Level: P-5
Type of Contract: Fixed-Term Appointment
This post is non-rotational.
L’UNFPA est l’agence directrice des Nations Unies en charge des questions de santé sexuelle et reproductive. Notre mission est de créer un monde dans lequel chaque grossesse est désirée et chaque accouchement sans danger. Un monde dans lequel chaque jeune réalise pleinement son potentiel.
Background Information
1. Humanitarian overview
In 2021, the humanitarian crisis in Mali worsened due to the increase and expansion of intercommunal violence and attacks by non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in the central, southern and eastern regions. This crisis has been aggravated by the political upheavals marked by two coups in August 2020 and May 2021 as well as the recent ECOWAS sanctions, and the continuing uncertainty of the political transition reduced the State capabilities to respond to basic social services for the populations. Internal displacement of people increased by 100,000 in 2021, reaching more than 401,000 people, four times more than two years ago. A total of 156,000 Malian refugees resides in neighboring countries while Mali hosts 48,000 refugees and provides them with protection and assistance. Mali’s economic gains have eroded, with 900,000 people (0.04% of the population) falling back into poverty due to the COVID-19 socio-economic crisis. In 2022, the total number of people in need in Mali is estimated at about 7.5M people. A 5.3M of them will be targeted through projects within the frame of the Humanitarian Response Plan. More specifically, 2.9M people will be targeted for protection services, and among them, 1.1M for GBV related needs.
The capacity of households is weakened due to the loss of income, the reduction in remittances and the increase in the cost of living that is being worsened since the economic sanctions imposed by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) on Mali. The World Bank forecasts an increase in the poverty rate to 4.8% in 2022. The protection crisis is also aggravated by an increase in security incidents. Gender-based violence (GBV) actors reported 9,540 incidents of GBV, an increase of 44% as compared to the same period in 2020 (6 605).
To date, Mali has reported more than 15,800 cases of COVID-19. In 2021, 1.3 million people experienced a high level of acute food insecurity. The highest level since 2015, and 3,055,253 people have been affected by poor rains and an extended lean season. The humanitarian situation remains hampered by increasing needs and low funding, with 32% of funds mobilized as of 31 October 2021. Despite operational constraints, humanitarian partners have assisted more than 2.45 million of the 4.7 million people targeted as of September 30, 2021.
Emergency preparedness and humanitarian response was integrated within all five outputs of the the UNFPA country programme as the country is facing a protracted crisis. Humanitarian settings are also mentioned specifically alongside development settings as being targeted by Outcome 3 which focuses on the advancement of “Gender equality, the empowerment of all women and girls, and reproductive rights”. Therefore, the UNFPA Country Office in Mali is scaling up its humanitarian response by strengthening national capacities to provide SRH and GBV in emergencies assistance to affected communities. The UNFPA Mali Office is seeking a Humanitarian Coordinator to oversee the humanitarian preparedness and response programme at national level in close coordination and collaboration with the national authorities, humanitarian agencies as well as national partners.
2. The Position:
Under the direct supervision of the UNFPA Representative and working in a programme team led by the Deputy Representative the incumbent will ensure effective and efficient coordination, programmatic and operational coordination of UNFPA’s humanitarian programming and response in MALI as relevant, supporting CO in implementing the Country Programme. The thematic focus of the humanitarian support will be centered on Reproductive Health with support to GBV as required by the Gender team, but will also coordinate the country office’s humanitarian response and planning related to youth and data.
Coordinates a team of some 12 professionals across 4 units (1 in the capital Bamako and 3 project offices (Mopti; Gao; Tombouctou), directly supervising 6 professionals.
Timely implementation, responsibilities and tasks of the Humanitarian Coordinator, may include, but are not limited to the following:
Main Tasks & Responsibilities
A. Coordination of the CO humanitarian interventions
Advise the CO in the implementation and coordination of humanitarian interventions as outlined in the Country Programme 2020-2024; Review the country office strategic plan and support the development of the new humanitarian strategic plan based on the UNFPA Strategic Plan.
Play a leading role in humanitarian preparedness and response at national level and participate and / or represent UNFPA in the humanitarian inter-agency/inter-cluster meetings as needed in Mali (specifically Health, Protection, GBV sub-cluster, other clusters as needed), noting that UNFPA is leading GBV AoR in Mali and is a key partner of the Health Cluster for the SRHiE programming including for RH supplies.
Work as an integrated senior member as part of the Country Office on internal coordination of humanitarian initiatives, especially establishing strong inter-linkages between national CO capacities and related international staff especially for technical and programmatic areas.
Train the Humanitarian team to ensure efficient delivery of humanitarian programs on key humanitarian thematic such as IASC guidelines, humanitarian response management.
Oversee and facilitate the update of the CO’s emergency preparedness plans (MPAs) and contingency plan and support expediting response in the event of an emergency/post-crisis.
Coordinate and lead on CO humanitarian preparedness initiatives such as establishing arrangements for supplies to the last mile, ICT transport and security.
Advise the Rapid Response Mechanism to integrate SRHR/GBV components in their response.
