Individual Consultant (Project Coordinator - Social Empowerment of Women Self Help Groups of Mission Shakti)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency that promotes the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. Established in 1969, UNFPA works in over 150 countries and territories, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. The organization aims to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant (Project Coordinator) is crucial for the UNFPA Odisha Office, focusing on the effective coordination and implementation of the project titled 'Social Empowerment of Women Self Help Groups of Mission Shakti.' The consultant will be responsible for engaging with various stakeholders, including implementing partners and government departments, to ensure the smooth execution of project activities. This role involves managing incentive disbursement data, supporting monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes, and identifying opportunities for program expansion. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Head of Office (HoO) and will play a vital role in maintaining project momentum, building partnerships, and ensuring effective communication among all parties involved. The consultant will also be expected to prepare reports, facilitate meetings, and contribute to knowledge management efforts within the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include serving as the primary coordination point between UNFPA and various stakeholders, leading coordination meetings, and ensuring effective communication across all implementing geographies. The consultant will design and implement monitoring tools to track project progress, conduct field visits, and review M&E reports to identify risks. Additionally, the consultant will compile progress reports, draft policy notes, and maintain a centralized knowledge repository. The role also involves providing technical support to implementing partners, managing incentive structures, and identifying scalable practices for program expansion. The consultant will be expected to carry out any other related duties as requested by UNFPA, ensuring that all project activities align with the organization's goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a postgraduate degree or equivalent in fields such as Management, Rural Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related areas. Candidates should have a minimum of three years of experience in programs or projects of a similar nature, with a preference for those who have worked with government or UN agencies. Knowledge of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and UNFPA mandate issues is desirable. Prior experience in monitoring and evaluation, documentation, and knowledge management is preferred. Proficiency in using office software packages, such as MS Word and Excel, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Management, Rural Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or any related area. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively coordinate and implement the project activities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in managing programs or projects similar to the one being implemented. Experience working with government entities or UN agencies is highly desirable, as it provides valuable insights into the operational frameworks and collaborative processes involved in such projects. Candidates should also have a demonstrated ability to engage with various stakeholders and manage complex project dynamics effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of the Odia language will be considered an advantage, as it will facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 11 months from the signing of the contract, with services to be delivered primarily in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and may require travel to project sites as needed. The consultant will be supervised by the Head of Office at UNFPA Odisha and will be expected to submit monthly reports highlighting the work accomplished during the month. Monitoring and progress control will be conducted regularly by the State HoO, with performance appraisals and progress reports due by the last day of each month. The work environment at UNFPA promotes gender equality, diversity, and a healthy work-life balance, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.