In line with the new Country Programme Document for UNDP Iraq (CPD 2020-2024), which aims to support the Government of Iraq’s vision for a sustainable peaceful Iraq ,UNDP Iraq has now developed a new program on social cohesion which will work in four main areas that include 1) Strengthening the national frameworks for peace and social cohesion, 2) strengthening inter-linking community infrastructures for social cohesion at multi-levels 3) supporting and strengthened capacities and resources of academia and research institutions and actors to lead social cohesion and 4) working with media institution and media professionals to improved advocacy and public awareness.

UNDP will also mainstream conflict sensitive approaches to all its programming to address the underlying challenges of exclusion, marginalization and societal divisions through each pillar to contribute to address key drivers of conflict. Based on its mandate, comparative advantage, global and regional experience, and knowledge, UNDP will support use of analytical tools- such as social cohesion index, conflict development analysis (CDA) and M&E instruments for PVE to inform social cohesion and risk management strategies. It will adopt and introduce innovative approaches to use social media and social local networks to engage youth and women to address the social and development challenges through accelerators labs and use of digital technology.  Considering the differentiated national, regional and local needs and priorities, UNDP will support solution pathways based on area-based consultative approaches and analytical tools such as local conflict and risk assessments, building on the lessons and knowledge from the current social cohesion interventions. In addition, UNDP will support the GOI to develop and implement a social cohesion agenda that promotes conflict resolution mechanisms, dialogue and trust building measures, as well as enable peaceful coexistence and prevent future radicalization and recruitment to violent extremist groups.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Senior Project Officer-Community Mobilization,the Project Officer will assist in the implemention and follow up of the project activities at the community level. He or she will follow up with all field coordinators on the the day-to-day activities as per the approved workplan.

• Assist the Senior Project Officer-Community Mobilization in the planning and implementation of the activities related to community mobilization such as supporting the local mechanisms, women and youth groups;
• Develop potential social cohesion   initiatives   which are in line with   the   UNDP social chohesion strategy and assist in the Implementation of the interventions;
• Assess funding proposals from potential partner organizations and evaluate proposals on quality and consistency;
• Quality control of social cohesion  activities which UNDP Is supporting at the community level;
• Ensure monitoring and evaluation of the initiatives implmeneted by local mechaisms;
• Identify    project   delivery    issues   and    provide    solutions    to    overcome     bottlenecks in implementation, mostly from a substantive perspective;
• Ensures monitoring of work plans delivery of field staff;
• Prepare    monitoring    reporting   templates    to    ensure   smooth    progress    and   quality in implementation of activities;
• Collect and update relevant data an information on the progress indicators of social cohesion community mobilization activities in a regular manner;
• Support UNDP’s positioning as effective partner in social cohesion;
• Identify operational and financial problems of community mobilization activities and develop solutions;
• Provides   logistic   and   liaison   support   for activity    implementation   social cohesion community mobilization.

• Analyses and researches of information on on the community mobilization activities with the social cohesion programme and provide Inputs for preparation of   substantive   briefs   on   possible   areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall programme effort;
• As directed by the Team Leader and the Senior Project Officer-Community Mobilization, follow up with officials in the Line Directorates activities and needs of community mobilization componenet;
• Assist in the production of publicity materials on social cohesion, including database of high quality pictures, human stories and success stories/lessons learned.

• Regular exchange of information/experience with other projects, cross-learning and sharing results and good practices;
• Document lessons learnt during project implementation;
• Participation in regular internal meetings;
• Participation in training events, communities of practice, codifying and sharing knowledge;
• Contributes to knowledge networks where applicable.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects;
• Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change;
• Strong IT skills, knowledge of ATLAS system desirable;
• Excellent knowledge of Results Management Guide and Toolkit.

People Skills:

• Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others;
• Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent, and credible behavior;
• Respect individual/cultural differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork;
• Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process.

Results-Orientation:

• Proactive, problem-solving and result-oriented attitude;
• Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals;
• Generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations.

Communication:

• Formulates written information clearly and persuasively;
• Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences.

• Master’s degree in social science, Business Administration, Economics or any other  relevant field. Bachelor’s degree with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be accepted in liue of Master’s.

• A minimum  2 years of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in projects/programme  management is required;
• Experience in social cohesion and community reconciliation programming is an asset;
• knowledge on result-based management and project implementation;
• Previous experience of work with governments, NGOs,  and UN agencies is an asset;
• Experience in the usage of ATLAS and ERP systems is an asset.

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Contract Duration: 12 Months