UNDP Jobs - 56175- UN Strategic Planning Advisor & Head of the Reside

UN Strategic Planning Advisor & Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office

Location :

Lusaka, ZAMBIA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Jul-2015

Application Deadline :

29-May-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year, Renewable

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One Year, Renewable

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 UN in Zambia is now in its third year of Delivering-as-One (DaO). The UN Country Team (UNCT) operates under a DaO common management accountability system and is guided by a UN Code of Conduct. The UNCT currently delivers its support to Zambia under the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2010-2015, and has adopted a Common Business Operations Strategy.

In 2014 the UNCT in Zambia began the process of designing with the government a new Sustainable Development Partnership Framework (SDPF) for Zambia to replace the current UNDAF when it expires, including a move to One Programme, a Common Budgetary framework (including a Joint Resource Mobilisation Strategy), an enhanced Common Business Operations Strategy, and a strengthened Communicating as One strategy and plan. This is a major effort requiring sustained strategic focus, close coordination across the UNCT and out to the government and development partners, and the careful implementation of new processes and structures.

The UN Strategic Planning Advisor and Head of the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) will report directly to the Resident Coordinator (RC). Under the guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator, the incumbent will lead efforts to strengthen the strategic capacity of the UN Country Team and provide support to the RC in coordinating and planning an integrated UN response to national development priorities – in line with UN reform objectives, internationally agreed goals, the Government of Zambia's Vision 2030 (and its National Development Plans), the UNDAF and the new Zambia-UN Sustainable Development Partnership Framework; as well as emerging priorities, including supporting Zambia localise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The incumbent will supervise the staff of the RCO and will lead the coordination of activities emanating from the RCO, setting priorities, and ensuring follow-up and feedback; and identifying and recommending proposals and actions for enhancing inter-agency coordination in line with UN reform objectives, the simplification and harmonization procedures and, as appropriate, initiating actions for implementation. The transition from UNDAF to SDPF will require truly enhanced partnerships skills both on the UN side and across to the government. The incumbent will support the RC in implementing a Seamless Transition Workplan and capacity-building.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides policy guidance and support to Resident Coordinator based on analysis of development and political trends and their possible impact on UN work, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Thorough analysis and research of political, social and economic situation in country, advise RC and UNCT on developments having consequences for UN agencies’ work and priorities;Support and coordinate the process of continuously identifying, analyzing and prioritizing needs in order to facilitate an appropriate, coherent programmatic response by UNCT, reflecting RC Work Plan, UNDAF priorities and internationally agreed goals;
Convene Policy Advisory Group and support and facilitate assessments and other analytical work to help determine UNCT strategy and priorities, reflecting the overall framework of UNDAF/SDPF and internationally agreed goals;
Advise on adjusting strategies and implementation modalities, cost-effective and efficient implementation of joint UN programmes, common services and other UN functions;
Support and facilitate the RC in defining the UN’s role, priorities and strategies and the various coordination mechanisms, including support to lead agencies of Results Groups and Inter-Agency Task Forces;
Monitor relevant developments in the General Assembly, Security Council, and within the peace and security departments of the United Nations Headquarters;
Advance the UN reform agenda and UN system coherence.

Manages strategic planning process, providing input and guidance in the design of RC Work Plan, in line with UNDAF, national action plans for internationally agreed goals, and based on analysis of UN reform and Paris Declaration objectives, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Support RC in preparation and coordination of RC Work Plan, based on assessments and other identified priorities and strategies;
Provide strategic guidance and technical support to RC in strengthening capacity of UNCT to continuously design, coordinate and implement joint development assistance initiatives;
Facilitation of strategic change management processes, translating corporate UN Development Group guidance to local context for UNCT use, particularly the new SOPs for Delivering as One UNDAFs;
Management and updating of UN in Zambia project on 'UN coordination and support to Delivering as One in Zambia, 2011-2015;
Ensure high quality advisory support to the RC and UNCT in the design and implementation of the process for developing the new Zambia-UN Sustainable Development Partnership Framework (including transition to One Programme, Common Budgetary Framework, Operating as One and Communicating as One);
Facilitate preparation of a Seamless Transition Workplan from the current UNDAF to the new Partnership Framework, including new structures and processes, as well as ensuring preparation of annual and mid-term reviews of the Partnership Framework;
Ensure appropriate linkages are made to other ongoing initiatives – e.g., preparation of the national budget, PRSPs, donor strategies, etc.;
Ensure synergies of UNCT on institutional and organizational issues to promote a united and coherent UN system, consistent with the organizational mandate;
Draw upon other UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking, particularly among the East and Southern Africa DaO countries, to provide contributions to UNCT decision-making and learning;
Promote use of simplification and harmonization strategies, including opening of common premises, etc., in order to reduce burden on national partners and maximize effectiveness of integrated UN operations.

