Background

UNDP Somalia comprises two main clusters: (a) Governance and Rule of Law Programme (GROL); and (b) Poverty Reduction and Environment Protection Programme. The GROL Programme of UNDP Somalia responds to all four outcome areas outlined in the country programme: capacity-building for peace and human security, strengthened governance and rule of law institutions, systems, practices and services, increased livelihood opportunities and improved natural resources management, and gender equality. Project areas currently include local governance, institution building, and access to justice, police and community safety. The GROL programme has a thematic area that focuses on implementing the capacity building and institutional development as part of the overall UNDP Somalia Country Programme.

• Public Sector Reform
• Planning and Aid Coordination;
• Public Financial Management, Transparency and Accountability

The Project Manager, Institutional Building, will work under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager of the UNDP Governance and Rule of Law Programme.

The Project Manager is responsible for UNDP Somalia’s work in the area of institutional building, including the design and implementation of the Annual work plans and budgets, and will supervise national staff in Somaliland, Puntland and Mogadishu. The Project Manager will be located in Mogadishu but with frequent travels into other areas of Somalia (minimum 25% of the time). The Project Manager will coordinate closely with all government partners and with the Sub Offices in Somaliland and Puntland.

The operating context in Somalia is highly complex, marked by the recent establishment of a federal Government that has been internationally recognized for the first time in over two decades amidst the continued existence of semi-autonomous administrations (such as Puntland) and alongside the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. UNDP supports the capacity building of all these administrations and needs to adapt its approaches to the specific needs of the regions which are at different stages of development and bring uniquely different challenges. In addition to the extremely sensitive political environment, the security context remains highly precarious, often impeding access and necessitating UNDP to seek alternate ways of still operating and achieving results. The establishment of a new expanded political mission (UNSOM) adds an additional dimension to UNDP’s work as a clear delineation of roles and responsibilities needs to be developed, including in the area of Governance and capacity development.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for UNDP’s work in the institutional development area
• Be responsible for the implementation of project activities and financial management of institutional development thematic area
• Provide policy advice on governance and institutional development
• Strengthen the relationship/coordination with the donors to minimize overlapping, reduce transaction costs and maximize impact and efficiency
•  Promote networking and knowledge sharing within UNDP and the UN system
• Provide high quality capacity development services in key government areas

• Advise UNDP and partners on policy issues around governance and institutional development
• Advise UNDP on national developments relevant to UNDP programmatic objectives in institution building
• Develop strategy and coordinate overall UNDP support to institution building and in relation to reforms in public administration and fiscal decentralization.
• Identify and promote coordinated approaches on institution building among international partners, participating in various policy or partnership forum(s)
• Ensure and that UNDPs engagement is in line with UNDP rules and regulations and responding to relevant UNDP strategies 

Be responsible for project implementation and financial management of UNDP’s portfolio of activities within institutional development thematic area

• Lead project implementation and planning for implementation of institutional development thematic area
• Prepare and manage budget and work plans
• Ensure effective implementation of all activities across Somalia and quick and efficient response to implementation challenges.
• Monitor and analyse the project environment and progress, using applicable M&E and risk management tools and advise on timely adjustments and corrective measures as necessary.
• Oversee development and implementation of partnership agreements and ensure appropriate technical assistance with a focus on institutional development and results.
• Supervise and manage the institutional development thematic area team in UNDP.
• Lead and participate in the recruitment of technical expertise to support project implementation
• Oversee coordination of project teams and conduct regular staff performance reviews in line with UNDPs rules and regulations.
• Manage financial allocations and approve expenditures according to authority delegated, and ensure timely payments according to UNDP rules, regulations and procedures.
• Oversee production of narrative and financial reports as required.
• Comply with security and safety requirements and regulations and ensure the same are respected by all project personnel.
• Manage all contracts and agreements with non-government and private partners.

• Provide vision and policy direction to UNDP and its partners on governance and institutional development programming, and play an active role in policy advice, strategic thinking, and knowledge sharing.
• Conduct or oversee analytical work including institutional capacity assessments and policy reviews related to UNDP’s portfolio of activities.

