Project Officer, Markets for Change

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact, merging the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender equality. UN Women operates in over 14 countries in the Pacific region, including Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, and collaborates with more than 20 other UN agencies. The organization aims to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer for the Markets for Change (M4C) Project plays a crucial role in supporting the National Project Coordinator and the M4C Team in implementing activities and monitoring project progress. This position involves a variety of tasks including training, data collection, research, and reporting. The Project Officer will contribute to the effective management of the M4C Project by assisting in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, implementation, and evaluation. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and UN agencies, to promote gender equality through the economic empowerment of women market vendors in the Pacific region. The Project Officer will also assist in procurement activities and ensure that project activities align with the objectives of the M4C Project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: contributing to the development of program strategies for the M4C Project; providing technical inputs for program/project proposals; supporting logistical arrangements for project activities; attending events to support their delivery; providing secretariat support for Project Working Committee meetings; undertaking administrative and financial tasks; monitoring project activities against the Annual Work Plan; assisting with project monitoring and reporting; providing technical assistance and capacity development support to partners; and coordinating inter-agency activities related to the M4C Project. The Project Officer will also be involved in advocacy efforts, knowledge management, and the development of communication materials.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political or Social Science, Economics, International Development Studies, or Gender/Women's Studies. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP® is considered an advantage. Candidates should have strong analytical skills, knowledge of Results Based Management, and the ability to gather and interpret data effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Political or Social Science, Economics, International Development Studies, or Gender/Women's Studies. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. Project management certifications are advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1 year of relevant experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or a minimum of three years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience should be in development program/project implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, donor reporting, and capacity building. Familiarity with the Women Economic Empowerment space and previous experience working with government agencies or donors is desirable. Experience in the UN system and proficiency in office software and web-based management systems is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of the local language in Vanuatu is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and expects all personnel to adhere to its standards of conduct. Candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applications must include the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) and be submitted as a single attachment. Incomplete applications will not be considered.