Jobs - 49157- Democratic Governance Specialist

Democratic Governance Specialist - (Open tor Nepalese Nationals only)

Location :

Kathmandu, NEPAL

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

17-Sep-2014

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

SB-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

9 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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 Department of Political Affairs (DPA) is carrying out its support to Nepal’s peace process and long-term stability through frequent visits to the country with a view toclosely monitoring developments on the peace process and constitution drafting, conducting regular consultation with all relevant international and Nepalese actors and providingregular updates and recommendations to the Secretary-General.

This DPA engagement is supported by the presence in Kathmandu of a small UN DPA Liaison Team which is attached to the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RC).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Head of Office, DPA and overall supervision of RC the Democratic Governance Specialist will contribute to the development of an UN strategy/planning inareas of support to the constitution making process to achieve the following results:

Keep abreast of relevant developments of the constitution drafting process and build strategic relationships with key stakeholders;
Contribute substantively to the development of UN Country Team strategy on areas of constitution drafting process of potential UN support;
Maintain regular and reliable contacts with key national stakeholders and government authorities, civil society and media personnel. Maintain regular and reliablecontacts with the political parties.

Undertake research on thematic subjects and provide substantive input for the DPA/RCO Liaison Team’s periodic reports:

Produce weekly reports and thematic internal analytical reports (local political assessments) on the critical issue of constitution drafting and peace process;
Draft scenarios, briefing notes, messages and analytical reports on key electoral developments in Nepal.

Within the overall national peace building efforts, the Democratic Governance Specialist is responsible for:

Maintain contact with key members of Constituent Assembly;
Coordinate and interact with the UN Country team in the field on issues related to the planning and implementation of support to the constitution making process;
Maintain positive working relationship with relevant national stakeholders and national governmental and non-governmental actors.

The Democratic Governance Specialist ensures favourable contributions towards partnership building among key stakeholders in the post conflict of national and peace buildingprocess;

Participate in fact-finding and other missions;
Support the planning and implementation of the Office's substantive work-plan in accordance with the scope of work of the office;
Attend and speak at seminars/programmes related to office scope and its work as required;

The Democratic Governance Specialist ensures knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Advocates for UN with Government counterparts and ensures access to best available expertise;
Promotes identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned from the country programme for organizational sharing and learning;
Supports capacity-building of national counterparts;
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in UN.

Senior RCO and DPA management is updated on key political developments related to the constitution drafting and other peace process issues.

DPA’s perspectives and views are reflected accurately in discussions between key stakeholders;
UNHQ, UN-RCO and UNDP’s Senior Management are provided with timely reports that can direct and better focus UN support to the constitution drafting and peace process;
DPA maintains a coordinated approach in key areas of the peace process and constitution drafting;
UN-RCO and other UN Agencies have easy access to information/developments on peace process and constitution drafting for their own analysis as well as dissemination tothe media and other stakeholders, as necessary;
Regular information sharing between DPA RC Liaison Office Nepal and national stakeholders.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the execution of the plan and strategies in achieving the goals set by the DPA-RC Office;
DPA-RC Office activities are implemented in a timely and effective manner;
A wide range of stakeholders including influential interlocutors and the UNCT are provided with policy options and are well positioned to act to support the peaceprocess;
Accurate, timely and high quality reports are produced by DPA-RC office in support of the successful completion of the peace process;
Accurate and informative briefings are provided by DPA-RC Office to a wide range of stakeholders regarding developing strategies to support the peace process;
Administrative and substantive work of DPA-Liaison Office is planned and organized effectively;
The Democratic Governance Specialist impacts on the standing and reputation of UN in the country;
The DPA-RC Office liaises with external clients and a broad range of constituencies and UN counterparts in the Government, local and international media and civilsociety are effective;
The cooperation and coordination between the DPA-RC Office is carry out in an effective manner;
Constructive relationships are built and maintained with all internal and external actors that impact programme delivery;
Knowledge products, that capture best practices, are developed and disseminated.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Promotes knowledge management in UN and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations;

Management and Leadership:

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in political or social sciences, international relations, or law, history, public policy, international economics or other related fields with studies indiplomatic relations and peacekeeping academic knowledge.

Experience:

Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in multilateral or civil society organization in a multi-cultural setting including at least 4 years experience in peace building and peace process monitoring and reporting works in a post conflict country.

Language:

Excellent written and spoken English and Nepali.