UNDP Jobs - 49770- Programme Specialist (Peace and Development)

Programme Specialist (Peace and Development)

Location :

Male', MALDIVES

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

04-Jan-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 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

Since 2004, Maldives has been undergoing a series of reform initiatives introduced by the Government. The new Constitution of 2008 established a system of democratic governance and provided for the separation of powers between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Maldives also held its first multi-party presidential elections in 2008. However, the transition to democracy has been difficult with the country facing significant challenges in consolidating initial progress.

A contentious and prolonged presidential election in September 2013 further illustrated the volatility in the political sphere and the nascent state of the country’s governing institutions. Socio-political tensions nevertheless eased notably with the inauguration of a new president in November 2013, but remained high until parliamentary elections in late March 2014. Stability and calm have since prevailed.

While the political crisis has passed, its underlying causes remain largely unaddressed. Maldives society is still divided along political lines, and the development of effective and inclusive governance institutions and processes, consolidation of the rule of law, and the evolution of an informed civil society and an independent, professional media are in their formative stages. Reform of the judiciary and other key institutions remains necessary for the consolidation of a functional and representative democracy.

In this context, the Maldives UN Country Team (UNCT) is commencing preparation of a new UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) which will incorporate components to advance the democratic transition and promote more cohesive communities. The Senior Advisor will work with the UNCT, national counterparts, UNDP and the Department of Political Affairs in strategic planning, including the development of the UNDAF. S/he will also provide substantive leadership under the UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative (RC/RR) around the promotion of dialogue, reconciliation and development issues relevant to the UNCT. The Advisor will also support ongoing and planned programmatic activities of the UN system, in particular of the UNDP Integrated Governance Program, to advance reform and strengthen key institutions, civil society and the media.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Provide strategic advice and analysis to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT, on social cohesion and development;
Identify and advise on programmatic options for UNDP and other relevant UN agencies on social cohesion and development;
Advise and assist UNCT in strategic planning processes by strengthening conflict sensitive approaches;
Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with key national stakeholders, development partners and other international actors to position the UNCT on social cohesion and development;
Provide strategic advice and analysis to the Resident Coordinator, UNCT, UNDPA and UNDP HQ on social cohesion and development;
Play a lead role in drafting briefs which analyze the political context and its potential impact on social cohesion and development efforts to be submitted to HQ entities (UNDPA, UNDP, OHCHR, and EOSG etc.)

Provide strategic advice to the Resident Coordinator on social cohesion and development to enable the wider UN system to effectively support this agenda in the Maldives:

Provide input and advice to the Resident Coordinator engagements, including briefing notes, policy memos to position the UN system on social cohesion and development issues;
Engage with the UNCT and other key partners to coordinate and promote a common and complementary approach to social cohesion, governance and development;

Identify and advise on programmatic options for UNDP and other relevant UN agencies on social cohesion and development:

Identify programmatic entry points on social cohesion, governance and development issues and support the development of proposals and resource mobilization;
Provide technical advisory support to implementation of programmes on social cohesion, governance and development, by functioning as an advisor, resource person or trainer;
Identify and engage civil society actors in social cohesion and development agenda to enable them to become genuine partners;
Undertake necessary activities to build/strengthen/apply/sustain national capacities, institutions and processes to mainstream social cohesion into the programmatic activities of the UNCT;
Support the governance work of UNDP with a focus on dealing with structural impediments for social cohesion.

Advise and assist UNCT in strategic planning processes by strengthening conflict sensitive approaches:

Support the CCA, UNDAF and CPD processes of UNCT and relevant agencies by identifying entry points to social cohesion;
Assist the UNCT and relevant national counterparts in integrating social cohesion into other planning and strategic documents through advocacy, experience sharing and international best practices;
Conduct training for UNCT staff and key national partners on conflict analysis, social cohesion, and ‘do no harm’ concepts;
Undertake periodic review of the progress of UNDAF, CPD etc. from a conflict sensitive perspective and provide update /recommendations to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT

Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with key national stakeholders, development partners and other international actors to position the UNCT on social cohesion and development:

Establish and maintain networks and strategic partnerships for social cohesion related strategies and initiatives;
Liaise closely with national stakeholders from Government and civil society and key international actors to identify entry points for social cohesion and confidence-building initiatives;
Maintain close interactions with relevant donors and other actors to coordinate support to governance and reform initiatives.
Support the RC/RR in mobilizing resources for social cohesion;
Maintain close contact with relevant staff in UN Headquarters including focal points at UNDP and UNDPA.

Impact of Results

Enhanced capacity of the UNCT and broader UN system for socio-political analysis and relevant planning and implementation;
Expanded national and international partnerships and coordination around democratic reform, social cohesion and reconciliation;
Adoption and implementation by national stakeholders of relevant international experiences with regard to social cohesion and governance;
Strengthened national and local capacities for dialogue, social cohesion, mediation, reconciliation, conflict prevention, confidence building, etc.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP and UNDPA;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Good knowledge of UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices;
Good understanding of the UN system.

Functional Competencies:

Possesses specialist knowledge in the area of conflict prevention, social cohesion, dialogue and governance reform or related areas, as well as in-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
Political acumen and extensive experience of providing policy advice;
Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitation, consensus-building, multi-stakeholder processes and negotiation;
Strong analytical skills. Experience and specialist knowledge in building national capacities in good governance and national reconciliation;
Proven facilitation, training, networking, coordination, team-building, consensus-building and organizational skills;
Excellent communication and inter-personal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships with internal and external parties in a multi-cultural environment;
Ability to contribute to strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to advise and oversee formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects and programmes;
Sound understanding and capability to empower and develop the capacity of national counterparts;
Proven ability to incorporate into his/her work relevant international practices.

Management and Leadership:

Strong team-building, diplomatic, and interpersonal skills. Resourcefulness, initiative, and maturity of judgment;
Communication and advocacy skills;
Sound time management and organizational skills with ability to handle multiple tasks;
Ability to build strong relationships with national partners and external actors;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Capacity to work under pressure, manage stress and adapt to rapidly evolving situations

Behavioral Competencies:

Team player, self-motivated and initiative taking, dedicated, creative, resourceful, flexible, energetic and sound judgment;
Builds strong relationships with partners, focusing on impact and results;
Demonstrates creativity, openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Possesses positive and constructive attitudes to work;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) in political science, sociology, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or other related social sciences.

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in conflict analysis, policy, and strategy development, development and/or conflict prevention in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization;
Sound knowledge of and extensive experience in dialogue and conflict prevention initiatives;
Extensive experience in research and project development;
Proven policy, advisory and advocacy experience and track record of engagement with senior levels of government, United Nations, and donors;
Experience working within a UN agency and experience in South Asia and/or a Muslim country would be a major asset;
Work experience in conflict prevention and resolution in an Islamic society will be an advantage.

.Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English.