Background
UNDP is supporting the strengthening of the national capacity building on disaster risk management and resilience building of communities. In line with the development of the current Zimbabwe United Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF) the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Zimbabwe is ensuring that disaster risk management and resilience building is mainstreamed into all development interventions in support of the Zimbabwe Government and other stakeholders. The UNCT has established a dedicated UN Disaster Risk Management Group chaired by the UNDP. In this regard, UNDP is leading in the development of key two documents: the Resilience Framework and the Resilience Funding Mechanism for support on the resilience work in Zimbabwe.
In addition, UNDP is the Executing Agency of the project Support to the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement (MLRR) 2014 to 2016 Action Plan. The project which commenced in January 2014 seeks to assist the MLRR accelerate the rehabilitation of the land sector as a prerequisite for recovery and development of agriculture and other land based economic sectors. The project is supported with resources from the UNDP and European Union from 2014 to 2016.
Under the guidance of the Deputy Country Director – Programmes (DCD/P) and direct supervision of the ARR (Poverty Reduction, HIV & AIDS Mainstreaming), the Programme Specialist is responsible laying the groundwork for the elaboration of the UNDP new initiatives on Disaster Risk Management , Resilience building and Land Reform issues. He/she shall be responsible for day to day management of the project during this transition period while the recruitment of substantive project personnel is ongoing. In addition the Programme Specialist will provide capacity building to the project staff. The position is transitional and will be phased out after one year.
Duties and Responsibilities
Ensures implementation of programme strategies and provide policy implementation support in the area of Disaster Risk Management and Land Reform in Zimbabwe focusing on achievement of the following results:- Scanning for global and local knowledge and experience on disaster risk management and resilience building. Map out, on a consistent basis, the development issues, and strategic opportunities in the form of professional papers and reports;
- Provide intellectual or substantive support for land reform issues , disaster risk management and resilience building through identification of key policy issues and formulation of best possible and alternative policy options for UNDP;
- Stimulate strategic support for land reform issues, disaster risk management and resilience building areas and tap into opportunities. Organize strategically important policy dialogues, workshops or seminars. Build alliances for policy reform and development amongst the national and international development institutions on disaster risk management and resilience building;
- Undertake analysis of policies, legislation and planning and programming documents on disaster risk management/resilience building and land reform issues;
- Facilitate briefing sessions for the UNDP CO, the European Union and World Bank on the disaster risk management and resilience building and land reform issues.
- Lead the finalization of the Resilience Funding Mechanism document to the stage an agreement is reached between the UNDP and the European Commission to fund the disaster risk management and resilience programme in Zimbabwe;
- Coordinate consultants and special technical groups engaged to enhance the concepts on disaster risk management/resilience activities;
- Coordinate consultative processes involving the UN , government, donors (World Bank, EU) and other stakeholders on disaster risk management/resilience building and land reform issues. Induct and capacitate the dedicated project personnel on policies, dialogue and negotiations around the land issues in Zimbabwe;
- Provide technical support on the finalization of the terms of reference and recruitment of consultants on: Document best practices, covering concepts, strategies and implementation approaches and support the management in mainstreaming programme polices and practices.
Assists in creating strategic partnerships & resource mobilization through:
- Analysis and research of information on donors, preparations of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for cost-sharing;
- Mobilize and network with experts, government partners and UN Agencies and prominent think-tanks;
- Build and maintain excellent relations with partners;
- Prepare proposals for mobilization of human, technical or financial resources from international development organizations, non-government organizations and the private sector;
- Mobilize resources to support the achievement of programme outcomes.
Ensure Marketing and Advocacy for UNDP’s work through:
- Supporting Senior Management in creating a conducive working environment and advocating for the work of UNDP amongst stakeholders;
- Disseminate information on best practices and be an active member of the UNDP global and regional networks;
- Prepare brochures, publications, press releases and other information materials;
- Expand outreach to the UN, national government, local authorities, private sector, non-government and international organizations.
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda:
- Creates effective advocacy strategies;
- Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses.
Results-Based Programme Development and Management:
- Provides information for linkages across programme activities to help identify critical points of integration;
- Provides information and documentation on specific stages of projects/programme implementation;
- Provides background information to identify opportunities for project development and helps drafting proposals;
- Participates in the formulation of project proposals.
Building Strategic Partnerships:
- Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to UNDP’s mandate and strategic agenda;
- Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners;
- Promotes UNDP’s agenda in inter-agency meetings.
Innovation and Marketing New Approaches:
- Seeks a broad range of perspectives in developing project proposals;
- Identifies new approaches and promotes their use in other situations;
- Creates an environment that fosters innovation and innovative thinking;
- Makes the case for innovative ideas from the team with own supervisor.
Resource Mobilization:
- Analyzes information on potential bilateral donors and national counterparts to recommend a strategic approach;
- Identifies and compiles lessons learned;
- Contributes towards the development of a resource mobilization strategy at the country level.
Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
- Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches;
- Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms.
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:
- Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;
- 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.
Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals:
- Performed analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses;
- Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for global advocacy work and adapts it for use at country level.
Client Orientation:
- Anticipates client needs;
- Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider;
- Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective;
- Solicits feedback on service provision and quality.
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrate integrity by modeling values and UN ethics standards;
- Promote UNDP vision, mission and strategies;
- Demonstrate culture, gender, religion, nationality and age tolerance and ability to adopt;
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in natural sciences;
- A first level University degree in combination with qualifying experience of 7 years may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.
Experience:
- At least five years of relevant work experience in the areas of disaster risk management/resilience, land and agrarian reforms and related areas;
- Extensive experience in project/programme management;
- Experience on working on policy issues and capacity building programs;
- Knowledge of UNDP regulations, rules, policies procedures and practices;
- Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
- Excellent ICT/information systems skills, including resources management systems, geographic information systems and remote sensing;
- Resourcefulness, initiative and maturity in judgment;
- Ability to manage sensitive situations especially in dealing with donors, government and other stakeholders
Language:
- Fluency in English and at least one local language.