Collective Action Platform Associate

Honiara, Solomon Islands
negotiable Expires in 6 days

JOB DETAIL

Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnerships with the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and with the financial support from European Union (EU) has designed a four-year (2022-2025) project to unlock the potential of informal economy for inclusive growth. The informal economy is a dominant feature of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of (ACP countries), representing a significant share of the economy and employment in the respective countries. Despite providing employment and income opportunities for many, informal economy employment is generally characterized by low productivity, low income, and high levels of poverty.

The project will be implemented in partnerships with different key stakeholders including International Labor Organization (ILO).  It adopts various innovative approaches such as an ecosystem development approach at various levels.

The project has developed a coco sector mapping report and road map that will be supported to promote  structuring collective action engaging different stakeholders, and mobilise their collective resources, including their expertise, and where possible in-kind or financial resources, to address the critical ecosystem gaps identified. Aggregators and other relevant technical institutions (research institutions, technical agencies

UNDP Solomon Islands is looking for the services of a national Collective Action Platform Associate to support the functioning of the Cocoa Sub-Sector Collective Action Platform. The Platform Associate will be responsible for coordination of stakeholders to support implementation of activities of the platform including implementation, monitoring of the platform action plan, and mobilizing additional resources. S/he is expected to be knowledgeable about multi-stakeholder coordination, have a good understanding of the country’s agriculture sector with focus on the cocoa sub-sector landscape and experiences in dealing with key public and private stakeholders and have technical knowledge on private sector development and engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Platform Associate will be reporting to the National Project Coordinator
Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Solomon Islands Country Manager/Deputy Resident Representative and the direct supervision of the National Project Coordinator and platform stakeholders, the Platform Associate will be responsible for facilitating the collective action platform activities, provide secretariat services, support partnerships and resources mobilization with the following key tasks:

Ensure effective coordination and support partnerships management

  • Undertake platform secretariat activities to operationalize (planning, implementation, partnership management, document management) the platform and ensure that the platform is operational/ functioning including the governance structure, partnership agreements, vision, and collaborative action plan.
  •  Promote and advocate for the development / strengthening platform; and act as a first point of contact for platform stakeholders.
  • Establishes, promotes, and build effective partnerships through regular interactions with project stakeholders and share information transparently across the whole network, including by updating the platform website and coordination.
  • Ensure engagement of the cocoa platform stakeholders in the planning and implementation of platform activities; with a view to strengthening and implementing recommended sector strengthening approaches.
  • Develop concept notes for platform activities, and Terms of Reference (ToRs) for consultants as may be required.
  • Proactively engage with regulators and key stakeholders to improve the enabling environment to deliver platform development and expansion opportunities.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

  • Monitor the work of the platform against the collaborative action plan, follow up to ensure successful implementation of platform activities, and hold platform members accountable for the delivery of work plan’s outputs.
  • Develop platform technical reporting mechanisms and prepare platform progress reports.
  • Organize annual reviews of the performance of the platform based on the agreed-upon interventions
  • Identify and support development and dissemination of knowledge products, best practices and lessons learnt from the platform and platform activities.
  • In collaboration with stakeholder contribute to the Learning outcomes as per the donor requirements.
  • Monitor the implementation of decisions made by the platform stakeholders.

Provision of effective administrative support to achieve the following in close consultation with the National Project Coordinator:

  • Facilitate travel and  and logistical arrangements for workshops, trainings, visiting missions and field visits.
  • Timely provision of support to procure goods and services required by the project, in liaison with relevant staff of UNDP.
  • Review of financial reports, vendor’s approval in Quantum, preparation of non-PO invoices.
  • Maintain the internal expenditures control system to ensure that invoices processed are matched and completed,transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Quantum.
  • Make timely corrective actions on unposted invoices,including the invoices with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved invoices.
  • Creation of requisitions in Quantum for projects, registration of goods receipt in Quantum.
  • Making budget check for requisitions, Purchase Orders and invoices.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies
Core competencies:
  • Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
  • Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
  • Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
  • Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
  • Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
  • Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy

  • Negotiation and Influence. Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates ‘win-win’ situations.

Business Management

  • Partnerships Management. Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
  • Communication. Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Innovations

  • Innovation ecosystem curation. Ability to identify key players in an ecosystem, engage with them and mobilise them to build a community and over time a movement around a common mission that can bring about changes at the system level. Ability to give sense of purpose and build trust, develop programmes of activities and platforms to build and strengthen relationships.

External Relations & Advocacy

  • Private Sector Engagement. Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector and CSOs
    External Relations & Advocacy    CSO engagement    Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Secondary education is required, or
  • University Degree in Development, Economics, Business Administration, or Agriculture or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement
Experience:
  • Minimum of 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in the private sector or the broader agriculture sector, the cocoa sub sector with knowledge of the relevant stakeholders.
  • Proven experience in strong network with the participating stakeholders and ability to play a neutral role and resolve conflicts.
  • Experience of working in different political and cultural contexts and the commitment to adapt the processes to the current context;
  • Demonstrated experience in excellent collaborative work style and understanding of multi-sectoral environments, including public and private sector needs;
  • Experience with UN or other international organizations is an advantage.
  • At least 5 years of relevant experience in private sector development is an asset
  • Good familiarity with agriculture sector and the cocoa sub-sector of the Solomon Islands, including knowledge of relevant stakeholders is desired.

Required languages:

  • Fluency in English and Solomon Island Pigin is required.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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Solomon Islands, Honiara

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