UNDP Jobs - 48434- International Consultant

International Consultant - Senior Procedures Advisor

Location :

Amman, JORDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Sep-2014

Application Deadline :

07-Aug-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

160 working days spread over a period of ten months.

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

160 working days spread over a period of ten months.

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP’s programme to support the electoral cycle in Jordan, primarily funded by the European Union, consists of technical and material electoral assistance. The programme is designed to enhance the institutional and professional capacities of the newly-established Independent Elections Commission (IEC). The objective is to assist the IEC to deliver its mandated functions of conducting credible and transparent elections – and further consolidate itself as a permanent, professional, credible and independent institution of governance, with the benefits of its work enjoyed equally by men and women.
Following a capacity assessment of the IEC facilitated by UNDP Jordan, the IEC developed a capacity development action plan for 2014-2016. It notes that the adoption and publication of standard procedures for electoral operations would help create consistency on the part of the IEC, and hence build public confidence that the IEC will provide equal treatment to all. Standardized procedures can help reduce the room for error and speed up IEC activities.

Consequently, the action plan includes the goal of strengthening the capacity of the IEC procedures section so that it is capable of developing (together with other IEC sections) policies and procedures on any electoral operational or administrative process. UNDP therefore seeks a qualified specialist to provide technical input and capacity-building support to the IEC in this area.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives:

To help build the capacity of the IEC to develop, implement and update its electoral and administrative procedures, including through a specialized curriculum on electoral procedures;
To provide technical advice to IEC management and staff on the development of specific procedures for electoral operations and administrative processes;
To provide any other strategic interventions, recommendations and policy guidance for capacity development in the area of procedures .

Scope of Work:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Electoral Advisor, the Senior Procedures Advisor will work closely with the IEC Deputy Secretary General and with other designated sections at the Independent Election Commission. Building on a review of policies and procedures already undertaken by the IEC, the Senior Procedures Advisor will:

Provide guidance and advice to the IEC on ways to establish and develop the capacity of its procedures section and other staff involved in developing procedures;
Support the development of a standardized policy and methodology for the writing and issuance of IEC procedures;
Support the development of IEC procedures on specific processes as needed with technical advice;
Develop, implement and monitor training and capacity-building events targeted at IEC staff involved in procedures development ;
Identify, prepare and facilitate as appropriate other opportunities – such as study visits and exchanges, for example - for strengthening the capacity of the IEC in developing procedures.

Expected Deliverables:

10 % - Provide advice on the training needs and other resource requirements of the IEC procedures section and more broadly the IEC procedure-writing capacity (Concept note on ways to build institutional capacity and individual skills) on 30 September 2014.
20% - Provide technical advice on a standardized policy and methodology for the development, issuance, implementation and review of IEC procedures (A report describing activities undertaken in order to implement the assignment, with recommendations) on 15 December 2014.
30% - Develop and help implement 3 training/capacity development opportunities for IEC staff involved in procedures development (A report describing activities undertaken in order to implement the assignment, with recommendations) on 15 March 2015.
30% - Provide technical advice on specific procedures as needed (A report describing activities undertaken in order to implement the assignment, with recommendations) on 31 May 2015.
10% - Complete a final report on activities undertaken during the consultancy including relevant recommendations to the IEC (Final report with recommendations) on 15 June 2015.

Competencies

Job Knowledge and Technical Expertise:

Has substantial and diverse experience in electoral administration in different countries;
Is familiar with electoral best practices and international standards in elections;
Demonstrates thorough knowledge of election operations and all phases of the electoral cycle;
Exhibits clear understanding of capacity development strategies and assessment methodologies;
Has experience in facilitating electoral lessons learned reviews and the ability to define constructive recommendations;
Able to work independently and show initiative;
Establishes goals and priorities and is able to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan; able to advocate and provide policy advice.

Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
Is able to communicate complex technical issues and ideas in a clear and concise manner;
Listens to others, correctly interprets messages and responds appropriately;
Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.

Client Orientation:

Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Monitors developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep them informed,
Anticipate problems and identify opportunities.

Conceptual innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise:

Actively seeks to improve programmes or services;
Offers new and different options to solve problems;
Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas;
Has proven analytical and evaluative skills, and the ability to assess problems and formulate solutions;
Iis not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve goals and promotes good team spirit;
Develops and maintains strong relationships with colleagues and counterparts;
Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests and concerns of others;
Able to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

An advanced university degree in Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Relations, or related field.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of functionally-related relevant professional experience;
Comparative experience in electoral administration, in both election operations and capacity development in electoral procedures and associated training programmes;
Experience in working directly with Electoral Management Bodies, including providing policy guidance and technical advice;
Experience in facilitating election reviews and formulating recommendations for future elections;
Prior electoral experience in the Arab region required, with experience in Jordan a strong asset;
Experience working with the UN, a UN agency or an international organization on electoral issues;
Competent in usage of MS Office programmes (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
The post requires considerable cultural and political sensitivity.

Language:

Fluency in English, both written and spoken;
Working knowledge of Arabic an asset.

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

The selection process will be carried out in the following manner:

Qualifications and technical proposal will be weighted a max. of 70% based on the following criteria:

Criterion

An advanced university degree in Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Relations, or related field, 5 points;
A minimum of ten (10) years of functionally-related relevant professional experience, 20 points;
Proven experience in working directly with Electoral Management Bodies and providing technical advice to a variety of counterparts in electoral procedures, 25 points;
Communication skills, research and analytical skills (and authored publications), familiarity with international assessment toolkits, 15 points;
Fluency in spoken and written English, working knowledge of Arabic is an asset. Experience in the region, and particular related to Jordan, would be a strong asset, 5 points.

Financial proposal will be weighted a max of 30%.