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STRATEGIC PLANNING SPECIALIST

Location : Moroni, COMOROS
Application Deadline :22-Aug-12
Additional CategoryManagement
Type of Contract :TA International
Post Level :P-4
Languages Required :
 English   French  
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)		27-Aug-2012
Duration of Initial Contract :4 months
Expected Duration of Assignment :1 year

Background
In late 2009, the Comoros UN Country Team (UNCT) applied to and was granted, the status of “Delivering-as-One self-starter”. Ever since, it has embarked on a process of designing and implementing a One Programme, via a thematic cluster-based management arrangement. In 2010, the first year of the DaO process’ implementation in Comoros, inter-agency activities were largely based on the Comoros Peace Building Fund’s joint initiative. 2011 saw the signature of inter-agency, common annual work plans for cluster activities, rather than agency-based AWPs.

The annual retreat and the mini-retreat focused on strategic processes such as further strengthening of DaO efforts, pursuing planning in view of strategic programme initiatives such as, i.a., the strengthening of youth employment and addressing environmental concerns.The mini-retreat held in December 2012 resulted in the Itsandra Manifest, a strategic commitment by the UNCT and the Government to ensure the “greening” of the DSCRP and the UNDAF/One Programme. Following the 2011 Durban conference on climate change and the 2012 Rio+20 event, the implementation of the Itsandra Manifest’s commitments will require close follow-up, requiring high-level coordination services to ensure the articulated greening of the 2013-14 2nd cycle of the DSCRP, the extended/aligned UNDAF/One Programme, and the EDS/MICS evidence-based planning of the next 5-year planning and action frameworks of the government and the UN (UNDAF/UNDAP).

In view of the projected consistent need for high-level technical advice and planning services, and in line with the outcomes of the IV High-level Intergovernmental Conference on Delivering as One (in Montevideo, Uruguay / 8-10 Nov 2011), the UNCT in Comoros has decided to stabilize BCR staffing arrangements to ensure sustained high-quality services to strengthen and accelerate the DaO agenda in Comoros.
 
It is in this context that the decision was made to create a professional position for an international, level Strategic Planning Advisor, who will generally support the RC’s work in advancing the DaO-related strategic planning processes and their respective management and oversight. The advisor will assume a lead role in accomplishing this through a. strategic planning, and b. the mobilization and effective utilization of relevant knowledge / experience, and c. financial and human resources available within and outside the UN system to accelerate the UN repositioning process.
 
Under the direct supervision of the RC, supporting technical task teams and One Programme Clusters at the strategic management and senior technical level (systems design, process review and re-engineering, internal evaluations etc.), the advisor is expected to provide high level technical and policy advice to the RC, UNCT and UNDAF clusters, and intervene to effectively implement the two-pronged UN repositioning process (Delivering-as-One UN reform process and “Greening” agenda in Comoros). In discharging his/her responsibilities, the advisor will hold high level contacts with Director Generals, Chief Directors, heads/deputy heads of internal/external development agencies/institutions. He/she will act as a resource person and source of technical expertise and advice around various issues related to the UN in Comoros, including the United Nations Development Assistance Framework & UN Development Action Plan (UNDAF-UNDAP), Delivering as One, and the UN’s strategic re-positioning in the country.
 

