Background

Those who previously applied need not apply again.

The Local Governance and Community Development Programme (LGCDP) is a national programme which is being implemented by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD) and supported by a range of development partners.  LGCDP’s Programme Document (PD) comprehensively describes LGCDP’s rationale and approach along with its vision, goals and purpose.  The individual programme components and management arrangements are also fully described in the PD as is the Programme log frame and the results and reporting framework. Under the overall supervision of the National Programme Director (NPD) and the day-to-day supervision of the National Programme Manager (NPM), the Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) is responsible for providing support for the implementation of agreed programme activities.
 
The terms of reference describe the scope of work and qualifications/experience required of the PCU’s Fiscal Decentralisation (FD) Specialist.

Duties and Responsibilities

 The FD Specialist will be supporting the LGCDP II Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) to achieve LGCDP II goals, purpose, outcomes and outputs.
 
The Specialist will work under the daily supervision of the concerned Outcome Coordinator and will provide the NPM and Outcome Coordinators with technical assistance and advice. He/she will be ultimately accountable to the NPD.
The Specialist will work closely with all the Outcome Coordinators. S/he will be expected to collaborate with the all the Technical Specialists.
 
Specific tasks and responsibilities
 
With respect to general programmatic responsibilities, the FD Specialist will be expected to: 
  • Participate in all PCU meetings;
  • Participate in drawing up the Annual Strategic Implementation Plan (ASIP) and the Annual Monitoring & Evaluation Plan (AMEP);
  • Assist in periodically reviewing overall LGCDP II progress;
  • Assist in drafting LGCDP II’s regular narrative progress reports;
  • Assist in organizing bi-monthly output group meetings;
  • Identify and report risks and issues to the PCU and support discussion on mitigation actions in the bi-monthly output group meetings;
  • Support PCU in completing timely meeting minutes and following up on agreed actions;
  • Follow up on the implementation of Outcome 2 and Outcome 4 activities in the ASIP in coordination with the Regional Coordinator Unit (RCUs).
In terms of specific technical responsibilities, the FD Specialist will be expected to:
  • Take lead role to provide policy and programmatic advice to MoFALD regarding all FD issues. Provide technical support and input for the implementation of activities related to Outcomes 2 and 4;
  • Provide backstopping support and technical guidance to the RCUs, District Governance Experts (DGEs) and Urban Governance Experts (UGEs) with respect to FD issues;
  • Assist in drafting terms of reference for any LGCDP II activities and consultancies related to FD issues;
  • Provide input on FD issues to any LGCDP II guidelines, manuals or other such documents.
In terms of capacity development, the FD Specialist will be expected to:
  • Meet regularly with the Outcome  Coordinators  to brief them on progress and any issues;
  • Meet regularly with the Outcome  Coordinators  to discuss future activities and orientations;
  • Ensure that the Outcome  Coordinators  provided with relevant LGCDP II reports and documents;
  • Assist in identifying capacity development activities for MoFALD officials in the area of FD;
  • Assist and participate in capacity development activities concerning FD issues for MoFALD and local body official
  • Assist in identifying capacity development needs of other PCU and RCU national Technical Assistance staff.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional competencies:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Focuses on impact and results and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors, at the senior levels;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge Management and Learning:
  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
  • In-depth knowledge on development and gender and social inclusion issues.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master degree in public finance, economics or  related field.
Experience:
  • At least 7 years’ experience of working fiscal decentralization issues in Nepal;
  • Demonstrated track record of delivering high quality reports on time;
  • Experience of working in a national, government-managed, programme would be an advantage.
Language:
  • Fluency in  Nepali and English written and spoken.