Description
The Rural and Regional Development Sector focuses on a comprehensive approach to development at the local level, in line with European principles and norms. Through its five regional offices, the Sector targets: improving local government capacity to plan, identify priorities and deliver results; stimulating economic recovery through entrepreneurial activity, job growth and investment, increasing the competitiveness of local producers and income generation; strengthening local priority infrastructure; delivery of social services to vulnerable populations, and the sustainable use of natural resources and energy efficiency.
Additionally, the programme targets specific needs of particular regions in BiH in order to contribute to stabilization of communities and improve the livelihood conditions of the local population. As a particular example of those efforts, UNDP implements a new project called „Applying the Human Security Concept to Stabilize Communities in Canton 10“, that seeks to apply the Human Security Concept to stabilize communities in Canton 10, with a particular focus on former refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have returned to Canton 10 and face particular challenges and hardships at reintegration. Although the project is designed to address the needs of returnee populations in Canton 10, which are found to be one of the most at risk in terms of their economic, social, health and political security and wellbeing, it also seeks to address the needs of the receiving population by partnering with local municipal and cantonal governments and administrations in order to ensure local buy-in and support, as well as secure the long term sustainability of the project.
The project has five objectives:
1. To ensure sustainability by establishing strong partnerships with local authorities and stakeholders through a joint Steering Committee, that will be the main operational partner during implementation.
2.To enhance the capacity of Cantonal and municipal administrations to provide social services and other means of support to vulnerable groups, as well as develop partnerships between civil society and governmental structures.
3.To bolster the capacities of Cantonal and municipal authorities to prevent discrimination and conflict with a particular focus on the education system.
4.To strengthen local community responsiveness to risks posed by mines and other ordinances.
5.To develop the capacity of the Canton to make certain that vulnerable groups have equal access to employment opportunities and economic sustainability through activities such as income generation projects and vocational training.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Regional Manager / UN Project Coordinator and in close coordination with the Rural and Regional Development sector, Project Officer will have the following main functions:
-Ensuring the implementation of the project goals;
-Project management and supervision of the Project Team;
-Establishing partnerships, advocacy and provision of advice to the government counterparts;
-Mobilizing appropriate governmental and non-governmental participation in the project implementation by facilitating stakeholder ownership;
-Ensuring gender mainstreaming within the project.
Requirements
-University degree in public administration, development studies, economics, political sciences, social sciences, or other related areas. Advanced degree is considered an asset.
-Demonstrated knowledge and previous direct experience in local and regional development , capacity development of local governments and socio-economic partners and community engagement;
-Previous experience related to projects dealing with marginalized groups, social inclusion, human security, sustainable return and reintegration, etc. Specific relevant experience in Canton 10 is considered an asset.
-Familiarity with key public documents, strategies and trends related to sustainable return and reintegration, local governance and integrated local development in Bosnia and Herzegovina is preferred.
-Fluency in English and local languages, with excellent drafting and presentation skills.
Deadline 20 October 2013
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