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide high-level strategic planning as well as hands-on technical advice for strategic processes such as the UN DaO initiative, the Greening of the One Programme, strategic data management issues (PRSP and One Programme M&E/MIS; EDS/MICS, mapping etc.) and related repositioning of the PRSP, including evidence-based preparation of the 3rd Generation PRSP and the UNDAP 2015-2019;
  • Provide substantive and strategic advice & leadership on the UN repositioning processes;
  • Provide high-end technical and policy advisory services;
  • Analyze both the internal and external UN development environment in relation to the One UN and Greening (re)positioning processes;
  • Identify and redefine organizational capacity needs to deliver on the repositioning processes;
  • Lead in;  a. the preparation of a two year roadmap articulating the DaO and greening processes for positioning the UN, with clear timelines, milestones, and benchmarks; and  b. the implementation thereof;
  • Monitoring and systematic reporting on the implementation of the repositioning roadmap;
  • Providing oversight services and technical guidance on M&E of the DaO process and the implementation of the One Programme, including  EFW-related performance reporting based on to-be-introduced UN-wide standardized M&E indicators;
  • Facilitate the flow of information between the UN global system, the RC, the UNCT, and  the Government, ensuring that all relevant parties are kept informed of the repositioning process and related initiatives;
  • Provide technical advice and expertise to finetune the alignment of the UN Programme’s focus and scope within national planning processes and priorities.
Technical advice & leadership on UNDAF planning process, implementation, monitoring and reporting:
  • Provide technical and policy advice to the RC on UN wide programme related issues and the UNDAF process; more specifically, manage the preparatory work of the UN common programming processes with the UN Technical Task Team, such as the Country Analysis (CA) and the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF);
  • Liaise with non-resident agencies involved in Common Country Assessment (CCA) and UNDAF and with regional readers groups, as well as with HQs and UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO) regional technical focal points;
  •  Work closely with UNDOCO and UN M&E Group on key indicators to monitor UNDAF/DaO and report on the outcomes.
  • Oversee the overall management of the RCO and support the RC in the implementation of the provisions established by the Management and Accountability Framework for the RC system:
  • Advise/update the RC and the UNCT on internal and external dynamics which could have a bearing on the work of the UN in Comoros;
  • Advise on and oversee the preparation of agenda items for the regular and special UNCT meetings and reporting thereof;
  • Oversee the preparation and reporting of the UNCT annual work plan and other key activities emanating from the Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO);
  • Preparation of concept notes and briefing materials for the RC and/or his team on topical issues to be used for high level consultations with stakeholders;
  • Oversee that all relevant information on the work of the RCO is systematically compiled and updated for easy access through, for example, a website;
  • Provide Quality Support and Assurance services;
  • Represent the RC/UNCT in important/high level meetings as and when required.

Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards;
  • Treats all people fairly and without favoritism;
  • Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UN;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional Competencies:
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
  • Ability to lead strategic planning supporting crucial decision making at the highest levels of government;
  • Ability to lead the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of strategic policies and sound development programmes in a gender sensitive manner;
  • Ability to generate creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations;
  • Demonstrates strong technical and practical leadership and knowledge in issues related to strategic development planning, aid management, coordination and effectiveness;
  • Familiarity with the UN system and the role of key stakeholders in the area of national development plans, local-level planning, aid management, coordination and effectiveness.
Knowledge Management and Learning:
  • Promotes knowledge management and a learning environment through leadership and personal example;
  • Experience in capacity development and transformational leadership;
  • Experience and knowledge of developing or middle income contries in similar contexts.
Leadership:
  • Strong Advisory/leadership experience and decision-making skills;
  • Ability to conceptualize and convey strategic vision;
  • Drives for change; does not accept the status quo and has the ability to propose innovative solutions;
  • Knowledge and expertise in UN programming processes, including UNDAF and Country Programme Action
  • Plans/Country Programme Documents;
  • Proven ability to lead and drive for results with a strong knowledge of results-based management and budgeting.
Managing Relationships:
  • Demonstrated well developed people management and organizational skills;
  • Strong ability to manage teams;
  • Creating an enabling environment, mentoring and developing staff;
  • Excellent negotiating and networking skills;
  • Strong resource mobilization and partnering skills.
Managing Complexity:
  • Ability to manage and coordinate activities at many different levels;
  • Substantive knowledge and understanding of development cooperation with the ability to support inter-disciplinary issues;
  • Demonstrated substantive leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader.
 

Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Advanced university degree in development studies, political science, sociology, statistics, management, public administration or similar subject area(s).
Experience:
  • At least 7 years of relevant professional work experience in international development. Experience must primarily relate to advisory, policy and programme management roles, strategic planning and high-level coordination/process management.
  • Good knowledge of UN system, procedures and operational activities for development.
  • Previous experience in the context of Delivering as One/UN Reform is a must.
  • Familiarity with the aid context and development processes will be considered a strong asset.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in both spoken and written French and 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.


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