UN Women: National Programme Officer, Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction, Phnom-Penh, Cambodia, SC-9, Service Contract

(Local post for Nationals of Cambodia and applicants with a valid work permit)

Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

The UN Women Cambodia Office focuses on three key priorities to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE). The first priority is to strengthen government capacities and accountabilities to integrate international norms and commitments (CEDAW, SDGs, Beijing PfA, WPS, Sendai Framework) into national legislative and regulatory frameworks, including supporting dialogue and CSO engagement in accountability for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) commitments.  The second area of focus is Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) where CO’s focus includes creating an enabling environment to prevent, respond to and prosecute all forms of VAW as well as ensuring that women who experience intersecting forms of discrimination and violence, including women migrant workers, access services and protections etc.  Thirdly, we work to enhance gender responsiveness in climate change action, Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction (HA/DRR).  A focus on empowerment, women’s leadership, challenging negative gender norms and leaving no one behind runs through the CO’s programme. 

The EmPower: Women for Climate-resilient Societies is a unique partnership between UN Women and UN Environment.  The project aims to ensure that climate action and disaster risk reduction in Asia-Pacific are responsive to gender equality and human rights. From 2018 to 2022, Phase I was implemented regionally across Asia and the Pacific, with national footprints in Bangladesh, Cambodia and Viet Nam. During the first phase, the Government of Cambodia, with contributions from EmPower, reviewed and updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) (2020). Additionally, a guideline to integrate gender into disaster management was developed and adopted by the National Committee for Disaster Management. The Gender and Climate Change Action Plan (2019-2023) was also formulated and adopted for implementation. Moreover, over 100 government officials were trained on integrating gender considerations into their work on climate change and disaster management, while almost 30 women-focused organizations and civil society organization were empowered to influence decision-making on climate change, renewable energy and disaster risk reduction. 

EmPower phase II (2023-2027) aims to scale up for regional implementation and generate new regional commitments and national policies, financial mechanisms and tools, methodologies, evidence, and knowledge to further impact. The project will contribute to the overall Impact: “People in Asia-Pacific are less vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and experience greater gender equality and the full enjoyment of their rights, including equal access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.” EmPower aims to achieve the outcomes bellow:

• Outcome 1: Asia-Pacific actors increase action on gender responsive climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Outcome 2: Women in all their diversity and other marginalized groups are represented as key environmental actors in climate and DRR decision-making
• Outcome 3: Women and other marginalized groups in Asia-Pacific secure climate-resilient livelihoods

EmPower approach is to expand decision-making spaces, raise awareness and support the prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) in the context of climate change and disaster. This includes empowering women and girls through amplifying their voice and sharing their stories. EmPower seeks to not only explore women experience as the passive victims of the climate change and disaster but as change agents and the leaders for climate change action and disaster management. 

Under the overall guidance and direction of the Cambodia Country Programme Coordinator, the National Programme Officer on Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction is responsible for implementing the EmPower programme at the country level. Moreover, he/she will also be leading the successful development and implementation of climate or DRR programmes in Cambodia, ensuring alignment with UN Women’s annual/bi-annual workplan, while working closely with the Resilience Team from UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Additionally, the Officer will analyse political, social, and economic trends affecting women and girls, lead formulation, management, and evaluation of programme and project activities within her/his portfolio and provide strategic policy advice.

Duties and Responsibilities :

1.  Contribute technically to the development of programme strategies in the area of gender-responsive Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

• Provide substantive inputs to the design, formulation, and implementation of the Gender and Climate Change Programme, aligning with country priority, United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and project document; 
• Strengthen national frameworks and policies by integrating gender-responsive approaches in collaboration with key ministries and stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and institutionalization; and
• Identify areas for support and intervention related to the programme. 

2.  Provide substantive technical support to the implementation and management of the EmPower Programme

• Coordinate and facilitate the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Gender, CC and DRR related results areas of the Cambodia Office annual/bi-annual workplan, including budget and results framework; 
• Spearhead the implementation of the programme activities; 
• Lead the coordination of the call/request for proposals, including the organization of technical review committees, and capacity assessment of partners of the EmPower Programme; 
• Review, coordinate and monitor the submission of responsible partner financial and narrative reports; 
• Provide technical and programmatic support to key partners, identifying capacity-building opportunities and facilitating targeted training sessions.
• Foster constructive working relationship with implementing partners (government institutions/ministries and civil society organisations), donors, other UN Agencies, especially UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Women Regional Office; 
• Ensure proper operational, financial, and administrative management of the programme, as well as adherence to all UN Women, policies, rules, and procedures. 

