Mission and objectivesUNDP is the UNโs global development network, an organization that advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help build resilient nations and improve the livelihoods of people. UNDP Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government development frameworks to boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambian National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 โ 2021 which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063. To deliver on its mandate, UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, support to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, support to national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues.
ContextIn The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambiaโs Recovery Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP 2023-2027), which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Unionโs Agenda 2063. To deliver on its mandate, UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, support to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, support to national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues to ensure no one is left behind. UNDP The Gambia, with funding from the Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB), is implementing a project on Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Peace in The Gambia through the Holistic Empowerment of Women and Youth (2025-2026). The overall objective of the project is to contribute to sustainable peace by holistically empowering women and youth. This includes mitigating the risk of drug abuse exposure, enhancing their resilience against external shocks through innovative livelihood improvements, and promoting increased participation of women and youth in peace and security initiatives. The Gambia faces multifaceted challenges that threaten sustainable peace and security. The 2024 Conflict and Development Analysis Report highlights economic vulnerability and the drug crisis as key drivers of violence and instability. Ethnic, religious, and political polarisation โrooted in the countryโs nascent democracyโexacerbates these issues. This division hinders effective governance and limits collaboration among diverse communities, which is essential for fostering inclusive economic development. Women and youth are the most affected by these challenges. Recognizing the interconnectedness of economic vulnerability, drug abuse, and peace, the project adopts a holistic approach to address the multidimensional needs of women and youth for sustainable peace and development. The project aligns strategically with the National Action Plan (NAP) for Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and the NAP for Women, Peace and Security (WPS). The projectโs specific objectives are: (i) enhancing the participation of women and youth in peace and security initiatives to contribute to inclusive and sustainable peacebuilding, (ii) strengthening the capacity of women and youth in community-based enterprises within agriculture to promote inclusive economic growth for sustainable peace, and (iii) establishing and empowering youth-led initiatives to effectively prevent and reduce drug abuse, thereby contributing to improved community well-being and sustainable peace.
Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Inclusive Growth Team Leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Ensure effective management of the Project and supervision of the team, focusing on quality control of the full programme cycle to achieve the following results: a. Lead the development of Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and ensure alignment with UNDPโs Standard Operating Procedures; b. Ensure achievement of the overall aims and objectives of the project through day-to-day planning and implementing envisaged project activities; c. Ensure overall accountability of the use of project funds as well as the strict and consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations in all programme operations; d. Ensure that the project produces the results specified in the project documents to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost; e. Ensure effective application of results - based management (RBM); Implement comprehensive monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track project progress, identifying lessons learned and adapting strategies accordingly ensuring compliance with UNDPโs M&E requirements for reporting on project results. The Project Manager should ensure that all project staff understand and comply with these requirements; f. Undertake regular project site visits to ensure implementation and receive first-hand feedback from beneficiaries. Where possible, site visits should be done in collaboration with relevant partners and stakeholders; g. Prepare timely donor and other project reports focused on capturing results, lessons learned and good practices for possible wider application. The Project Manager is expected to develop a framework for timely and efficient dissemination of information among stakeholders; h. Constantly monitor, and ensure the highest UNDP standards in the provision of technical and advisory inputs, organization of workshops, training, and delivery of outputs; i. Provide strategic guidance, coordination and supervision to project staff as well as national and international experts or consultants in the delivery of assigned tasks; j. Enhance coordination and foster collaboration with relevant colleagues in the Inclusive Growth and Governance Clusters, by adopting the portfolio approach. The Project Manager is expected to convene regular cross-cluster meetings with the project team; k. Act as the Secretary of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and ensure execution of their recommendations; l. Liaise with the PSC and UNDP to assure the overall direction and integrity of the project and Project administration; m. Manage and monitor the project risks as initially identified, submit new risks to the PSC for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; update the status of these risks by maintaining the Project Risks Log; n. Update the Quantum Project Management module as required; o. Facilitate the submission of timely reports to the donor as required; p. Assist in all audits to ensure that requested documentation and information is provided as required. 2. Provide top-quality policy advisory services to the Country Office, Government and project partners: a. Provide top quality and substantive inputs to project documents, reports, concept notes and other strategic documents, considering national and global trends on policies and development issues related to gender and youth sensitive peacebuilding, and economic empowerment of women and youth; b. Provide specialised advice on holistic approaches to empowering women and youth, and linkages between peace, security and economic vulnerability; d. Support the government in the implementation of The Gambiaโs National Action Plans on Youth, Peace and Security, and Women, Peace and Security; e. Facilitate coordination with the Peacebuilding Unit at the Ministry of Interior, existing local peace structures and Local Authorities to encourage holistic, youth and gender sensitive peacebuilding approaches at the local level; f. Facilitate coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, and provide support to enhance the capacities of women and youth in agriculture, helping to address economic vulnerability and food insecurity and contributing to the long-term goals of peace, stability and resilient communities; g. Advocate for mainstreaming gender and youth empowerment in all country office initiatives and with partners. 3. Undertake strategic partnership management: a. Enhance and maintain partnership between The Gambia and Japan through regular communication and reporting on the project; b. Facilitate a knowledge exchange workshop between Gambian and Japanese youth to promote youth interest in agriculture; c. Lead and support project networking, linkages and partnerships with international organisations, other UN agencies and development partners; d. Actively cultivate and strengthen relationships with government, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders through constructive dialogue, to build synergies and maximise impact; e. Oversee the effective communication of results and enhance project visibility amongst national stakeholders as well as the international community. 4. Knowledge Management and other tasks: a. Identify, document and disseminate good practices, case studies and lessons learned on women and youth empowerment, WPS and YPS to inform future interventions; b. Maintain a repository of project knowledge and resources that can be accessed by staff and partners; c. Contribution to knowledge networks and communities of practice; d. Participate in ad hoc working groups and thematic groups on cross-cutting themes, and to missions related to UNDP objectives. 5. Preliminary Documentation for Closure of project: a. Preparing Final Project Review Reports and follow-on actions for the Project and Outcome Board; b. Managing the transfer of project deliverables, documents, files, equipment and materials to national beneficiaries; c. Prepare final CDR/FACE for signature by UNDP and the Implementing Partner. 6. Perform any other tasks which may be assigned by the UNDP Country Office.
Competencies and valuesProfessionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organizationโs interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations: ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues. Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment Planning and organising: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards UNDPโs mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Living conditions and remarksThe successful candidate will be based in Banjul, the capital. Banjul is a Family Duty Station. The Gambia is situated at the tip of the West African coast and has a total surface area of approximately 10,360 square kilometres. Apart from the 48 km stretch at the Atlantic Ocean, The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal. The climate is Sudano-Sahelian, which consists of a short hot rainy season from July to September and a cooler dry season from October to June. The Gambia, a low-income country with a lot of opportunities and challenges. The Gambia has a total population of over 2 million. English is the official language. Mandinka, Fula and Wolof are the main local languages most widely used in the country. The Gambia is relatively peaceful, and the people are warm and friendly. The entire country is in security level 2 โ Low. All amenities, national or international, (food, clothing, restaurants) are available in the country. There are various international telecommunications systems, easy access to the internet and modern banking facilities. Public transportation is affordable and accessible. The country is peaceful, but individuals should be always alert and take necessary security precautions. Over 90% of The Gambiaโs population are Muslims. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in a developing country like the Gambia, are essential. The Gambia is referred to as the smiling coast of Africa due to the friendly nature of the people. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.