Community Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, focusing on eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and building resilience to sustain progress. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission, and actively encourages applications from marginalized populations.

Job Overview:
The Community Development Specialist will oversee the management of programmatic activities and coordinate community development initiatives in Rakhine, Myanmar. This role is crucial for ensuring that UNDP's strategic goals are met through effective collaboration across various units and projects. The specialist will report directly to the Head of the Field Office and is expected to engage in multidisciplinary teamwork to enhance operational effectiveness. The position involves a comprehensive understanding of community needs, resilience-building strategies, and the ability to navigate complex political and social landscapes to facilitate development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise and support the Head of the Field Office in managing the Sittwe Field Office, ensuring smooth operations, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and asset management. Promote teamwork, supervise staff, and support their professional development. Build partnerships and foster collaboration among UN agencies and INGOs. Provide timely updates on political, security, and social developments in Northern Rakhine. Ensure effective communication with the Field Office and Country Office, and support the Head of the Rakhine office as needed.
• Lead and coordinate with other UN entities in Rakhine, identifying synergies and opportunities for collaborative approaches. This includes joint planning and implementation of rapid needs assessments and area-based programming. Test new approaches to expand UNDP's operational space in conflict-affected areas, ensuring sound risk mitigation strategies are in place.
• Coordinate and implement community development and resilience-building initiatives, including disaster response. Conduct community needs assessments and support the implementation of early recovery and development work. Engage partners for project activities in accordance with UNDP regulations, and support capacity-building efforts for national counterparts and civil society organizations.
• Advise on resource mobilization and partnership development, including the creation of project concept notes and funding proposals. Identify additional partnership and funding opportunities, and provide inputs for communication materials and project reports.
• Represent UNDP in coordination mechanisms and expert bodies in Northern Rakhine as requested, and deputize for the Head of Office when necessary. The incumbent will also manage day-to-day activities of substantive teams and oversee monitoring and evaluation functions within the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in International Development, Environmental Science, or a relevant Social Sciences field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the stated areas with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be considered. The role requires a strong understanding of development programs and project management, particularly in post-conflict contexts, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as International Development, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of community development and resilience-building initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in development program and project management, particularly in post-conflict settings, if the candidate holds a Master's degree. For those with a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of 9 years of experience is required. Candidates should have at least 5 years of management experience in a conflict or post-conflict context, and experience in emergency situations is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNDP programmatic activities and operations, as well as experience in crisis recovery programming, is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The initial appointment is for 12 months, contingent upon successful completion of a probationary period. The position is based in Yangon, Myanmar, and may involve travel to other locations within the country. UNDP emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their background.