UN Volunteers is currently accepting applications for a Revolving Fund Based Credit Scheme Expert post with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Beijing. This scheme constitutes a self-sustainable source of funding for projects generating employment opportunities for refugees and their host communities. In 2003 and 2004, UNHCR's involvement will consist in providing guidance to the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) and the Office for the Reception and Settlement of Indo-Chinese Affairs (ORSIR) located in the six provinces in the management of the fund as well as in the selection and evaluation of RFBCS projects.

This assignment will be located in the UNCHR office in Beijing, and is for a contract of 17 months. The RFBCS Expert will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer and under the overall direction of the Regional Representative. The RFBCS is expected to undertake frequent missions to the six provinces hosting Vietnamese refugees. S/He will be responsible for the following:

1. Provide technical support to the Ministry of Civil Affairs concerning the management of the revolving fund;
2. Assess the feasibility of new project proposals that request a loan to the RFBCS through the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and analyse loan submissions to ensure that all criteria are met and that feasibility studies were carried out;
3. Monitor on-going projects that received loans from the RFBCS, identify late payers and propose remedy actions;
4. Evaluate projects that are completed and draw lessons so as to improve the management of the RFBCS and the technical parameters of the Agreement on the Management Framework of the RFBCS;
5. Ensure that target groups benefit from the loans provided through the RFBCS;
6. Ensure that Financial and Implementation Situation Reports are sent by the MCA to UNHCR on the agreed deadlines, and analyse achievements and constraints;
7. Develop mechanisms to enhance local capacity building, through organising training workshops or identifying outside training opportunities which would be relevant to project directors, farm directors, ORSIR and MCA staff;
8. Update, on a regular basis, the UNHCR database on loans provided under the RFBCS and analyse the financial situation and impact of the loans;
9. Develop, in collaboration with the Programme Officer and the Regional Representative, an exit strategy towards the phase out of UNHCR's involvement with the RFBCS, and identify mechanisms for timely hand over to the MCA;
10. Perform other tasks that may be assigned by the Regional Representative.

The selected candidate must possess the following qualifications:

University degree or equivalent in Economics/Planning with 2 to 3 years experience in employment activities, vocational training, small business or development projects. Fluency in English. Knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin or another Chinese dialect) highly desirable.

The incumbent will have the ability to establish and maintain appropriate working relations with Chinese, communicate effectively and be sensitive to cultural differences. Skills in training are desirable.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to unv.china@undp.org. The deadline for applications is August 8, 2003.

Please note that only those candidates short listed for an interview will be contacted.