UNDP Jobs - 31314- Technical Specialist, UNDP GOAL-WASH

TECHNICAL SPECIALIST, UNDP GOAL-WASH
Location :	Monrovia, LIBERIA
Application Deadline :	26-Jul-12
Additional Category	Management
Type of Contract :	TA International
Post Level :	P-4
Languages Required :	English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)	01-Sep-2012
Duration of Initial Contract :	6 Months
Background
Water governance in Liberia is currently characterized by a multitude of responsibilities between different government ministries/agencies and entities. This originates from a background of gravely inadequate water and sanitation services in both urban and rural districts. Towards this end, a framework for a more coherent institutional structure was recently approved , which proposed the establishment of a National Water Resources and Sanitation Board (NWRSB) under the aegis of the Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy (MoLME). This Board will have representations from the key ministries involved in delivering Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS). A Water Supply and Sanitation Commission (WSSC) which is expected to be the workhorse in the overall structure will report to the Board. The WSSC will, as stated in the WSS Policy Document (April, 2009), perform a regulatory function under the oversight of the National Water Resources and Sanitation Board (NWRSB), and will amongst other activities: Promote the rights of access to basic water supply and sanitation; Set standards and norms for consumer service standards, Regulate tariffs charged to consumers; Issue Water Services Provider Licenses; Promote private sector / public-private partnerships; Promote National Water Laws and Policies; Ensure the preparation of and compliance with quality of service (quantity and quality of water delivered to the consumers). The WSSC will also be in a position to drive further institutional development which should ideally culminate in the establishment of a dedicated Water Resources and Environment Ministry. It is envisaged that the WSSC will be staffed by “eminent experts in the fields of Water, Sanitation, Environment, Economy, Finance, Law, Sociology, and Public Health who will regulate all activities related to Tariffs, Licenses, PPPs, Service Standards, and Water Laws compliance, to be appointed by the President”. The WSSC is therefore at the centre of the proposed reforms for the governance and management of the water sector. As yet it remains to be constituted.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (Programme), the Technical Specialist will closely liaise and provide the technical and operational advice to the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy (MoLME) and the Ministry of Public Works to ensure that the National Water Supply and Hygiene Promotion Committee (NWSHPC) and the WSSC are successfully institutionalized and effectively implemented. To this end, the Technical Specialist will: Provide technical advice on the establishment of the NWRSB and develop its annual workplan in accordance with the Executive Order; Develop an annual agenda, updated monthly, for the NWSHPC that will drive the delivery of the commitments in the Liberia WASH Compact and the Sector Strategic Plan Lobby for the establishment, by Executive Order of The President of Liberia, of the WSSC Interact with government and donors to secure and mobilize funding and other financial support for the NWSHPC & WSSC; Provide technical advice to give WSS a higher priority in national budget and donor financing through intensifying sector advocacy. Advise on water and sanitation-specific advocacy activities, especially for the establishment of a specific budget line for sanitation and hygiene. Develop sector promotional materials and assist branches of government in preparing WSS budget proposals. Advise on and assist with the recruitment of appropriate personnel to staff the NWSHPC & the WSSC - Establish a work programme for the WSSC, including a schedule of key deliverables; In conjunction with other actors in the sector ensure that a rational system of reporting on the national state of WSS is in place; Actively promote advocacy and awareness-raising of the importance of safe water and sanitation in a water-rich but rapidly urbanizing country; Review the scope and mandate of the WSSC; Advise in the preparation of Liberia’s Compact II Joint Mission Provide quarterly progress report to UNDP through the Energy and Environment Unit Assist in resource mobilization in support of WSSC. Coordinate with relevant UN Agencies especially UNICEF in delivering as one UN. IMPACT OF RESULTS: The key results have an impact on the functioning of the National Water Supply and Hygiene Promotion Committee and establishment of the Water Supply and Sanitation Commission and on UNDP’s support to the enhancement of water governance in Liberia.
Competencies
Functional Competencies: Building Partnerships Identifying and building partnerships Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build alliances Sensitizes UN Partners, donors and other international organizations to the UNDP’s strategic agenda, identifying areas for joint efforts Develops positive ties with civil society to build/strengthen UNDP’s mandate Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners Displays initiative, sets challenging outputs for him/herself and willingly accepts new work assignments Takes responsibility for achieving agreed outputs within set deadlines and strives until successful outputs are achieved Promotes UNDP’s agenda in inter-agency meetings Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing Developing tools and mechanisms Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches Participates in the development of mechanisms, including identifying new approaches to promote individual and organizational learning and knowledge sharing using formal and informal methodologies Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise In-depth knowledge of own discipline Understands advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments Conceptual Innovation in the provision of Technical Expertise Developing innovative and creative approaches Leverages different experiences and expertise of team members to achieve better and more innovative outcomes Develops innovative and creative approaches to meet programme and capacity development objectives Resource Mobilization Implementing resource mobilization strategies Analyzes information on potential bilateral donors and national counterparts to recommend a strategic approach Identifies and complies lessons learned Promoting Organizational Change and Development Assisting the individuals to cope with change Performs appropriate work analysis and assists in redesign to establish clear standards for implementation Design And Implementation of Management Systems Designing and implementing management system Makes recommendations regarding operation of systems within organizational units Identifies and recommends remedial measures to address problems in systems design or implementation Client Orientation Contributing to positive outcomes for the client Anticipates client needs Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective Uses discretion and flexibility in interpreting rules in order to meet client needs and achieve organizational goals more effectively Solicits feedback on service provision and quality Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management Input to the development of standards and policies Provides inputs to the development of organizational standards for accountability and results-based management Competencies : Extensive experience in the governance, management and planning of the WASH sector in Liberia; Entrenched network and connections within the WASH Sector in Liberia Demonstrated ability for leadership and the mobilization of effective teamwork; Ability to operate at a high level with senior government officials, donors, and support agencies; Familiarity with and capable of effectively operating in a post-conflict environment with the ability to follow tasks through with tenacity Sound analytical and organizational skills; Extensive knowledge of the institutional, financial and technical challenges in WSS sector and current knowledge for possible solutions; Strong knowledge and experience in policy, planning and management issues related to the sector including WASH approaches and concepts; Knowledge of good governance practices and approaches dealing with gender-sensitive, equitable, social inclusion and empowerment principles; Ability to integrate contributions from different disciplines to formulate strategies and viable implementation sequences in WSS; Ability to establish priorities and to plan and coordinate works; Work with a variety of groups, including local NGOs and CBOs, and international NGOs and donors Demonstrable record of mentoring and handing over responsibility to national colleagues Excellent participatory process skills; Good interpersonal and communication skills; Computer literacy, particularly, with MS Office Experience in capacity building for water sector, presentation and workshop facilitation
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Master Degree in international development studies; Specialization in water ,sanitation and hygiene is a plus Experience: Minimum seven years of relevant working experience in planning, programming and implementation of WASH projects, development or relief work. Proven experience of: Governance and institutional issues Successful sector advocacy Project and staff Management Specific knowledge and competency in the Liberia water sector would be an advantage Proven working knowledge of Microsoft suites Solid understanding of the work of UNDP would be an advantage Language Requirements: Proficiency in written and spoken English.

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.