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.
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.
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.
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