UNDP and UNOPS will work on support to Iraqi Civil Society under project, funded by the Government of Denmark, “Empowering CSOs in Iraq”. UNDP will work on empowering CSOs to effectively monitor Government’s compliance with due process and transparency, civic and human rights and service delivery.
UNDP will build the capacity of chosen CSOs to hold the Government accountable in the areas of Service Delivery, Corruption, Human Rights and Civil Rights. UNOPS – Iraq Operations Center (IQOC) will implement under the same project a component on developing policy document on cooperation between Kurdistan Parliament in Iraq and Civil Society in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Through this project UNOPS will support Iraqi civil society in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to build and formalize its relationship with public authorities, based on principles of mutual recognition, participation and accountability. In addition to that, in 2012 UNOPS will continue implementation of project “Iraqi Civil Society Empowerment” which, among other issues, focuses on development of enabling legal framework for NGOs in Iraq, including Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
UNDP, UNOPS Partnership:
In response to the above context, UNDP and UNOPS have developed a programme partnership, which will help to streamline and coordinate implementation of the project “Empowering CSOs in Iraq” and “Compact between Public Authorities and Civil Society and Iraq”. Based on the partnership arrangements the projects will work under a joint Steering Committee and will be managed by a UNOPS Programme Manager funded through UNOPS EU funded project and by the UNDP Programme Advisor. A project Specialist will be funded through project “Empowering CSOs in Iraq” and will support implementation of the both projects.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions:
Provision of technical support and advice for the Implementation of The Projects, including monitoring of project activities
Provision of programme support for the implementation of The Projects, including reporting to the Projects Donors
Provision of technical and strategic inputs in the building of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy of CSO portfolio
Provision of advice and assistance to the UNDP Participatory Governance sub-cluster coordinator and UNOPS programme manager in all other matters, as requested
Provision of technical support and advice for the implementation of The Projects, as assigned, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Work with the Country Office (CO) in the implementation and monitoring of The Projects, ensuring participation and coordination with relevant CO units and making use of available information on donors’ priorities for Iraq.
Work with other UN agencies and Iraqi counterparts to support the implementation of the multidisciplinary Projects. Support the identification of Iraqi and international executing and implementing agencies or competitively selected contractors to implement, monitor and evaluate projects/programmes.
Advise the UNDP Participatory Governance sub-cluster coordinator and UNOPS programme manager to ensure that the projects supporting CSOs in Iraq incorporate both Iraqi and international best practices and principles, with an eye towards ensuring adherence to international principles of integrity.
Provide technical inputs for the effective implementation of The Projects through developing work plans, objectives, and plans for monitoring and evaluation of the process, and resolving all challenges that arise in the process.
Identify risks and challenges to the ongoing operations of The Projects and provide advice to the UNDP Participatory Governance sub-cluster coordinator and UNOPS programme manager on mitigation strategies.
Advise on the preparation of project implementation activities and selection of implementing partners such as government institutions, service providers, and NGOs. Provide analytical inputs for assessing calls for bids and for proposals and selection of implementing partners within the UNDP contractual framework for project activity implementation. Design the scope of works and TORs for the bids and call for proposals.
Advise the UNDP Participatory Governance sub-cluster coordinator and UNOPS programme manager on progress and, where relevant, additional needs in relation to the project implementation and follow up activities.
Provision of programme support for the implementation of The Projects, focusing on the following actions and achievement of the following results:
Provide support for monitoring the overall progress and performance of The Projects by ensuring proper planning, benchmarking and target setting (substantively and financially).
Continuously assess the implementation of The Projects though field visits and monitoring missions.
Support the preparation of work plans, monitoring, and reporting on project achievements.
Support the UNDP Participatory Governance sub-cluster coordinator and UNOPS programme manager to ensure accurate and timely reporting on the progress of projects with a specific focus on the activities and funds utilized. Ensure that reports are provided to donors according to UNDP’s contractual obligations.
In close coordination with the UNDP Participatory Governance sub-cluster coordinator and UNOPS programme manager, provide technical and strategic inputs in the building of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy of the CSO portfolio and the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:
Identify areas of cooperation and coordination with other UN Agencies for the implementation of CSO initiatives.
Participate and contribute to the global democratic governance practices, incl. by providing inputs to CoP networks and participating to CoP meetings.
Identify opportunities for the development of CSO work in Iraq and provide support for resource mobilization and partnership building.
Prepare donor and communications briefings for the Governance Team Leader, the UNDP Participatory Governance sub-cluster coordinator and UNOPS programme manager and the CO to enable them to mobilize the resources necessary for the support of the Projects.
Assist and advise the UNDP Participatory Governance sub-cluster coordinator and UNOPS programme manager in all other matters as requested and perform other tasks as required.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
Ethics and Values
Organizational Awareness
Developing and Empowering People / Coaching and Mentoring
Working in Teams
Communicating Information and Ideas
Self-management and Emotional intelligence
Conflict Management / Negotiating and Resolving Disagreements
Knowledge Sharing / Continuous Learning
Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making
Functional Competencies:
People Skills:
Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others;
Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent, and credible behavior;
Respect individual/cultural differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork;
Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process.
Partnering and Networking:
Initiates and sustains relationships with key constituents (internal /external /bilateral/ public/ private/ NGO);
Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.
Results-Orientation:
Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals;
Generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations.
Communication:
Formulates written information clearly and persuasively;
Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences.
Job Knowledge and Expertise:
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to deal with a range of complex social development issues;
Research and writing skills including relevant experience in establishing mechanisms for participatory governance;
In-depth practical knowledge and experience in capacity development/training approaches;
Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
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 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 calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Masters degree in one of the social sciences or international relations and political science or related degree.
Experience:
At least 5 years of relevant experience in civil society and/or democratic governance based work.
Demonstrated ability to prepare project proposals and administer budgets/resources/people.
5 or more years of experience within an International organization, preferably UN, working on governance and project management issues.
Demonstrated ability in working on development projects.
Knowledgeable of democratic and participatory governance issues and approaches in post-conflict countries.
Experience working in a developing country (other that one’s own) in a developmental capacity.
Experience and knowledge of UN financial, human resources, procurement, management and general operations policies, an asset.
Experience working in a multi-cultural and/or international work environment.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English.
Knowledge of Arabic will be an asset
Important Note:
Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.
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.
