UNDP Jobs - 56818- Senior Programme Advisor, Strategic Planning & Man

Senior Programme Advisor, Strategic Planning & Management Unit

Location :

Yangon, MYANMAR

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Sep-2015

Application Deadline :

09-Jun-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 Year with Possibility of Extension

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 at an historic stage in its development. A new Constitution was adopted in May 2008, elections held in November 2010 and bi-elections in April 2012. Parliament and governments have been formed at Union and at region/state levels. A number of reforms have already been undertaken focusing on good governance, human rights and reaching cease-fire agreements in conflict areas. The reforms have led to increasing engagement with the international community and allowed Executive Board of UNDP to lift mandate restrictions and to approve fully-fledged UNDP country programme in January 2013.

Against this background, UNDP strategically repositioned its role in Myanmar and ramped up capacities to support national priorities of democratic transformation and poverty reduction. After more than 20 years of working exclusively at the grassroots level, the country programme (2013-2015, extended to 2017) seeks to contribute to the strengthening of national institutional capacities for democratic governance, inclusive growth and climate resilience. Whereas UNDP’s contributions to development results are provided through three programmatic pillars (local governance; environmental governance and DRM; and democratic governance) the programme’s overall direction and coherence will be facilitated by the Strategic Planning & Management Unit, SPU, led by the Senior Programme Advisor.

The Senior Programme Advisor will report directly to the Country Director in fostering overall programme coherence and cross-pillar synergies. S/he will provide strategic leadership to SPU and support to Programme Pillars: (1) to provide quality assurance of programme results and overall M&E cycle management in UNDP Myanmar; (2) to position UNDP Myanmar at the cutting edge of knowledge development and knowledge sharing; (3) to coordinate knowledge sharing and other programme-related activities with the government of Myanmar; (4) to support partnership building, external outreach, development advocacy and communications; and (5) to support gender mainstreaming across the entire range of UNDP Myanmar programme activities. In this role, the Senior Programme Advisor will supervise 5-10 staff, including M&E Team, Communications Team, Gender Specialist, and field offices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Strategic planning and coordination of delivery of country programme results, including management of the UNDP field presence;
Facilitation of cross-pillar synergies and internal knowledge management;
Strategic partnerships, outreach and advocacy for development results;
Support to programme governance arrangements, monitoring and evaluation

Strategic planning and coordination of delivery of country programme results, including management of the UNDP field presence

Coordination of the programme design and implementation;
Quality assurance on RBM processes, including IWP, ROAR, inputs to ABPs;
Managing UNDP field presence to ensure timely and effective delivery of activities in the various areas.
Support to the Country Director in day-to-day management of the CO for the delivery of country programme results.

Facilitation of cross-pillar synergies and internal knowledge management

Fostering overall programme coherence and cross-pillar synergies;
Supporting integration of early recovery and peace building priorities;
Internal management and cross-pollination of development knowledge;
Strategic guidance and quality assurance of knowledge products;
Support to innovative programme and knowledge management practices;
Staff capacity development and knowledge sharing across units and offices.

Strategic partnerships, outreach and advocacy for development results:

Supporting overall resource mobilization to support implementation of the Country Programme Action Plan;
Advocacy and strategic engagement with government, development partners and other UN agencies;
Quality assurance of design and implementation of the Communications Strategy;
Advocacy on key development issues related to country programme;
Coordination of participation in UN-wide and development partner task forces.

Support to programme governance arrangements, monitoring and evaluation

Effective functioning of Pillar Steering Committees and Output Boards;
Quality assurance of robust monitoring systems, oversight of effective data collection;
Support to the implementation of the Evaluation Plan, coordination of impact assessments;
Support to rigorous and timely corporate and donor reporting arrangements.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural and gender sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly and without favoritism; and
Shows strong corporate commitment.

Functional Competencies:

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning and facilitate crucial decision making at the highest levels of government;
Ability to lead the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of strategic policies and sound development programmes;
Ability to generate creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations;
Strong technical and practical leadership and knowledge in issues related to aid management, coordination and effectiveness;
Familiarity with UN system and role of key stakeholders in the area of national development plans, local-level planning, aid management, coordination and effectiveness;
Ability to work well in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes knowledge management and a learning environment through leadership and personal example.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and responds positively to constructive feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrates excellent presentation skills;
Excellent computer skills, and applications for report and project planning;
Excellent organizational skills and proven ability to deliver projects within assigned deadlines;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Excellent interpersonal skills and objectivity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in social sciences, political sciences, development, management or other relevant fields.

Experience:

A minimum of 10 years progressively responsible and relevant professional working experience in the area of development;
Proven track record in programme support and monitoring;
Proven management experience, preferably within UNDP or another UN agency, with sound knowledge and experience in all aspects of project cycle (design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation);
Experience in capacity development and facilitating positive transformational change;
Experience in providing technical assistance and substantive inputs in the area of local governance;
Prior experience of development work in Myanmar, South-East Asia and/or countries in transition would be an asset;
Experience working collaboratively in a team structure in a multicultural environment.

Language:

Excellent command of written and spoken English;
Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.