; 3. Draft terms of reference, concept notes, work plans, and other documents; 4. Calculate budget estimates and reconcile expenditure against budgetary allocations under work plans, displaying attention to detail in verifying financial data. 5. Monitor and report on project funds disbursement and implementation and provide liaison with project staff on budget modifications if required; 6. Coordinate accurate and timely submission of quarterly and annual financial reports and FACE forms; 7. Ensure operating arrangements for financial tracking and accountability meet the required standards, including ensuring all supporting documents are duly maintained on file; 8. Facilitate availability of information for audits in accordance with UNFPA requirements and requests and follow up on audit findings and recommendations as needed in coordination with the International Operations Manager; 9. Ensure transparency and adherence to procurement regulations in procurement processes; 10. Support operational and financial closure of the Work Plan according to UNFPA procedures at year end. Administrative and Financial Support • Undertake all logistical, administrative and financial arrangements required for the organization of workshops, meetings, panel discussions, roundtables, missions, and other events; • Review incoming correspondence, collect and prepare necessary information for reply / action, and draft and finalize response; • Prepare travel authorizations and make travel arrangements; • Prepare requisition requests and process payments on Quantum as needed; • Apply UNFPA rules, regulations and procedures;

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

5 years of experience in administration and programme management support. Experience in gender and human rights will be considered as an advantage. § Previous experience in development assistance or related work for donor organization, NGO, or UN Agency is a very strong advantage; § Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; § Computer literacy - Word, Excel, Power-point, etc. and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems; § Sound knowledge and experience in implementing the principles of results based management (RBM); § Good knowledge of ERP system like Quantum; § Good writing and communication skills. § Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and with diverse stakeholders; § Good knowledge of Microsoft office and google applications. § Have affinity with or interest in gender equality, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Development programmes, Procurement and contracting

Driving license

-

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Spanish, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Secondary education

Competencies and values

Values: § Exemplifying integrity § Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system § Embracing diversity in all its forms § Embracing change Core Competencies: § Achieving Results § Being Accountable § Working in Teams/Managing Ourselves and our Relationships § Communicating for Impact § Personal leadership and effectiveness; § Building and managing relationships Functional Competencies: § Logistical support § Managing data § Managing documents, correspondence and reports § Managing information and workflow § Planning, organizing and multi-tasking § Managing financial processes § Job knowledge / technical expertise § Analytical Thinking

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Panama is a family duty station and considered to be a safe place to live. However, like in any city around the world, it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and to be alert. There is a wide range of goods available in Panama and many modern shopping complexes as well as department stores and designer stores. There are suitable residential areas, accommodation options, good hospitals, schools, universities, banks, and a wide selection of restaurants. There are beaches, mountains and national parks in the rainforest that are said to have the broadest range of flora and fauna in the world. Panama does not have any serious health concerns to worry about, however, it is important to note that in some areas such as the Darien province, it is recommended to take precautions for malaria. The Centers for Disease Control website also recommends yellow fever vaccination for travel to Darien province and the San Blas islands. Weather: Panama has two seasons, the dry season, which is from January until late April or early May, and the rainy season which is the rest of the year. The daytime temperature ranges between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with the evenings being cooler by 5 to 10 degrees. The average humidity is 70%. Average cost of living: USD1,120. Currency: Panama Balboa; pegged 1:1 with the US dollar. Internet: High-speed internet is readily available in cities like Panama City, Colon, and David. In remote areas, you'll find DSL, cable, or satellite internet. Panama is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

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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