UNDP Jobs - 49882- National Officer (Rule of Law)

National Officer (Rule of Law) - (Open to Myanmar Nationals Only)

Location :

Nay Pyi Taw, MYANMAR

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

16-Oct-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-9

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

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

Myanmar is going through a phase of rapid and unprecedented change. Since the introduction of a new Constitution in 2008, the transition from military to civilian rule has accelerated. There has been an ongoing sequence of reforms that have unleashed changes in the political and economic landscape. In the past few years, the President and legislatures have pushed forward a remarkable transformation process that was difficult to imagine not so long ago.

In July 2013, at a historic state visit to England, President U Thein Sein described the third ‘wave’ of overarching reforms initiated by his administration which aim to address the challenge in which reforms are surging ahead ‘at a time of weak institutions or institutions that evolved in a very different environment and to serve very different purposes’, and that ‘there are the mentalities that have grown up over long decades of isolation and sanctions, [which] need to be changed.’ Transforming durable military governance and resolving issues around dispersal of power (civilian/military, amongst state institutions, and vertically) will be critical for deeper governance reform, however, conscious of the need to demonstrate results and deliver evidence of a change in government mind-set, the President has also emphasised the need to develop and implement tangible quick wins or ‘pilots’ for reforms to be delivered by his administration. With elections fast approaching in 2015, the timeframe for implementation of these quick wins is tightening.

The overarching vision for these reforms stems from the Framework for Economic and Social Reforms (2012-2015), which stresses the importance of ‘Effective and Efficient Government’ and the need to restructure its core institutions and to streamline main functions. In relation to rule of law, the government has stated that it will, in collaboration with the parliament, "improve citizens’ access to law, and to increase public confidence in and abide by the existing laws, and in particular the quality of contract enforcement, property rights, the police, and the courts, as well as the likelihood of crime and violence... [it] will also undertake legal and judicial reforms to improve the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary to improve the rule of law as well as independent prosecution, enforcement, and legislative oversight.”

The primary institutional stakeholders in justice sector reforms are the Union Attorney-General’s Office (UAGO) and the Office of the Supreme Court of the Union (OSCU). In addition, the Myanmar Police Force, the General Administration Department in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Constitutional Tribunal, the President’s Legal Advisors and the Parliamentary Committee for Rule of Law and Tranquility are also key stakeholders. The 2008 Constitution provided a new framework for governance in Myanmar: among the features distinguishing it from the previous order is the re-establishment of an independent judiciary, and the establishment of state and region governments; among its more conservative features is the preservation of military authority in public administration and in the legislature.

UNDP

UNDP supports the Government of Myanmar reform processes by means of three programmes, or pillars: 1) Local governance and community development, 2) energy and environment, and 3) Democratic governance. Under the Democratic Governance Pillar, UNDP supports all branches of the government both at national and sub-national level, and will improve the institutional environment in which people interact with government. The Pillar has four closely inter-connected and mutually reinforcing areas: a) development effectiveness, b) parliamentary strengthening, c) rule of law and access to justice and d) public administration responsiveness.

The Rule of Law and Access to Justice output has a dual focus: At the Union level it is strengthening the institutional capacity of justice sector institutions for coordinated planning and policy making in justice sector reform, and improving the capacity of justice sector actors to better perform their functions. Complementing this is the second focus, which is to improve both the capacity of state/regional level justice actors to perform their functions and empowering the community to access justice services. In implementing its activities under both areas, UNDP seeks to support the implementation of principles of democratic governance including respect for human rights, accountability and integrity.

Role Description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) – Rule of Law, the National Officer will provide strategic coordination support and support the implementation of key activities under Sub-Outputs 1 and 2. The National Coordinator will analyze political, social and economic trends and be involved in the formulation, management and evaluation of programme activities within Sub-Outputs 1 and 2, and will provide advice services to the Chief Technical Advisor and programme team.

The National Officer will be based in Nay Pyi Taw, to work closely with the Chief Technical Advisor in support of work with the Union Attorney-General of the Union, the Office of the Supreme Court of the Union, and other justice-sector officials as necessary. The emphasis of the assignment will be on building strategic relationships and capacity of national counterparts with regards to justice sector reforms, and on the provision of sound context-based advice to the programme team in support of project implementation. He/ She will also be responsible for assisting the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) in the preparation of work plans in conjunction with national counterparts, to coordinate reporting against these work plans, and liaising with all counterparts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Ensures implementation of programme strategies for Sub-Output 1 and 2;
Ensures effective management of the CO programme for public administration Sub-Output 1;
Promote the coordination of justice sector reforms;
Ensures creation/maintenance of strategic partnerships with government and development partners.

