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.
UNDP’s Strengthening and Electoral Processes Project has been supporting the Election Commission of Pakistan in realizing its mandate of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections since 2012. The core objective of the project is to strengthen ECP’s institutional capacity through capacity development initiatives, organization of inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogues to develop consensus on electoral reforms, undertaking public outreach including civic and voter education, and enhancing the effectiveness of ECP’s wings dealing with trainings, gender and inclusivity, and research and development (among others). The project also works with national and provincial assemblies with a focus on increasing the capacities of parliamentarians, enhancing the effectiveness of parliamentary caucuses, and strengthening linkages between parliamentarians and their constituents to inform policy making and legislation.
The project is based on the concept of the electoral cycle which addresses both one-off and resource-intensive election support and capacity development for democratic institutions based on a longer-term development agenda within the broader context of democratic governance. This approach therefore emphasizes institutional capacity building of the ECP, and other governance institutions; encourages sustainable electoral policies and the participation of traditionally disadvantaged groups.
In addition to institutional reforms, SELP has an extensive public outreach and civic and voter education component to enhance the participation of vulnerable groups including women, youth, PwDs, and transgender persons in electoral processes. This involves outreach through radio broadcasts, SMS and social media campaigns, and distribution of information material among potential voters. Furthermore, SELP develops regular content for the UNDP website in the form of project updates, human interest stories, and blogs; these are in addition to donor and internal reports shared with counterparts on a regular basis. SELP also supports innovative communications-based work aimed at enhancing linkages between youth and parliamentarian through digital platforms and countering hate speech and elections related disinformation/misinformation through software applications and strategic communications on social media.
In the above context, UNDP is hiring a Project Assistant – Disability Inclusion to support the Strengthening Electoral and Legislative Processes Project (SELP) in research, policy, and resource mobilization support, contract management, and partnership-building support with a focus on the social, political and electoral inclusion of marginalized groups in the electoral process.
Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent will have following duties and responsibilities:
I. Support Project Implementation
- Assist in implementing project activities related to disability inclusion in electoral processes, ensuring tasks are carried out in alignment with the project plan, timelines, and budget through the following activities:
- Assist the project in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and disability advocacy groups, to facilitate the successful implementation of project initiatives.
- Assist in identifying potential risks to the project and support the development of strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring smooth project execution.
- Provide regular updates and support in preparing reports on project progress, documenting key milestones, challenges, and outcomes related to disability inclusion efforts.
II. Assistance in Research, Policy, and Resource Mobilization
- Under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, and direct supervision of Gender Officer, assist in developing and operationalizing research designs focused on the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWwDs) in electoral processes.
- Assist in drafting background thematic concept notes and policy briefs on disability inclusion in electoral and legislative processes.
- Assist in identifying potential partners and funding sources for projects focused on the electoral inclusion of PWDs.
- Document lessons learned, best practices, and case studies related to disability inclusion in elections and disseminate them through appropriate channels.
III. Support Partnership Development and Stakeholder Management
- Development: Assist in Identification and building partnerships with organizations that focus on disability rights and inclusion.
- Support in disseminating high quality knowledge and visibility of the project activities among the relevant stakeholders.
- Maintain regular communication with partners to ensure effective collaboration and progress towards project goals.
- Assist in liaison and develop strong partnerships with all relevant stakeholders including the Government, private sector and other partners (relevant local institutions, academia and CSOs) to ensure smooth implementation of project activities.
IV. Assistance in Project Planning and Monitoring
- Support in perpetration of all project related reporting and writing including weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual report.
- Ensure achievement of project targets as per project plans and M&E framework including close monitoring and handholding of on-ground partner agencies where required.
- Ensure quality of project deliverables in addition to achievement of numbers.
- Assist in organization of timely review and progress meetings with the project partners and ensure timely reporting by on-ground partner/s.
- Assist in effective risk management for the project with a well-documented risk mitigation plan.
- Support meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, exposure visits, evaluations, interviews, etc. in UNDP SELP and document the same for effective project monitoring.
V. Assist in Knowledge Management, Communication and Reporting
- Assist in the preparation of weekly, monthly and quarterly project reports as per templates for the project.
- Assist in documenting case studies and human-interest stories for visibility.
- Maintain organized records of project data, case studies, photographs and other relevant documents in the appointed folder.
Competencies Core
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 Management
- Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks
- Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
2030 Agenda: Peace
- Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights: Inclusive Political Participation
- Governance: Disability inclusion
2030 Agenda: Prosperity
- Inclusive Growth: Adaptive Social Protection
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary education (12th grade) is required, or Bachelor’s Degree in, Social Sciences, Development or equivalent field will be given due consideration
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years (with high school) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible project experience is required in disability inclusion and disability rights.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
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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