UNDP Jobs - 48950- Short-term Expert on Anti-Corruption

Short-term Expert on Anti-Corruption

Location :

Yerevan, ARMENIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Sep-2014

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

15 days within 01-30 Sep 2014 period

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

15 days within 01-30 Sep 2014 period

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

The overall objective of the EU Advisory Group (EUAG) is to support the Government of the Republic of Armenia in the implementation of its reform agenda and relevant international commitments assumed, including through the implementation of the ENP Action Plan (ENP-AP). The EUAG will achieve these objectives through the continued delivery of an optimal mix of policy, legal and institutional advisory services.
The EUAG is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia. An Advisory Board jointly chaired by the EU Delegation, the Presidential Administration and the National Security Council staff acts as the supervisory body for the programme.

All countries in the Eastern European and the CIS region have ratified the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and several have also ratified the OECD Convention against Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and the Council of Europe’s Conventions on Criminal and Civil law Against Corruption. Subsequently, the majority of the countries have embarked in the development and implementation of anti-corruption and transparency reforms, including national anti-corruption strategies and action plans. In relation to these national and international engagements many countries have also reformed their institutional framework for anti-corruption. While in South Eastern Europe, Western CIS and the Caucasus some results have been achieved, many challenges remain ahead.

In recent years, the Government of Armenia has undertaken a number of measures against corruption. In particular, the Government developed a legal framework on combating corruption, including the RA Anti-Corruption Strategy and its Action Plan, and adoption of respective pieces of legislation. A number of bodies to combat and prevent corruption have been created: pursuant to a Presidential decree of June 1, 2004, an Anti-Corruption Council headed by the Prime Minister was established, according to the rules of procedure of the Council, a Monitoring Commission for the Implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy was set up under the leadership of the Assistant to the RA President, and an Anti-Corruption Department was established at the Office of the Prosecutor General. At the same time, respective structural divisions of the RA Police and the RA National Security Service established specialized anti-corruption units. In parallel, the country has joined international bodies including GRECO and OECD Anti-Corruption Network for Transition Economies, as well as signed and ratified international agreements and conventions against corruption: the UN Convention Against Corruption, Council of Europe Civil Law and Criminal Law Conventions Against Corruption, etc.

With a goal to step up its anti-corruption efforts, the Government of Armenia initiated in 2013 the process of preparing a new legal and institutional set-up. To that end, the Government evaluated the implementation of 2009-2012 AC Strategy and kicked off the process of establishing legal and institutional framework on anti-corruption for 2014-2017 based on the results and lessons learned reflected in the evaluation. The framework envisages development of a new anti-corruption strategy and establishment of a dedicated anti-corruption national entity in charge of monitoring its implementation based on the best international models applicable in the Armenian context. To that end, the Government established a Working Group of national experts chaired by the Team Leader.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the EUAG management, and in coordination with the Ministry of Justice, the incumbent will assume responsibility for:

Providing comments and advice on the draft anti-corruption strategy of Armenia, prepared by the Ministry of Justice;
Reviewing best EU and international practices and providing comments aligned to those;
Supporting the Ministry of Justice in identifying relevant sources of information related to anti-corruption issues and offer professional advice and guidance;
Reviewing the work of national experts from the EU Advisory Group supporting the Ministry of Justice.

Expected deliverables

Recommendations on the draft Anti-corruption Strategy including EU and international best practices;
Paper with comments on the draft anti-corruption strategy;
Coordination and supervision of the final products of national experts;
Evidence of international benchmarking;
Presentation of final comments for a group of stakeholders.

Competencies

Good knowledge of international/EU best practices on anti-corruption and mechanisms;
Knowledge of cross-cutting governance and public policy areas;
Established experience in designing and implementing assessments;
Proficiency in corporate software and IT skills;
Excellent writing, editing and oral communications skills;
Knowledge of the anti-corruption framework in Armenia would be an asset;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Law or other social sciences.

Working experience:

10 years of experience in the area of anti-corruption, preferable UNCAC experience;
Proven experience in research and analytical work including data collection and analysis.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English.