Ensures implementation of programme strategies for rule of law Sub-Outputs 1 and 2 focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provide analysis of the political, social and economic situation of public administration and preparation of substantive inputs into programme implementation;
Liaise with key stakeholders on the development of research materials, options for policy analysis and other technical materials;
Promote coordination of UNDP national counterparts in pillar 3, sharing information, maintaining networks and providing advice;
Provide advice on the Myanmar context to the Chief Technical Advisor and the programme team;
Coordinate with UNDP Rule of Law field officers, the Public Administration National Officer in Napyitaw and UNDP parliamentary support and development effectiveness colleagues, in supporting justice sector reforms as they relate to other parts of government activity.

Ensures effective management of the CO programme for rule of law Sub-Outputs 1 and 2, with a focus on the following results:

Support the CTA on design and organisation for such events as training (curricula, courses, schedules), study tours, conferences and workshops;
Facilitate and implement workshops, seminars, capacity building training, with stakeholders as necessary;
Support day-to-day operational management of the project in particular the planning, and management of project activities, and report on project results and outcomes;
Support implementation of relevant project activities as per AWP and area based work plan and for successful realization of the targeted outputs of the Rule of Law initiative activities;
Input/support other rule of law national interventions relevant as well as other programme activities requested by the Rule of Law Programme Specialist;
Maintaining a proper filing and documentation system related to the activities undertaken by the project in the relevant government entities; and
Provide support to any other activity of Pillar 3 (Democratic Governance programme), if required;
Preparation of regular progress reports to be submitted to the CTA, component coordinator and pillar team leader.

Promote the coordination of justice sector reforms

Support the Government and or judiciary in their efforts to lead justice sector coordination and reform by produce tools and calendars to facilitate those efforts;
Produce information sheets that show importance of coordination, including sharing south-south experiences.

Ensures creation of strategic partnerships with government and development partners

Establish relevant networks and excellent relations with all international and national partners working in rule of law at union level;
Analysis and research of information on government counterparts, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, and identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects;
Analysis of Myanmar laws, legal procedures, and national government processes and protocols.

Any other tasks as assigned by the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA).

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the success of country programme within specific areas of rule of law and access to justice. In particular, the results will ensure that UNDP delivers a programme for rule of law which is relevant for the counterparts and responsive to changes in the country context, and will impact on creation of strategic partnerships in government.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards (human rights,peace, understanding between peoples and nations, tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation (UNDP core ethics) impartiality;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly and without favoritism; and
Shows strong corporate commitment.

Functional Competencies

Building Strategic Partnerships

Maintains and establishes network of contacts with national counterparts for information sharing and responding to capacity development request;
Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders;
Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda- preparing information for policy input;
Identifies and communicates relevant information for a variety of audiences for advocating UNDP’s mandate.

Client Orientation -Establishing effective client relationships

Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion;
Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback, timely responses to queries;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Demonstrates strong administrative skills and results oriented approach to work.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to engage with high ranking UNDP Managers, Government Officials and international donor community and provide policy advisory support services;
Ability to identify opportunities, conceptualize and develop project reports;
Ability to analyze situations and act accordingly;
Ability to effectively support in strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change;
Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills including oral and written communication.

Knowledge Management and Learning

Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
Display understanding of the relevant contemporary ICT tools and continuously act towards personal capacity building;
Excellent communication skills (written and oral): sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners, respectful and helpful relations with all UN/UNDP staff and project staff.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master Degree or equivalent in Law, development Studies, Public Administration/ Management or a related field;
A first-level university degree in combination with four years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.

Experience:

Candidate with Master’s degree requires at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in justice-sector institutions or legal training, or international development;
Knowledge of justice sector reform and access to justice issues is an advantage;
Previous experience working closely with government would be an advantage;
Previous experience working in transition environments would be advantage;
Previous experience in performing a similar role in the UN or UNDP would be an advantage;
Demonstrated programme management skills including; results-based orientation, preparation of work plans, monitoring and evaluation and leading cross-cultural teams.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in Myanmar and English (both writing and speaking).

Candidates must apply on-line through UNDP job website together with duly filled and signed UN-P11 form, academic qualification certificates. Applications without these document will not be considered. P11 form can be downloaded here:
http://sas.undp.org/documents/P11_Personal_history_form.docx.