Project Coordinator for the Women in Informal Cross Border Trade

The United Nations Women (UN Women) research revealed that Women in Informal Cross Border Trade (WICBT) sector has received limited attention from policy makers and currently faces serious challenges that involve inter alia: lack of finance; information and management skills; unfair competition from larger business; lack of storage facilities; cross border problems; lack of proper trading places/markets and capital equipment. The above challenges were underpinned by the International Organization for Migration which in their research highlighted challenges which include but not limited to: extended periods of time spent in HIV transmission areas; lack of accommodation; lack of HIV prevention services at locations frequented by informal cross boarder traders and gender inequalities. In a bid to arrest the challenges enshrined above UN Women will support the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade (Small to Medium Enterprise – SMMEs Unit) to implement a Women in Informal Cross Border Trade Project (WICBT) in Swaziland. Through research, capacity building, advocacy, networking, policy dialogue, public private partnership, value chain analysis and knowledge development the project will increase the visibility of WICBT and highlight their special contribution to employment creation and to the national economy. Specific projects will be identified so that WICBT are supported to participate in the value chain (accessing raw materials, production, processing, packaging markets and exporting). This project will demonstrate quantifiable results for WICBT on increased profits, quality and volume of production and exports. The establishment of a WICBT structure will also be supported through this project so that WICBT issues are prioritized and effectively placed on the agenda of policy makers as well as that of economic empowerment, poverty reduction and trade facilitation institutions and processes. The project identified priority sectors to address challenges for WICBT such as health, finance and infrastructure The main objective is to ensure effective and flexible coordination and implementation of the project, inter alia by ensuring that the beneficiaries are well involved in all project activities etc. Project Outputs: Enhance capacities of government departments to use gender tools and analyze policies, legislation, strategies, budgets, programmes and projects to include WICBT issues; Strengthen data collection on WICBT in order to inform policy, budgets, legislation and programmes; Networks for WICBT created or strengthened; Enhance capacities for service providers of health, financial and infrastructure to deliver quality services to WICBT.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure the effective and flexible coordination and implementation of the project; Ensure that the beneficiaries are well involved in all project activities; In cooperation with the MOCIT ensure effective administration and financing of the project; Provide technical and administrative support to the implementation of the project; Facilitate policy dialogue around WICBT between women organizations and policymakers in order to ensure that WICBT issues are mainstreamed in the policies, programmes, processes and budgets; Consult with UN Women on expected results and build capacities of key stakeholders on results based reporting and ensure that indicators are addressed; Develop terms of reference for the project steering committee, the WICBT association to be established, and other structures as identified by the project; Work with UNDP in effective and efficient management, and administration of the project Methodology: Engage in team based activities within the organization and with partners as necessary; Hold meetings with UN WOMEN, other UN agencies, women’s organizations, donor agencies; Participate in various meetings and gatherings as would be necessary to facilitate the work process; Read relevant documents coordinate and manage project information sharing as necessary. Expected Individual Outputs: The success of the project manager will be assessed by the delivery of project outputs. In addition, he/she will be expected: To compile monthly work plan and progress report; To draft the final project coordinator`s report outlining achievements, problems and challenges as well as opportunities for UN WOMEN to follow through; Submit final report with recommendations to UNDP and UN WOMEN.

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Treats all people fairly without favoritism; ability to provide top quality policy advice services on related issues; Ability to lead formulation of strategies and their implementation; ability to negotiate with internal units; Excellent drafting and presentation skills; Ability to plan and organize work programmes; Strong IT skills; Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback; Good team player and ability for conflict resolution; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Postgraduate degree in Social Science or related field. Experience: Strong experience in training and capacity building on women’s’ economic empowerment; Knowledge and experience on gender responsive budgets, donor, reporting, monitoring and evaluation- essential; Proven record of coordination and mobilisation resources for projects; Proven skills in participatory approaches to planning and programming; Strong analytical ability; Computer literacy, in particular experience with Microsoft Office products; Knowledge of the government system and government procedures is an added advantage. Language Requirements: Excellent speaking and writing skills in English and SiSwati and with experience in writing project documents. Other: Good health; and availability to travel both internally and externally.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Project Coordinator for the Women in Informal Cross Border Trade