Work to strategically position UNDP as a lead player and donor/resource focal point in institution building, and promote networking and knowledge sharing within UNDP and the UN system

• Coordinate with the Development Partners and the World Bank all activities related to development and establishment of Public Finance Management systems, strategies, and plans in different regions and parts of Somalia
• Liaise with donors, international partners, on delivery of technical assistance to governments, developing strong networks, and drafting TORs and budgets as appropriate
• Strengthen UNDP’s relationship and reputation with government partners through effective and timely engagement, improved communication, and identification of issues
• Promote information sharing with the relevant donors’ community by initiating and/or participating in consultative meetings with the donors and preparing briefs on institution building and overall GROL programme progress and activities.
• Advise and assist UNDP in preparing for high-level consultation meetings with donors and the Federal and State authorities on its country institution building assistance strategies.
• Prepare UNDP position papers and support development of a UNDP resource mobilization strategy for discussion/presentation with relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare regular progress reports (quarterly, mid and annual) for UNDP, donors and Government.
• In close collaboration with all UNDP programme and project managers, develop strategic entry points to enhance interface and linkages among UNDP supported initiatives for maximum results in the field of institution building.

• Act as the focal point on institution building for the UNDP Country Office and UN Country Team
• In close collaboration with all UNDP programme and project managers, develop strategic entry points to enhance interface and linkages among UNDP supported initiatives for maximum results in the field of institution building
• Coordinate and facilitate close linkages between the UN Mission in Somalia

• Provide high level advisory services in relation to capacity development in key government areas across Somalia
• Provide leadership in the establishment and ongoing functioning of a government capacity development facility
• Develop and maintain coordination with government and development partners in relation to capacity development and harmonised approaches to the provision of technical assistance

• The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency, and effectiveness of the institution building thematic area as it relates to the use of corporate resources in the following areas:
• Analytical and strategic support
• Liaison and coordination with partners
• Operational support including, financial services, Human resources and procurement and logistical services
• Effective management

Competencies

Preparing information required for advocacy for the inclusion of UNDP’s focus areas (democratic governance, poverty and MDGs, energy and environment, crisis prevention and recovery, HIV/AIDS and mainstreaming gender). Devising and communicating strategies. Influencing the public policy agenda. Providing conceptual leadership for UNDP’s advocacy at the global level.

• Advocates for the inclusion of UNDP’s focus areas in the public policy agenda
• Brings visibility and sensitizes decision makers to relevant emerging issues
• Builds consensus concerning UNDP’s strategic agenda with partners on joint initiatives
• Leverages UNDP’s multidisciplinary expertise to influence the shape of policies and programmes
• Demonstrates political/cultural acumen in proposing technically sound, fact based approaches/solutions
• Develops internal organizational policies promoting strategic approaches to UNDP’s focus areas (HQ)
• Dialogues with national counterparts and other stakeholders to strengthen advocacy efforts, incorporating country, regional and global perspectives
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity, political savvy and intellectual capacity in handling disagreements with UNDP’s policy agenda in order to promote and position UNDP in complex environment

Effectively managing core and non-core resources to achieve organizational results. Moving from basic research to programme/project management, to programme design and conceptual leadership.

• Identifies country needs and strategies using a fact-based approach
• Sets performance standards, monitors progress and intervenes at an early stage to ensure results are in accordance with agreed-upon quality and timeframes and reports on it
• Makes use of a variety of resources within UNDP to achieve results, such as cross-functional teams, secondments and developmental assignments, and collaborative funding approaches
• Oversees and documents the process of strategy formulation for programmes at country level
• Ensures the integration of UNDP’s strategic concern in interagency, other multilateral initiatives and multi-sectoral development frameworks such as PRSPs, SWAPs and MDGs
• Ensures the full implementation of country programme and Financial Resources to obtain results

Establishing, maintaining and utilizing a broad network of contacts. Building partnerships and strategic alliances.Leveraging the resources of national governments and other development partners

• Identifies and prioritizes opportunities and obstacles in the political scene (government, civil society, parliamentarians, pressure groups) to advance UNDP’s agenda; identifies common interests and goals and carries out joint initiatives with partners
• Makes effective use of UNDP’s resources and comparative advantage to strengthen partnerships
• Builds partnerships with non-traditional sectors by translating UNDP’s agenda into messages that reflect the pertinence of their values and interests
• Creates networks and promotes initiatives with partner organizations
• Leverages the resources of governments and other development partners

Enhancing existing processes or products. Developing original and innovative ideas and approaches. Influencing others within UNDP and outside, to adopt new approaches. Creating a culture of innovation and change.

