UNDP Jobs - 52639- Project Assistant - Elections Project

Project Assistant - Elections Project - (Open to Somali Nationals Only)

Location :

Mogadishu, SOMALIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

15-Apr-2015

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

SC-7

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 Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, adopted in August 2012, provides for the conduct of a constitutional referendum and elections. The Constitution provides for the establishment of a National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) mandated with the conduct of presidential elections, federal parliamentary elections, voter registration and update of the voter’s roll, candidate registration, delimitation of constituencies and wards, regulation of political party system, regulation of money spent by elected candidates or parties in respect of any elections, settlement of electoral disputes, facilitation of observation and evaluation of elections, development of an electoral code of conduct for candidates and parties and voter education. Establishment of the NIEC, elaboration of an electoral legal framework, setting up of an independent and functional NIEC and conduct of Constitutional referendum and elections are key priorities outlined in the New Deal Compact, Vision 2016 Conference recommendations and the agenda of the House of the People.

Within this context, the United Nations will provide electoral assistance in an integrated and phased manner having established an integrated UN Assistance Mission to Somalia (UNSOM) and UNDP electoral support group. At the inception phase of the electoral assistance to be provided, the UN and other international partners will engage in supporting the national authorities on the development of the NIEC law. At a later stage, once the institution is in place, technical assistance will be provided to the NIEC in order to support the capacity building of the institution. Finally, support will also be needed in the planning and preparation of the forthcoming electoral events. This assistance will include technical advice and activities including operational support in procuring goods and services.

The Project Assistant will support the UNSOM/UNDP integrated electoral support group in its work as outlined above. S/he will receive training and mentoring to become familiar with UNDP, UNSOM and UNSOA processes and procedures. All work will be undertaken in coordination with other team members as well as in coordination with relevant UNDP, UNSOM and UNSOA colleagues.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief Electoral Advisor and under the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief Electoral Advisor, the Project Assistant will perform the responsibilities described below and undertake any other relevant tasks as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Assist in setting up appointments and liaising with Somali stakeholders. Assist with the translation of documents and interpreting during meetings (Somali/English);
Undertake basic information gathering and research. Assist in monitoring Somali news and preparing a brief synopsis of relevant news items;
Assist in organizing workshops, seminars and consultations;
Assist in providing administrative, logistical, travel, procurement, and financial and asset management support.

Provides assistance to enable effective liaison and communication with Somali stakeholders focusing on achievement of the following results:

Assistance in setting up appointments and liaising with Somali stakeholders;
Compilation and the updating of contact lists;
Translation of routine correspondence and short documents (Somali/English) [translation of more complex technical or legal documents will be carried out by expert translators];
Interpretation support (Somali/English) during meetings.

Provides assistance to enable timely information gathering and research focusing on achievement of the following results:

Monitoring of Somali news and preparation of brief synopsis of relevant news items;
Assistance in undertaking information gathering and basic research for use in briefings and background papers;
Assistance in updating matrices to map activities of stakeholders and assistance providers for improved coordination;
Compiling, organizing and filing of information and documents for reference and use by team members.

Provides assistance to enable effective organization of consultations, workshops, roundtables and study tours focusing on achievement of the following results:

Support the compilation of participant and invitation lists and undertake follow up with participants, invitees and speakers;
Ensure that documentation relating to each workshop/event is retained, systematically organized and retrievable for reporting purposes;
Support administrative, financial, procurement, logistical, travel and security arrangements;
Support the compilation, printing and distribution of materials.

Provides support for the administration and implementation of project activities focusing on achievement of the following results:

Undertake administrative, logistical, travel, procurement and financial and asset management tasks in full compliance with UN/UNDP/UNSOM rules, regulations and policies;
Participation in the preparation of work plans and operation plans as well as procurement plans;
Provide support in quality control of project activities, including assessing impact and effectiveness, tracking outputs and results, and ensure timely and efficient delivery;
Maintain an appropriate filing system documenting the implementation of approved work-plan activities;
Provide support in regular monitoring and data collection of project activities and provide work-plan and progress reports.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the success of the UN’s electoral support to Somalia. Timely communication, information gathering and implementation of project activities enhances UNDP and UNSOM’s capability to provide electoral assistance efficiently and effectively.

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;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Ability to participate effectively in team-based information sharing environment;
Ability to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time;
High client service orientation and initiative to solve problem, excellent analytical and communication skills;
Ensures high quality and accuracy of work;
Executes processes and transactions with a results-oriented approach;
Consistently approaches work with energy and positive, constructive attitude;
Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to administer and execute administrative processes and transactions;
Ability to extract, interpret, analyze data and resolve operational problems;
Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work;
Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations;
Strong IT skills and knowledge of web based systems;
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system.

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on results for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Completion of Secondary Education, preferably with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance;
University Degree in Communications, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Public or Business Administration or related fields is desirable but not a requirement.

Experience:

4 years of administrative, programme/project or research experience is required;
Experience in the usage of computer software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), and web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Somali with good written and oral skills.

Other:

Terms of Service

This is a non-staff contract under the Service Contract modality of hiring of the UNDP. Individuals engaged under a Service Contract serve in their individual capacity and not as representative of a government institutions, corporate body or other authority external to UNDP. The incumbent shall not be considered as staff of UNDP, the UN common system or the government and are therefore not entitled to any diplomatic privileges or any other special status or conditions.