The Position:

Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Representative and working in a programme team led by the Deputy Representative the incumbent will ensure effective and efficient coordination, programmatic and operational support to UNFPA’s humanitarian programming and response in Mali as relevant, supporting CO in implementing the Country Programme. The thematic focus of the humanitarian support will be centered on Reproductive Health with support to GBV as required by the Gender team, but will also coordinate the country office’s response and planning related to youth and data in the Northern and Central regions (Gao, Tombouctou, Kidal, Mopti, Ségou et Menaka).

Job Purpose:

Mali experienced a multifaceted, complex crisis in 2012 (food insecurity, political turmoil, military coup and war, including terrorism threat) that affected the entire region.   Three-quarters of the country is inaccessible due to armed groups, terrorisms (jihadists), inter-communal conflicts, mines, isolation and lack of infrastructures.  Civilians have suffered from bloody intercommunal clashes and surges in banditry. The greatest security threat remains terrorism, intercommunal conflicts and attacks by radical movements that did not participate in the peace negotiations.

Chronic food insecurity, coupled with conflicts and multiple displacements, make women and girls more vulnerable. They are forced to take extreme risks in searching for food to help their families. They experienced rape and often mass rape by armed and extremist groups during displacement. Many people remain silent after experiencing sexual violence ignoring the risks they face in contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS and unwanted pregnancies. They are also subjected to the psychological abuses linked to rejection and stigmatization in their own communities, especially those with children born as a result of rape. For 2020, 97 women reported with children born as a result of rape are receiving psychosocial support through GBV Sub-Cluster partners.    

The country’s vulnerability to epidemics and natural disasters is also known.  Mali is regularly subject to natural disasters such as droughts and floods. In 2020, more than 7590 people were affected by the floods, 2728 houses collapsed, and 16 people died. 

As of January 15, 2021, the revised humanitarian response plan for 2020 is only 48% funded. Protection cluster/GBV Sub Cluster was only funded at 30%. In addition, in 2021, it is estimated that 11.7M people will be affected by the crisis, of which 5.9M will be in need, including 4.7M to be targeted by humanitarian actors in Mali. The humanitarian response budget for 2021 is being finalized. Added to this is an intensification of internal and cross-border population movements bringing the total number of displaced persons to 311,193 and returnees to 84,473.

The current rapid and serious evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered to have had both a direct and indirect impact on the total population in Mali (7839 cases, deaths 310), in particular women and girls who were already seriously impacted by the conflict are even more vulnerable now during the pandemic. According to UN GBV survey coordinated by UNFPA, these women and girls will not only be at risk for getting the virus themselves, but 50% of them are now affected by domestic violence.

In the year 2020, the country went through a military coup worsening the existing fragile socio-political tensions with an upsurge in demonstrations while the political opposition is more fragmented. Concrete results and cessation of hostilities have not resulted in establishing a humanitarian aid corridor or respect for the humanitarian principles. For example, for over three months, a village of in Ségou region, Farabougou has been stranded by the militia.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in program results.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education: 

Advanced university degree in Humanitarian Assistance, Public Health, Social Sciences, Demography, Gender and/or other related fields.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 7 years of relevant experience preferably in humanitarian affairs, emergency relief management, public health or other related areas, prior experience in region would be an asset
• Experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, humanitarian programming and coordination.
• Proven management, coordination and of programme development skills.
• Analytical and strategic thinking, results oriented, commitment to excellence and able to work efficiently under high pressure.
• Track record of building strategic alliances and partnerships, strong communication and networking skills; strong organizational skills.
• Appropriate and transparent decision making abilities.
• Knowledge and understanding of UN humanitarian relief operations and procedures.
• Good level of emotional intelligence, empathy and conflict management as well as negotiating skills.
• Experience in the UN system would be an asset.

Languages:

Fluency in French and working knowledge of English are required.