UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organisations in the country, including the Government of Myanmar, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
LIFT
The Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) is a multi-donor fund set up in 2009, marking its ten-year anniversary this year. LIFT aims to strengthen the resilience and sustainable livelihoods of poor households by helping people to reach their full economic potential. This is achieved through increasing incomes, improving the nutrition of women and children, and decreasing vulnerabilities to shocks, stresses and adverse trends.
LIFT is a significant actor in Myanmar’s development. To date, over 11.6 million people in 75% of Myanmar’s townships have benefitted from LIFT’s programmes. From January 2019, LIFT has been guided by a new five-year strategy that puts ‘leaving no one behind’ at the centre and will in particular focus on social inclusion and cohesion, increased support to areas affected by conflict, bringing displaced people into LIFT’s development programmes and working with Government at all levels on targeted policies that achieve gains in these areas.
LIFT has received funding from altogether 15 international donors since it was established. The current donors are the UK, the EU, Australia, Switzerland, the US, Canada and Ireland.
Job Specific
Since its inception, LIFT has worked with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) both as directly contracted implementing partners, strategic partners, and as sub-implementing partners through INGOs and United Nations organisations. In 2019, 21% of LIFT’s grant funding was directly granted to local civil society organisations.
Therefore, the number of local CSOs supported by LIFT was relatively low compared to international organisations. LIFT initiated Small Grants Funds (SGF) targeting small local CSOs and strategic partnerships (SP) agreements with national NGOs in order to strengthen the local capacity to promote food and livelihood security of the poor. LIFT is looking for a consultant to provide technical support for these initiatives.
Objectives of the Assignment
In order to follow up the effectiveness/ impact/ results of the efforts to support the CSO, LIFT will undertake studies, will organize scoping missions for small grants fund in urban areas, Rakhine, and South East areas. The consultant will take part and when necessary lead in these scoping missions. S/he will participate in proposals appraising and identification of suitable Fund Facilitators. Whenever necessary, the consultant will need to provide OD or other technical support as requested by LIFT strategic partners and SGF fund facilitators. Plus, additional technical support as requested by LIFT’s Civil Society Partnerships Officer (CSPO) under the direct supervision of LIFT Senior Program Officer. This will be a retainer contract with details defined in task notes whenever the consultant’s services are required.
Technical support to the F und M anagement Office (FM O)
- Help out with small grants fund designing in the scoping missions, facilitator selection and support whenever necessary
- Participate in appraising the proposals for final decision from LIFT Fund Board once the Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for small grants funds are published
- Assist FMO with preparation/ presentation of documents/papers for the Fund Board related to civil society strengthening and approval of new civil society partnerships.
- Support FMO with civil society strategy follow up and MEAL development of civil society program
- Conduct studies to learn the impact of LIFT civil society strengthening support whenever necessary and some examples of the studies can be as mentioned below.
- Study the differences between bilateral and multi-donor funds and how effective are these funding mechanisms in supporting civil society
Technical support to the CSOs
- Assist the civil society partnerships officer in organizing learning events among small grant fund facilitators, strategic partners and LIFT- funded local CSOs when relevant
- Design and organize civil society learning workshop in coordination with CSPO
- Provide other technical assistance such as Organization Development (OD) support, MEAL support, Core Cost policy development, strategic plan development, etc., to small grant fund facilitators and Strategic partners whenever necessary and as requested by LIFT FMO.
The Consultant will be required to travel in Myanmar for certain tasks. Domestic travel logistics will be arranged by the LIFT Fund Manager Office.
Monitoring and Progress Controls
The Civil Society Expert will work in close coordination with local and International Programme Officers under the direct supervision of the LIFT Senior Program Officer. He/she will be expected to report in a timely fashion based on the agreed work plan.
Education
- A Master’s degree in Development Policy, Community Development and/or any relevant academic discipline relevant to the TOR is required. Additional two years of similar experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is considered as equivalent.
Work Experience
- A minimum 5 years of professional experience in the field of civil society strengthening is required.
- Experience in conducting qualitative research in social and economic development is required.
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- Proven understanding of the socio-economic and political situation in Myanmar is desirable.
- Extensive experience of working with civil society organizations in Myanmar would be an asset.
- Proven ability in establishing good working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders with different cultural backgrounds is preferable.
- Excellent report writing skills are required.
- A sound understanding of livelihoods and food security issues in South-East Asia and/or Myanmar is an advantage.
Language
- Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (Retainer)
Contract level: IICA 2
Contract duration: Retainer not exceeding 100 days per calendar year (possible extension subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability)
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Contracting approach
This position will be contracted for up to 100 days per calendar year, extendable based upon satisfactory services. There will be no guarantee of any number of work days under the contract.
Note that this position requires at least 30% travel to Myanmar. Travel costs to and within country will be reimbursed and a daily subsistence allowance paid during field missions.
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
More Information
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