Oversees and manages the work of UN Coordination Office staff:

Coordinate all activities emanating from the RCO, set priorities, develop the annual work-plan and ensure follow-up and feedback;
Oversee, manage and guide the work of the UN Coordination Office, a team of staff members working in inter-agency coordination, donor coordination, joint programming under the overall guidance of the Resident Coordinator and based on the RC Annual Work Plan, UNDAF and the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness;
Advise and guide staff on the theory, practice and implementation of UN and donor coordination activities, including but not limited to One Programme processes, annual and midterm reviews, M&E, joint programming and programmes;
Guide staff in partnership building and strategic interaction with national partners, donor aid agencies, civil society and the private sector, adhering to UN principles and values;
Manage the funds-request and allocation process with the Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO). Monitor and control the usage of these funds, review transactions and ensure the preparation of expenditure reports.

Aid Coordination, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation:

Support the development of a Common Budgetary Framework and Joint Resource Mobilisation Strategy across the UN in Zambia;
Support the RC and RCO in identifying and building partnerships of like-minded development partners that will further the cause of the UN Sustainable Development Partnership Framework;
Prepare donor briefs and updates to facilitate resource mobilization efforts by the UN system in Zambia;
Prepare periodic briefs on emerging opportunities for resource mobilization and donor country cycles and focus areas;
Prepare briefs on other resource and partnership possibilities i.e. private sector, foundations and philanthropist organizations;
Provide support to the OECD/DAC Paris Declaration Agenda for Aid Effectiveness;
Assist the RC in resource mobilization for effective implementation of the Delivering as One approach.

Oversees planning strategic engagement with non-resident UN agencies, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Based on country assessment and needs, pinpoint areas and gaps where non-resident UN agencies (NRAs) could play a role;
Establish links to non-resident agencies in technical areas not covered by the UNCT and facilitate inputs from NRAs to joint planning, and ensure that NRAs are informed and participating to UNCT initiatives.

Oversees formulation and implementation of the UN in Zambia Communicating as One strategy and plan:

Focus on crafting proper branding and messaging, demonstrating the concrete, measurable contributions of the UN family in addressing the national development priorities and in achieving tangible results that translate into positive impact in people’s lives;
Ensure (1) tracking of latest developments and issues on UN reform in the media, UN system and other partners that require attention and on which UN system should respond; (2) drafting of speeches for the RC on inter-agency initiatives, (3) improving the internal and external websites (4) development and production of UNCT communication.

Facilitates knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Identify sources of information related to coordination, and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to country policy goals;
Identify national policies and institutions that require strengthening to ensure effective On Programme implementation and provision of advice in close consultation with UNCT;
Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
Organize training for UN staff on coordination issues.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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 favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda

Analysis and creation of messages and strategies;
Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses;
Proven strategic vision and strong technical and analytical capabilities;
Ability to negotiate at the highest decision-making level;
Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks without compromising quality, team spirit and positive working relationships;
Outstanding political judgment;
Proven ability to advocate and provide policy advice.

Global Leadership and Advocacy for One UN

Analysis and creation of messages and strategies;
Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for global advocacy work and adapts it for use at country level;
Promotes a One-UN agenda in inter-agency meetings.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Provides information for linkages across programme activities to help identify critical points of integration;
Provides background information to identify opportunities for project development and participates in the formulation of project proposals;
Provides information and documentation on specific stages of projects/programme implementation;
Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Identifying and building partnerships;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with counterparts at all levels;
Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to the UNCT‘s mandate and strategic agenda;
Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners.

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;
Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation;
Building and promoting effective teams;
Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication;
Creating an emotionally intelligent organization;
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 humored even under pressure.

Resource Mobilization

Developing and implementing the DaO Zambia Joint Resource Mobilisation strategy;
Analyzes information on potential bilateral donors and national counterparts to recommend a strategic approach;
Identifies and compiles lessons learned.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in international development studies, law, political science, economics, statistics, management, coordination, social sciences, or relevant sciences.

Experience:

At least 10 years’ experience, including substantive international experience, in progressively responsible positions in the humanitarian, development or related field;
Experience in team management and in Coordination;
Familiarity with the UN System and knowledge of UNCTs;
Previous work experience in the region will be considered an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English is required.