3.  Provide substantive technical inputs to the management of personnel and finance of the programme 

• Monitor budget implementation and make budget re-alignments/ revisions, as required; 
• Provide substantive inputs to financial reports; 
• Supervise Programme Assistant and Programme Associate to ensure timely and appropriate preparation of technical work, task division / operational / budget / procurement plans, linked with detailed budget allocations for programme implementation 
• Provide substantive inputs to terms of reference for new staff, consultants and contractors, ensuring role clarity and alignment with programme needs.

4.  Coordinate capacity building opportunities and initiatives of key institutions and mechanisms

• Provide civil society partners and the local government with assistance, training, and capacity development initiatives, as needed;
• Support and coordinate capacity development to government bodies including Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA), Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), Ministry of Environment (MoE) and the National Committee of Disaster Management (NCDM), others, focusing on gender- responsive climate action and disaster risk reduction;
• Create and facilitate platforms for continuous learning and reflection of programme partners.

5.  Provide substantive technical inputs to inter-agency coordination, building partnerships and resource mobilization strategies 

• Provide substantive technical support to the National Country Coordinator and Coordination Focal Person on inter-agency activities by drafting background reports and preparing briefs; 
• Participate in inter-agency coordination (e.g., Gender Theme Group, UNSDCF’s Result Group, and Human Rights Taskforce) promoting partnerships, joint advocacy, and harmonization of related to gender responsive in climate change and DRR;
• Provide substantive inputs to progress reports on UN Women’s programme experiences in areas of climate change and disaster reduction in support of UN Women inter-agency coordination role including relevant technical support to United Nations Gender Theme Group (GTG);
• Prepare relevant documentation such as project summaries, conference papers, briefing notes, speeches, and donor profiles; 
• Provide technical input in proposal and concept note development;
• Engage in high-level policy dialogues, forums, and partnerships to influence national climate change and DRR agendas with a focus on advancing gender equality and empowerment of women
• Participate in donor meetings and public information events, as delegated. 

6.  Oversee the monitoring, reporting of the EmPower Programme and provide high-quality advice to advocacy, knowledge building and effective communication

• Monitor progresses and challenges of implementation of activities and finances using results-based management tools; 
• Prepare and sythesise reports on monitoring missions, programme’s progress and results, covering activities outputs, and outcomes which align with UN Women’s guideline on results-based monitoring and report; 
• Support regular programme evaluations to assess progress, identify opportunities for improvement, and apply adaptive management strategies to enhance the effectiveness and impact of interventions
• Develop background documents, briefs and presentations related to EmPower Programme, promoting gender-responsive climate action and DRR 
• Coordinate and lead advocacy campaigns, events, trainings, workshops, and knowledge products; 
• Coordinate the development of knowledge management methodologies, and products on EmPower Programme, highlighting women adaption small initiative to climate change impact, women leadership in disaster risk management and positive effects of gender responsive to climate change and DRR response. 

7.  The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

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:

• Strong knowledge of programme formulation, monitoring and reporting systems and processes, and RBM, with a gender lens
• Strong knowledge of designing and supporting monitoring and reporting frameworks and processes, in data collection and analysis
• Strong knowledge in multi stakeholder coordination, including government and civil society
• Ability to gather and interpret data, reach logical conclusions, and present findings and recommendations 
• Strong analytical and report writing skills
• Good knowledge of international organsation’s planning, monitoring and reporting systems
• Capacity building experience

Qualifications :

Education and certification:

• Master’s degree in climate action, disaster risk reduction, social science, public policy, gender studies, human rights, international affairs, and/or any relevant field directly related to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls;
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree; and
• A project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) would be an added advantage.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible work experience in managing projects or programmes related to climate change, environment, disaster risk reduction, human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment;
• At least two years of experience in development planning and policy formulation is required;
• Proven experience in coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating development programmes and projects;
• Prior experience with UN inter-agency or interorganizational collaboration within the development sector is strongly desirable;
• Strong understanding of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) principles and gender-responsive results based Management (RBM), including monitoring and reporting is strongly desirable;
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently and responsively within a multicultural team, while demonstrating strong initiative and high degree of personal motivation needed to carry out tasks independently with sound judgement, good coordination, communication, and analytical skills as well as professionalism and maturity;
• Strong planning and organizing skills can identify priority activities and assignments and use time efficiently, leveraging technological tools to enhance productivity and accuracy;
• Ability to take decisions and manage political/cultural sensitivity;
• Demonstrated proficiency in using MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with project management tools to enhance project reporting and analysis;
• Experience working in the UN System, in particular UN Women is an asset;
   

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Khmer is required;
• Proficiency in using online communication platforms to enhance engagement and effectiveness;
• Working knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Statements :

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

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.)