UNDP Jobs - 27657- Assistant Resident Representative (Governance)

Assistant Resident Representative (Governance)

Location :

Vientiane, LAO PDR

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Apr-2012

Application Deadline :

03-Feb-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year (Renewable)

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Under the supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (Programme), the Assistant Resident Representative (ARR) (Governance) leads the Governance team in strategic planning designed to enhance the effectiveness of UNDP’s governance activities (Public Administration, Decentralization, Legal Sector, Parliament support, CSO development, anti-corruption). He/she ensures consistency with the UNDAF/Country Programme priorities and creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities.

The ARR (Governance) works in close collaboration with the rest of the UN Country Team so as to ensure integration of all Governance related matters within the UN family.

The ARR (Governance) also works in close collaboration with the operations team in the Country Office (CO), other programme units, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to successfully implement the UNDP programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a member of the CO management team, the ARR (Governance) is responsible for the strategic direction of UNDP programme activities from programme design through implementation and evaluation. The ARR (Governance) leads the UNDP programme with the following expected results in the broad area of governance:

Coordinates and provides substantive contributions from UNDP in the CCA and UNDAF, promotes thematic and sectoral synergies and coordination of programme activities and execution;
Through analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the country, leads the Governance team in programme formulation and networking to ensure a programme which is relevant and responsive to changes in the country context;
Advises Management on governance programme development and delivery, identifies approaches and modalities to achieve development targets;
Focuses on programme results and impact, particularly in institutional and individual capacity building of civil service and the judiciary.

Within the UNDAF Results matrix and the Country Programme, the ARR (Governance) ensures effective management of the Governance Unit and supervision of the unit members (5 professional staff, 2 programme associates, and 1 secretary) focusing on quality control of the full cycle of programming from formulation to implementation and evaluation:

Effectively applies RBM tools, establishment of management targets (BSC) and monitoring achievement of results;
Supervision and strategic guidance to the unit members and project managers;
Provides strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the programme, tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. ARR (Governance) performs the function of Manager Level 2 in Atlas for development projects transactions approval;
Effectively monitors and measures the impact of the CO programme and evaluation. Constantly monitors and analyses the programme environment, readjust programme on a timely manner;
Organizes cost-recovery system for the services provided by the CO to projects in close collaboration with the Operations Manager.

Under the overall guidance and leadership of Management, the ARR (Governance) establishes and maintains strategic partnerships and supports the resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:

Develops and implements the CO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies to achieve programme outcomes;
Creates and coordinates partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society etc.
Determines programmatic areas of cooperation, based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities;
Analyses and researches information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for cost-sharing.

The ARR (Governance) ensures provision of top quality policy advice services to the Government and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Identifies sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identifies, synthesizes and publishes best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals;
Develops policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners;
Makes sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
Organizes trainings and learning events for the operations/projects staff on programme.

The ARR (Governance) promotes the integration of all Governance related matters within the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) focusing on achievement of the following results:

Coordinate actions and liaise with UN Agencies, Resident Coordinator Office and other entities, including Lao institutions and local and nongovernmental actors, members of the diplomatic community, and UN headquarters;
Participate in relevant UN interagency task forces, working groups, and/or theme groups; Makes sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
Acts as Secretary to the UNCT Theme Group on Governance;
Coordinates the development and formulation of joint programmes in the area of governance.

The ARR (Governance) ensures coordination with and provides substantive inputs to the Government-led Sector Working Group on Governance:

Implementation of the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness;
Provision of support and top quality advice to the Government and Development Partners in the definition of key priorities in the area of Governance and benchmarks against which progress can be measured;
Participation in the Sector Working Group meetings.

Impact of Results:

The key results of the work of the Assistant Resident Representative (Governance) impact on the standing and reputation of UNDP in the country. The ARR (Governance) is responsible for daily contact with national counterparts and monitoring of the UNDP programme and for recommendations to Management on necessary course correction in response to changes in the country context and new programme and resource mobilization opportunities.

When requested by Management, the ARR represents UNDP in international and national fora, liaises with external clients and a broad range of constituencies and UNDP counterparts in the Government, local and international media, civil society as well as counterparts from other international organizations. The ARR promotes good cooperation and coordination among programme and operations staff and between the CO and Government counterparts. The ARR ensures strong coordination with the UN Country Team. The ARR ensures assessment and analysis of governance targets’ achievement.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
In-depth practical knowledge of governance and inter-disciplinary development issues;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas related to governance, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside of UNDP.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources;
Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery;
Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Remains clam, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s) in political science, public administration, public policy, international development, or other relevant field.

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years experience in development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization or a relevant field in a multi-cultural setting;
Substantive knowledge of UNDP Practice areas, particularly governance including public administration, parliamentary democracy, justice, decentralization and human rights with respect to capacity building for democratic governance, service delivery and poverty reduction.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required and excellent writing skills is essential;
Working knowledge of French/Lao (written and verbal) is desirable.