outcome XM-DAC-41146-CHN_O_4

Nurturing an empowered workforce and advancing an inclusive UN-Women culture: With its unique and inclusive culture, UN- Women is an employer of choice with a diverse and highly performing cadre of personnel that embodies UN values.

In 2023, UN Women in China further advanced the inclusive culture to empower workforce with a focus on strengthened accountability, capacity building and staff wellbeing. To further strengthen the learning and development to nurture an empowered workforce, the office organized eight brownbag sessions covering the topics on research report, CEDAW and gender mainstreaming, mental health, UNW-UNDP Twin Indices, and business writing skills etc. Five colleagues participated in Quantum ToT training organized by the regional office; and thirteen colleagues participated in dedicated thematic workshops and trainings. A Regional HR Business Partner was invited to China for a three days’ dedicated training on important HR issues. We also made efforts on disability inclusion to promote the value of LNOB principle and organized an interactive learning session on disability inclusion. Our International Programme Management Consultant has been working closely with teams on donor reporting, M&E framework development, work planning and reporting to help build individual staff capacity in these areas. The office ensured timely recruitment and filled vacant positions in line with policies and procedures, including seven Service Contract, one Fixed Term, fourteen consultants (incl. new contract and amendment), four interns, and three UNVs. We developed induction package and standardized induction programme to each new staff and ensured smooth onboarding. Mandatory training was completed with 100%. Performance management, contract management (separation and extension) were timely processed. To resolve the high turnover rate due to the multiple programmes closure in 2023, we adopted extended mission to have the technical support from other Country office, and support staff to share the operations tasks. In line with duty of care, the office exercised maximum flexibility for all staff to be accountable whilst managing personal lives during COVID infection peak wave period in the beginning of the year. When the situation became better, we adjusted and standardized the mechanism of flexible working arrangement to promote work and life balance. The office continued the practice of daily stretch time and the annual office retreat to maintain an engaging working culture. In 2023, the important meeting between UN Women and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Junior Programme Officer (JPO) programme was held for the first time, solidifying astrategic partnership with Chinese government. The office joined the 4 th UN Job Fair held in Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and Xi’an Jiaotong University to introduce UN Women and engage with young Chinese talents, further collaborate with China Scholarship Council on internship/fellowship. UN Women China office continued to collaborate with four MoU Universities to support internship programme and empower young people and promote GEWE.

outcome XM-DAC-41146-CHN_O_5

Effective normative, programmatic and coordination products, services and processes: UN-Women efficiently and effectively discharges of all business processes that advance integrated delivery of its mandate.

In 2023, China office efficiently and effectively manages all business processes that advance integrated delivery of its mandate. We ensured quality production and submission of reports corporately required at all levels and from all business platforms, incl. Enterprise Risk Management, Donor Reporting, Donor Management System, Partner Management System etc. We established and maintained China office local Project Appraisal Committee (LPAC) and developed the standardized checklist and workflow on Pro Docu and partner selection review and approval in line with DoA threshold. In line with corporate cost recovery policy, the office maintained standardized cost recovery budgeting, incl. Direct Project Management Cost (DPMC) to ensure full compliance. (Will attach DPMC cost recovery document in RMS. Furthermore, the Operations Manager of China office greatly contributed to the review and quality assurance of tendering processes for products and services at the capacity of Regional Procurement Contract Review Committee (RPRC) Chairperson and HQ Procurement Contract Review Committee Member. In 2023, 79 number of RPRC cases were reviewed and 8 HQ PRC cases were reviewed.