UNDP Jobs - 51588- Technical Adviser

Technical Adviser - Devolution

Location :

Nairobi, KENYA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Dec-2014

Application Deadline :

25-Nov-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One Year

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 adoption of the Constitution of Kenya (CoK 2010) was aimed at fundamentally altering the governance framework through far reaching reforms. Of these, devolution of political power, responsibilities and resources has the most profound and transformative impacts on governance and the management of resources. If effectively implemented, the CoK 2010 in general, and devolution in particular, should lead to a revolutionary transformation of Kenya and facilitate the achievement of the Kenya Vision 2030.

The 47 County Governments came into existence following the conclusion of the general election in March 2013. This is a major transformation in the governance of Kenya and in public administration at both national and local levels. UNDP must therefore continue to position itself to strategically engage at both national and county levels and work with development partners in supporting the effective implementation of devolution. UNDP and the Ministry of Devolution and Planning have developed a Programme to support the implementation of devolution in Kenya.

UNDP Kenya is supporting devolution, through a programme implemented together with the Government of Kenya and other stakeholders. UNDP is currently leading the process of the formulation of the Joint UN Strategy on Devolution. The next phase of support to devolution includes working with the National Government, selected County Governments, and Civil society Organizations. This programme will be implemented within the framework of the joint UN Strategy on Devolution. UNDP is seeking the services of a Technical Advisor, Devolution to be based at the UNDP Kenya Office to provide high level policy and technical advice on devolution.

Duties and Responsibilities

The specific tasks expected from the Technical Advisor (TA) include the following:

Under oversight of DCD (P), lead the strategic discussions with the government, development partners, and other stakeholders regarding implementation and provide policy and technical support as required.
Provide high level policy and technical advice on all aspects of devolution including advisory support to all key institutions involved in devolution
Prepare policy briefs, proposal to donors and technical reports to UNDP management, and participate in the discussions at the devolution sector working group and other relevant technical and policy forums
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing within UNDP and the UNCT on devolution and the transition process.
Provide overall technical leadership, including leading the formulation of the project’s strategic approach and ensuring coordinated programmatic inputs and technical quality;
The TA will lead in the provision of organizational capacity development support and coordinate all technical assistance provided by UNDP on devolution;
The TA will be responsible for strengthening leadership capacity at national and county levels on the implementation of devolution.

Deliverables

Support the formulation of an Operational Framework on Devolution with UN Agencies as the next step towards developing a fully-fledged UN Joint Devolution Programme:

Provide technical expertise and strategic guidance to all project components, assuming quality control of interventions, and support the Project Manager in the coordination of the implementation of planned activities under the LDCF projects as stipulated in the project document/work plan;
Develop a fully-fledged proposal for submission to SIDA and other donors positioning UNDP as the lead service provider for Capacity Development in specific areas of Financial Management, HR, Programme Management and Monitoring and Reporting for new county Government Staff – to be delivered from Regional Hubs across Kenya;
Provision of strategic advice to the UN DWG, SPOT and UNCT on devolution;
Support UNDP as co-chair of the DDWG, by providing strategic guidance to the DCD/P and Team Leader of Governance
Provision of briefing notes, policy briefs and advice to RR and CD on matters related to Devolution;
Ensure that UNDP is strongly positioned within the new UNDAF/P concerning Devolution and related Action Plan;
Provision of strategic advice to the Transitional Authority and others GoK Agencies involved in devolution;
Provide strategic direction for devolution project and coordinate its components implementation;
Provide substantial technical advisory services on devolution issues to government and other partners;
Support the DCD-P in the supervision of all professional staff under the project.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Functional Competencies:

Excellent analytical skills;
Excellent communication and facilitation skills;
Possesses specialist knowledge in the area Governance reform or related areas, as well as in-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
In-depth knowledge and first-hand experience of programme management cycle;
Sound understanding and capability to empower and develop the capacity of national counterparts;
Proven ability to incorporate into his/her work relevant international practices.

Behavioral Competencies (select most applicable/relevant):

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 degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business, Law, or other relevant field;

Experience:

At least Ten Years (10) years demonstrated experience in the successful implementation of international development activities ;
Demonstrated experience working on issues of decentralization or local governance in a developing country context;
Experience in engaging with Government at senior level on policy issues;
Strong political acumen and extensive experience of providing policy advice;
Well-developed skills and demonstrated experience in facilitation, and multi-stakeholder processes.
Demonstrated skills and competencies to provide technical direction for a complex national program, and oversee programming across various technical disciplines;
Demonstrated experience in cultivating and sustaining working relationships with diverse stakeholders including government, civil society, communities, and the private sector.
Experience working with the UN or other multilateral agency is an added advantage.

Language requirements:

Excellent proven written and spoken English.