Back Social Cohesion Associate (Open to All Applicants)

Background

II. Background and Organizational Context

Syria has suffered over 14 years of crisis, including violent conflict and ensuing economic crisis have left the country fragmented and Syrians in a state of emergency.  The conflict is estimated to have claimed over 400,000 lives and over half of the population is estimated to have been displaced either inside or outside of the country. More than 5.6 million have fled the country as refugees, and 6.1 million are internally displaced.  The Syrian people have suffered from acute security threats, lack of basic services continues to erode aspects of living conditions, diminishing the community’s ability to cope with the repercussions of the crises.

The recent overthrow of the Assad regime has further shocked the world, leading to rapid and drastic changes across the country and immense hope and uncertainty on the horizon. The attention of the new government has turned towards state and institution building and reforming governance in the various institutions that witnessed significant deterioration during the years of conflict in Syria.

Unprecedented numbers of refugees and IDP are returning to their places of origin; however, their return is also met with uncertainty and limited services available to rebuild their lives, in addition to increased local tensions that threaten stability and peace at the local level.  In this context, there are needs and also opportunities where timing is of essence to work in consultation with all stakeholders, including new authorities, civil society actors and communities to identify entry points towards strengthening governance and rule of law in support to building trust and social cohesion, addressing grievances, ensuring all actors respect and protect rights in accordance with international standards and law. Cross-cutting and immediate areas in need of support include ensuring access to justice for all Syrians, reconciliation of legal procedures, and promoting the transitional justice approach among stakeholders.

III. Position Purpose

Thus, UNDP Syria is recruiting a Social Cohesion Associate who will participate in the formulation, management, and evaluation of social cohesion activities within the Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding (GRP) pillar. The Social Cohesion Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Rule of Law specialist in close coordination with the Programme Specialist, the Program analyst, and the GRP team.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions ,teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

IV. Key Duties and Accountabilities

1. Supports the formulation of Social Cohesion activities focusing on the achievement of the following results
    •     Collection, analysis and presentation of background information for preparation of project documents, strategies and other programme-related documents
•     Presentation of background information for formulation of country programme, work plans, budgets, and proposals on implementation arrangements.
•     Research and design concept notes and project ideas, and implementation strategies for expansion of project portfolio; identification of stakeholders and negotiation of project strategies.

2. Provides effective support to the management of the Social Cohesion programme
    •     Ensure proper follow-up on assigned Social Cohesion and pipeline projects
•     Drafting correspondence relating to the programme; responding to requests for information; researching background material for use in discussions and briefing sessions
•     Support the GRP team, Project Management Unit, and Field Staff in drafting concept notes and project documents. Prepare background papers and thorough analysis and research on political, social and economic issues related to Social Cohesion in the country
•     Draft TORs for the new project’s positions.
•     Draft the quarterly and annual progress reports of the Social Cohesion programme, using UNDP format, in addition to all other donors’ reports and ad-hoc reports.
•     Draft success stories for the social cohesion activities in the country.
3. Supports resource mobilization for the Social Cohesion programme, focusing on the achievement of the following results
    •     Analysis of information on donors, preparation of donor’s profile.
•     Track and report on mobilized resources. Review of contributions agreement, managing contributions in Quantum.
•     Support the GPR team in drafting briefs, key results and updates of the programme’s achievements for potential resource mobilization efforts and donor engagement in close coordination with Partnerships and Communication unit.
4. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO, focusing on the achievement of the following results
    •     Organization of training for the operations/ projects staff on the Social Cohesion programme
•     Proactively engage with programme units, project teams, and area offices to mainstream conflict-sensitive programme/projects across the CO. 
•     Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in conflict prevention and social cohesion.
•     Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
•     Support coordination efforts, particularly in relation to the humanitarian and recovery axis.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None

V. Requirements: Education     Secondary education is required. Or    University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or other related fields will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement. Experience, Knowledge, and Skills     Minimum of 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in administrative or programme support, with a focus on project/programme management, particularly in the areas of community resilience, social cohesion, livelihoods, conflict prevention, or humanitarian and recovery contexts at the national or international level.   Demonstrated experience in drafting project documents, work plans, budgets, and donor reports is desirable.   Proven experience in coordination with partners (government, donors, NGOs, Think Tanks) is an asset.   A proven track record of sound knowledge of UNDP or UN administrative and financial procedures is an asset.       Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling web-based management systems is required.       Prior experience conducting field visits in accordance with program priorities is required.    Experience supporting programmes focused on community resilience, livelihoods, or recovery in post-conflict or fragile settings is highly desirable.   Proven track record of strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to synthesize political, social, and economic information into actionable recommendations is an asset.   Experience contributing to knowledge products, lessons learned, or best practices in social cohesion or development programming is desirable. Language Requirements     Fluency in English and Arabic is required

Expected Demonstration of Competencies Core   Achieve Results:     LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively:     LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements  Learn Continuously     LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility      LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible  Act with Determination  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner     LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion     LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, be aware of unconscious bias, and confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: Thematic Area Name Definition Business Direction and Strategy  System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system 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 2030 Agenda: Peace Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions Social Cohesion  Partnership Management Resource Mobilization  Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs       (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and     establish a plan to meet funding requirements

VI. Keywords
Social Cohesion
Governance
Reporting and management support

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.