• Influences and coaches others inside and outside UNDP in developing and implementing innovative approaches
• Creates an environment that fosters innovation and innovative thinking
• Conceptualizes more effective approaches to programme development and implementation and to mobilizing and using resources
• Leverages resources in support of new approaches
• Facilitates change and influences senior decision makers to implement change strategies

Ensuring that UNDP has the resources it requires to implement programmes and to achieve its goals. Moves from providing basic inputs to resource mobilization strategies, developing and maintaining donor relationships, managing agreements and trust funds to conceptualization and design of strategies and approaches, and creating an environment for effective resource mobilization.

• Develops innovative approaches and strategies for fund raising activities to increase core and non-core resources of the organization
• Actively develops partnerships with potential donors in all sectors seeking to encourage their commitment to UNDP
• Formulate strategies to develop a stable and diversified donor base, including governments, private sector, foundations, corporations, philanthropists, etc.
• Conducts donor negotiations for core and multi-bi funds demonstrating UNDP’s comparative advantages and reflecting priorities of donor countries

Providing learning and knowledge sharing opportunities to assist the continuous development all staff of UNDP. Moves from basic research and analysis to the development of innovative tools and mechanisms to developing policies and innovative approaches, through promoting an organizational culture that values learning and knowledge sharing.

• Actively seeks and promotes innovative methodologies and leads the development of supporting policies/tools to encourage learning and knowledge sharing
• Develops and/or participates in the development of policies and new approaches and participates in training of staff in their application throughout the organization
• Promotes UNDP as a learning/knowledge sharing organization

Demonstrating and applying professional and/or technical expertise/knowledge of the post or discipline. Focusing on the knowledge and skill areas necessary to effectively perform the functions of the post. Identifying and seeking to expand knowledge and improve work processes.

• Possesses expert knowledge of advanced concepts in primary discipline, a broad knowledge of related disciplines, as well as an in-depth knowledge of relevant organizational policies and procedures
• Applies knowledge to support the unit/branch’s objectives and to further the mandate of UNDP
• For managers: applies a broad knowledge of best management practices; defines objectives and work flows, positions reporting relationships in such a way as to obtain optimum effectiveness for the unit/branch
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself personally
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of the current programme guidelines and project management tools and manages the use of these regularly in work assignments

Providing overall leadership to UNDP as an organization by defining a vision and strategic direction, setting priorities, and ensuring their implementation.

• Acts decisively to coordinate the translation of organizational strategies into concrete plans
• Actively contributes to the setting of organizational priorities in a consultative process
• Guides and coordinates the formulation and implementation of programme and/or management policies
• Communicates a coherent and consistent set of strategic messages to staff
• Responds to changes in the operational and policy environment and adjusts organizational priorities when the situation requires
• Coordinates the development of the strategic framework with various organizational units
• Coordinates the implementation of strategic direction and plans
• Creates an awareness of the strategic vision and direction and builds teamwork around achieving them

Understanding and meeting or exceeding client needs. Anticipating and addressing client needs and concerns. Developing innovative approaches to meeting client needs. Ensuring overall provision of quality services to clients.

• Anticipates constraints in the delivery of services and identifies solutions or alternatives
• Proactively identifies, develops and discusses solutions for internal and external clients, and persuades management to undertake new projects or services
• Consults with clients and ensures their needs are represented in decision-making processes
• Advises and develops strategic and operational solutions with clients that add value to UNDP programmes and operations

• Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents
• Building support and political acumen
• Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation
• Building and promoting effective teams
• Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication
• Creating an emotionally intelligent organization
• Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards
• Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning
• Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree in Public Administration, Law, Economics, Political Science or other related field

• 10 years of work experience in programme/project formulation, management and policy advice in the areas of governance and decentralization.
• Strong work experience in similar conflict environments is desirable. 
• Working experience in Somalia is desirable
• Previous working experience for UNDP is desirable

• Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within three weeks from the date of receipt of offer of appointment.
• The time-in-post requirement is waived for internal candidates who have served a minimum of 12 months in their current assignment.