“WHOLE OF SYRIA” Inter-Agency Coordination Transition International Consultant

Purpose of the consultancy:

Within the framework of the Whole of Syria (WoS) humanitarian response, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has recently been tasked to take on inter-agency
responsibilities for the WoS Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) network, the Northwest Syria (NWS) Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) network and the Risk Management Unit (RMU). WoS PSEAH Network: Building upon earlier achievements as well as the previously endorsed 2021-2022 WOS PSEA Strategy, UNFPA will facilitate coordination of the PSEAH network by targeting key challenges for member organizations and the affected population, and to bring the WoS Network activities in line with global benchmarks and initiatives.
AAP network: In the context of the cross-border response to people in NWS, AAP is envisioned as the two-way communication with the affected population which enables
a collective approach to humanitarian effectiveness that recognizes and builds on the capacities of the local community. The Humanitarian Leadership Group membership
considers AAP to be a cornerstone of quality service provision to meet the affected populations evolving needs and to deliver more sustainable outcomes through
community engagement. Through the AAP network standards and practices are in place to ensure the meaningful participation of and communication with the affected
people at various stages in the programming cycle.
RMU: The NWS RMU was launched in August 2022 to support the Cross-Border operation and advise the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis (DRHC) on risk management issues, with a focus on corruption, fraud and aid diversion.
In the lead up to UNFPA taking on this new role, UNFPA Regional Humanitarian Hub for Syria and the Arab States, is seeking a consultant to serve as the focal point for this transition phase. The consultant will oversee and facilitate organizational and technical elements for UNFPA to take the lead on the above-mentioned WOS PSEAH) network, NWS AAP network and the RMU.

You will report to Head of Regional Humanitarian Hub for Syria and the Arab States.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Scope of work:

In terms of organizational tasks, the Consultant will support in the recruitment process for the three interagency components and will ensure the drafting of Terms of References (TORs) in collaboration with the UNFPA Department of Human Resources (DHR) for rapid onboarding. Additionally, the Consultant will be responsible for a mapping of the current positions with a timeframe on their end of contract to reduce
the risk of a gap in staffing/services. In terms of technical tasks, the Consultant will work with each of the current coordinators in the two networks and the RMU to ensure that up-to-date strategies for the transitional phase and the next year are in place. Additionally, for what concerns the WoS PSEAH network, the Consultant will support UNFPA in developing and sharing a short and medium term strategy, based on available resources and the experience so far, which will be presented and discussed to the Syria Steering Group (SSG) for endorsement.

You would be responsible for:

The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

Organizational level:

• Map the current positions with a timeframe on their end of contract to reduce the risk of a gap in staffing/services.
• Support in the recruitment process for the three interagency components and ensure drafting of TORs and collaboration with DHR for rapid onboarding.
• Interagency communication and planning and frequent reporting to and working alongside UNFPA colleagues in each of the geographic locations.

Technical level:

• Work with each of the current coordinators in the two networks and the RMU to ensure that up-to-date strategies for the transitional phase and the next year are in place and coordinate with the respective stakeholders, including United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), DRHC, RC/HC, RHC and relevant UN and INGO/NGO agencies.
• Develop a presentation for SSG on the WOS PSEAH network.
• Organize a workshop with the three coordination leads for PSEA, AAP and the RMU, UN agencies, and stakeholders on ensuring strong coordination and collaboration where objectives overlap.

Expected deliverables:

• Mapping of current positions across the 2 networks and RMU and dates contracts expire, and analysis of how best to reduce inefficiencies and redundancies across TORs.
• ToRs for all needed positions drafted and shared to DHR.
• Strategies for transitional phase of each of the 2 networks and the RMU, developed in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• PPT presentation for the WoS PSEAH network strategy presentation to the SSG and relevant talking points.
• Outcome report of the coordination workshop.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  Advanced university degree in international relations, social sciences, or related field.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or related areas.
• Experience in the facilitation of networks and coordination mechanisms, in particular linked to PSEAH, AAP, centrality of protection.
• Excellent communication, networking, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.
   

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.