Senior Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda. Its mission is to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve gender equality as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women operates in 14 countries across the Pacific region, including Fiji, and collaborates with over 20 other UN agencies. The organization focuses on four interlinked programme areas: Women's Political Empowerment and Leadership, Women's Economic Empowerment, Ending Violence against Women, and Gender and Protection in Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect, and ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation and management of the Markets for Change (M4C) project in Fiji. This position involves supporting project management at the national level, with a focus on reporting, monitoring, partnerships, financial and human resource management, and knowledge building. The Senior Project Officer will work closely with the M4C Fiji Team and collaborate with teams across Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, as well as with other UN agencies, government officials, and civil society organizations. The role requires the development and implementation of programme strategies, providing technical assistance and capacity development to partners, and ensuring effective monitoring and reporting of project activities. The incumbent will also contribute to advocacy and communication efforts related to the project, ensuring alignment with UN Women’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development and implementation of programme strategies for Markets for Change Fiji, including providing substantive inputs to project proposals and initiatives.
• Participate in regional meetings and learning retreats, collaborating with the M4C Regional Team.
• Assist in the implementation and management of the M4C Fiji project, including the preparation of annual workplans and budgets.
• Monitor the submission of financial and narrative reports from implementing partners and provide training on Results Based Management.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity development to project partners, maintaining relationships to support project implementation.
• Monitor progress of project activities and finances, drafting reports on monitoring missions and programme results.
• Contribute to the management of people and finances, including budget monitoring and reporting.
• Assist in building partnerships and resource mobilization strategies, preparing documentation for donor meetings and public events.
• Provide technical support for inter-agency coordination and advocacy efforts, including organizing campaigns and knowledge products. 1
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in a development-related discipline, including gender issues, public policy, social work, or other related social science fields.
• A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) is an added advantage.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to gather and interpret data effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage stakeholders effectively.
• Proven ability to lead and drive results, establish strategic networks, and mobilize resources.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as development studies, gender studies, public policy, social work, or related social sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is considered an asset and enhances the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in project/programme formulation, implementation, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and donor reporting. Those with a Master’s degree should have a minimum of 2 years of experience, while candidates with a Bachelor’s degree should have at least 4 years of relevant experience. Experience in women's economic empowerment, informal sector support, and facilitating workshops or training is highly desirable. Additionally, experience in coordinating with government agencies and donors is an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this position. Knowledge of the local language in the duty station is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Suva, Fiji, and is part of a full-time commitment to the Markets for Change project. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, and civil society organizations. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires flexibility and adaptability. The recruitment process may include rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment.