Project Analyst - Peacebuilding Cluster

Five years since the establishment of the BARMM, the Bangsamoro peace process stands at a critical juncture. While there have been significant gains in the implementation of both the Political Transition and Normalization tracks of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the situation on the ground continues to be marked by some risks and vulnerabilities. Key challenges and opportunities related to strengthening post-conflict governance, supporting normalization processes and enhancing community stability mark the remaining months until the end of the Bangsamoro transition period in 2025.

While the peace agreement has notably contributed to the decline in conflict between state security forces and the Moro revolutionary groups, tensions remain and  conflict actors are slowly gaining traction. Key issues driving conflict in the BARMM include (1) rido or feuds between and among families or clans, (2) land, territory or resource-based conflicts, (3) political rivalry/election-related conflicts, (4) illicit economy such as drugs trade, (5) violent extremism, (6) conflict legacies, such as human rights violations, intergroup polarization and historical injustice. Despite the above risks and vulnerabilities, there are also key opportunities arising from recent developments in the region. These include the (1) passage of some of Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s priority codes, (2) adoption of the Bangsamoro Plan of Action for Community Resilience and strengthening of barangay-level governance and peacebuilding under the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, (3) launching of the Bangsamoro Regional Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security for 2023-2028, (4) establishment of the School of Peace and Democracy-Bangsamoro and active engagement of MILF leaders at the base commands level through collaboration with the Peace, Security and Reconciliation Office, (5) establishment of early warning, prevention and response mechanisms by regional institutions such as the Ministry of Public Order and Safety, PSRO and MILG, (6) strengthening of CSO movements advocating for social cohesion, reconciliation and peacebuilding, and (7) agenda formulation and organizing of minority groups for protection and promotion of rights and welfare.

With support from the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, the Programme on Stabilization, Peacebuilding and Resilience in the Bangsamoro (PROSPER-Bangsamoro) will help strengthen the capacities of BARMM and local government institutions for meaningful and inclusive self-governance, and also respond to perceptions of exclusion and grievances among communities and groups in marginalized and vulnerable situations. PROSPER-Bangsamoro will contribute to efforts on conflict transformation to bridge and deepen initiatives to effectively address the needs, hopes and aspirations of communities and groups who lie at the heart of the Bangsamoro peace process. PROSPER-Bangsamoro will also support the delivery of peace dividends through socio-economic development initiatives, such as sustainable livelihoods and enterprise development, and linking with BARMM regional institutions, LGU, private sector and development partners to unlock financing to complement socio-economic development and community empowerment initiatives for targeted communities.

In implementing PROSPER-Bangsamoro, the project will partner with Bangsamoro regional and local government institutions as well as civil society organizations and local social formations representing groups in marginalized and vulnerable situations in the region, such as women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and former combatants. The project will also actively coordinate with national government agencies and peace mechanisms in the design and implementation of some components of PROSPER-Bangsamoro. Building on the networks established and strengthened under the previous conflict-prevention and peacebuilding programmes supported by Australian Embassy and implemented by UNDP Philippines, PROSPER-Bangsamoro will work with women peacebuilders and mediators, youth advocates, Indigenous Peoples representatives, and graduates of the School of Peace and Democracy-Bangsamoro. As such, PROSPER-Bangsamoro will need to hire a Project Analyst to assist the Project Manager in the implementation of the activities mentioned above.

The Project Analyst will be directly responsible for successfully completing the below set of tasks within allotted, agreed-upon time frames.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Team Leader of the Peace and Stabilization Programme Team and through the direct supervision of the Project Manager of the Peacebuilding Cluster, the Project Analyst will be tasked to deliver distinct outputs of the project, to ensure quality implementation--from design, budgeting, organizing, and monitoring, and evaluation.

Ensures administration and implementation of Project activities:  

• Work with the Project Team in the identification, preparation, implementation, review and adjustments in the overall project implementation strategies, Annual Work and Financial Plans, Monitoring and Evaluation Plans, and Communications Plans; 
• Participates in the analysis and development of proposals on the assigned thematic areas; 
• Presentation of information / reports for identification of areas for support and interventions; 
• Supports the implementation of the CO partnerships and resource mobilization strategies, and in the preparation of various reports.

Provides effective support and contributes to the efficient management of the Project: 

• Presentation of thoroughly researched information for the preparation of project document drafts, work plans, budgets, low-value agreements, proposals on implementing arrangements; 
• Initiation of a project, contribute to presentation of the project to the PAC, entering project into various electronic platforms (such as but not limited to UNall, or Quantum), finalization of contribution agreements, preparation of required budget revisions, and closure of projects through review; 
• Participation in Local Project Appraisal Committee (LCAP) and Contracts, Assets and Procurement Committee (CAP); 
• Analyses and submits procurement processes to CAP; Provision of guidance to executing agencies on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources; 
• Follow-up on performance indicators / success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation of reports; 
• Contribution to operational and substantive analysis of project financial resources, identification of operational and financial problems and development of solutions.

Contribute to coordinated, coherent and efficient workflow processes for smooth implementation of the project: 

• Contribute to the announcement of review of project proposals submitted by local CSOs and partners; preparation of grant agreements and/or procurement contracts with partner organizations, as needed; 
• Assist in planning and implementation of capacity building or consultation activities, including engaging relevant expertise, dissemination of invitations, preparation of agenda, minutes, and other relevant documents for project activities and events;
• In cooperation with other team members ensure the development of Terms of References for needed consultancies; 
• Support the team in comprehensive and timely reporting as well as monitoring of risks and opportunities; ensure donor and UNDP visibility in all activities performed under the project; 
• Perform workflow processes in full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as ensure effective internal controls.

Manages the provision of administrative and financial support to the project: 

• Guidance in the elaboration of proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of financial reports;
• Guidance in the maintenance of the internal expenditures control system, which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed; transactions are correctly recorded and posted in UNall or Quantum; 
• Timely monitoring and execution of corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions and unapproved vouchers.

Contributes to the creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of resource mobilization: 

• Assist the Project Manager in managing partnerships toward the effective, efficient and timely implementation of project activities; 
• Analysis of information on donors, preparation of donor’s profile and database, establishment of contacts with donor counterparts; 
• Tracking and reporting on mobilized resources; Liaison with donor and partner counterparts on the implementation of common initiatives and projects.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results: 

• Organization and facilitation of trainings for the programme / project personnel; 
• Synthesis of Lessons Learnt and Best Practices from the Project’s implementation; 
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

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