Participate and / or represent UNFPA in UN inter-agency meetings for humanitarian and security crisis management (HCT, SMT) as needed and upon request by the Representative
Coordinate and provide strategic leadership support for strategic planning related to Disaster Risk Preparedness and Reduction, monitoring of the humanitarian situation and assessments.
Regularly liaise with relevant HQ units (humanitarian Geneva and New York team) and WCARO (especially the Programme and Humanitarian Support Team) to provide updates and troubleshoot issues as needed.
Prepare and attend monthly meetings with the WCARO Humanitarian strategic committee to review progress of program and ensure effective planning of actions.
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B. Assessment and Planning:
Advise and provide strategic and substantive inputs to the CO in preparing different strategies for and responses to the multiple crises in Mali. In close collaboration with the CO M&E team Responsible for assessment and planning processes, including engagement in Rapid Humanitarian multi-sectoral integrated Assessments/MIRA, Flash Appeal/Strategic Response Plan Revision, UNFPA’s Emergency Response Plan, Supply Strategy, Integrated M&E Plan, setting up Humanitarian Program Monitoring and Evaluation systems etc.
Ensure that the needs and assessment outcomes are analyzed and addressed appropriately in the Humanitarian Framework.
Coordinate the development of a specific internal humanitarian plan and monitoring to prepare and respond to Covid-19 and other potential pandemics and disasters;
Provide strategic advice and lead on the environment and humanitarian scan of the situation and actors for possible partnerships and strengthening collaboration with ongoing humanitarian actors.
Coordinate and provide strategic inputs to monthly CO humanitarian analysis, documentation of lessons learnt regarding to SRHR/GBV/Youth in emergency programme and coordination actions
C. Programmatic and operational support to emergency response:
Coordinate and provide strategic inputs in the CO preparation of humanitarian strategy including key deliverables in the first 48 hours of an emergency (ie: internal SitReps, CERF and key bilateral donor proposals, contacting IPs, planning with CO team on response, etc.).
Advice and support the CO on expediting CERF and other non-core humanitarian funds implementation – assist with planning for activities, working with partners in various areas.
D. Communication:
Provide strategic advice and substantive inputs to the CO (especially the communications team) in preparation of any external communications materials as needed including external SitReps, UNFPA statement, key advocacy messages and plan of action, fact sheets as well as internal information briefs for HQ units, HO, WCARO and other as needed.
E. Partnership and Resource Mobilization:
Lead/Support Cluster/Sector and UNCT Coordination in the hubs as necessary for UNFPA supported humanitarian initiatives.
Maintain a close collaboration with humanitarian actors, including with government, UN, civil society organizations.
Reinforce/develop strategic partnerships with potential donors and private organizations engaged in the humanitarian response.
Initiate and provide support in resource mobilization efforts for the CO’s humanitarian initiatives. Engage in humanitarian funding discussions and ensure the production of funding proposals and meets donor reporting requirements as needed.
F. Advice on procedures in place for the humanitarian response:
Document lessons learnt and prepare handover notes.
Undertake field travel to crisis affected areas, as needed and dependent on the security situation.
Ensure the development and endorsement by Headquarters of Fast Track Procedure (FTP) to facilitate financial and administrative management in emergencies.
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree in Humanitarian Assistance, Public Health, Social Sciences, Demography, Gender and/or other related fields.
Knowledge and Experience:
At least 7 years of relevant experience preferably in humanitarian affairs, emergency relief management, public health or other related areas, prior experience in region an asset.
Strong knowledge of the humanitarian reform, humanitarian architecture, the IASC guidance and roles/responsibilities of humanitarian actors.
Experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, humanitarian programming and coordination.
Experience of managing humanitarian grants or familiarity with requirements of institutional donors such as CERF, USAID, ECHO…
Proven management, coordination and budget monitoring of programme development skills,
Analytical and strategic thinking, results oriented, commitment to excellence and able to work efficiently under high pressure. Ability to deal with difficult, complex work situations
Track record of building strategic alliances and partnerships, strong communication and networking skills; strong organizational skills,
Appropriate and transparent decision-making abilities,
Knowledge and understanding of UN humanitarian relief operations and procedures,
Good level of emotional intelligence, empathy, and conflict management as well as negotiating skills, Experience in the UN system would be an asset.
Strong commitment to support a diverse team and ability to develop capacities.
Languages:
Fluency in French and working knowledge of English are required.
Required Competencies
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
• Developing and Applying Professional Expertise/Business Acumen
• Thinking analytically and Strategically
• Working in Teams/Managing Ourselves and our Relationships
• Communicating for Impact
Functional Competencies:
Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda
Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships
Delivering results-based programme
Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization.
Managerial Competencies:
Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders
Leading, developing, and empowering people, creating a culture of performance Making decisions and exercising judgment.
UNFPA Work Environment
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.
Compensation and Benefits
This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post. The package includes a competitive net salary plus cost of living adjustment, housing allowance, home leave, health insurance and other benefits.
Disclaimer
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