Background:
Gender inequality in Papua New Guinea is severe, with the country ranked 169 out of 170 globally. Women and girls face high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and low literacy levels. The DHS 2016-2018 indicates that 54% of women have experienced GBV in the past year, and nearly 23% of women aged 15-49 have no formal education. Structural barriers, cultural norms, and weak protection systems worsen the situation. Tribal conflicts, sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV), and small arms proliferation, especially in the Highlands, increase violence. Despite policies to reduce discrimination, comprehensive strategies are urgently needed to address these issues and achieve gender equality. Additionally, ongoing conflicts have displaced communities, further exacerbating GBV incidents. The persistence of these challenges highlights the critical need for targeted interventions to promote social stability and human rights and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly 05 on gender equality, 10 Reduce Inequality and 16 Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.
Building on the gains of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Papua New Guinea (PNG), UN Women, UNFPA and UNOPS (Agencies) are starting a joint initiative entitled “Soim Wokabout: Gender-Based Violence Referral Pathways Programme”, financed under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI Global Europe). The joint programme aims to reduce the incidence of GBV in communities in target provinces, including in and out of schools (Eastern Highlands and the National Capital District). This will capitalize on existing programmes addressing specific forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHRs) while supporting prevention and protection efforts for GBV survivors, strengthening access to justice, and ending violence against women and girls at national, provincial, district, and community levels. It seeks to scale up effective integrated approaches to deliver quality coordinated services, strengthen referral pathways, mobilize communities and networks to address harmful gender and social norms fueling GBV and SARV and promote implementation of laws and policies to reduce GBV and SARV while mobilizing national, provincial and community leadership on the programme’s investments to enhance sustainability.
The joint programme’s specific objectives are: 1. To increase access of women, men, girls and boys in all their diversity, experiencing gender-based violence, to essential quality services, protection and justice. 2. To improve advocacy and agency of civil society organisations, women’s rights organisations, social movements and communities to end gender-based violence (GBV). 3. To make more effective the engagement of community leaders, male advocates and influential groups and actors in society in changing discriminatory social norms, gender stereotypes, GBV and harmful practices.
The National Programme Support Staff (Department for Community Development and Religion) will be placed within the Department for Community Development and Religion in Port Moresby. Reporting to the National Programme Manager, the National Programme Support Staff works with focal points from the department to support the Department in meeting timely reporting requirements for National GEWE, GBV and CSOs commitments. The incumbent will work closely in close collaboration with the Soim Wokabout Programme Staff including the Programme Technical Coordinator providing support to the members of the Team in the development and implementation of effective programmes for the Department consistent with UN Women rules and regulations.
Scope of Work:
1. Contributes to programme development and implementation within the Department: Under the guidance of the National Programme Manager and in close collaboration with the focal point from the Department for Community Development and Religion:
Supports coordination with all relevant national and other stakeholders relating to preparation and submission of reporting of key national GEWE, GBV and commitments; Participates in the design and formulation of key programme and activities to ensure meaningful participation in reporting of national commitments by relevant units within the Department and other stakeholders; Maintain awareness of local and global developments to identify emerging issues/risks and their implications for delivery of programme activities within the Department; Identify capacity building needs within the Department and support through technical assistance, mentoring, training, and capacity development initiatives2. Guide coordination with Department for Community Development and Religion and other national partners including the National Capital District Commission (NCDC):
Develop and manage relationships within the Department and other stakeholders to support effective consultation and communication with CO. in collaboration with the National Programme Manager and Programme Technical Specialist, coordinate relationships within the Department and specifically Office for the Development of Women (ODW) and National GBV Secretariat (NGBVS) to support the implementation of the Soim Wokabout programme, raise potential problems and provide actions, solutions3. Coordinate the monitoring and reporting of Soim Wokabout Program Activities within the Department
Maintain accurate records of key discussions, decisions to ensure appropriate actions are taken for further improvement Gather and compile all necessary information for monitoring and reporting on programme activities within the Department from the planning to evaluation stages; Monitor the implementation of activities and provide regular updates of issues, challenges to the National Programme Manager and Program Technical Coordinator Draft and provide inputs to annual and quarterly reports in close collaboration with the National Programme Manager and M&E Specialist4. Facilitate advocacy, knowledge building and communication efforts
Provide administrative support for the synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices related to management of programme within the Department to guide programme improvement and planning; In close collaboration with CO, provide administrative support for training of key personnel within the Department and partners; Prepare public information materials and briefing packages related to programme activities within the Department and key stakeholders Assemble briefing materials, preparation of PowerPoint and other presentations related to programme activities within the Department and key stakeholders5. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies :
Core Values:
Integrity; Professionalism; Respect for Diversity.Core Competencies:
Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues; Accountability; Creative Problem Solving; Effective Communication; Inclusive Collaboration; Stakeholder Engagement; Leading by Example.Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework:
Functional Competencies:
Good knowledge of programme management; Ability to build strong relationships with clients; focuses on impact on results for the clients and responds positively to feedback. Strong writing skills Ability to manage data, documents, correspondence and reports information and workflow Ability to work well in diverse and multicultural teams Programme formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills Knowledge of Results-Based ManagementEducation and Certification:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women’s studies, international development, public health or a related field is required. A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification is more desirable A project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) would be an added advantageExperience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible development experience that combines programme coordination and strategic planning in the area of gender equality and women’s rights, EVAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR Experience in programme management, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting Experience in leading/managing a team is an asset Minimum 5 years of experience coordinating and liaising with government agencies and/or donors Experience working in the Pacific region, Papua New Guinea, or similar contexts Experience working in the UN System is an asset Experience managing an EU-funded project is also an assetLanguages:
Fluency in English and Tok Pisin is required Knowledge of the other UN official working language is an assetDiversity and inclusion:
UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)
Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.