UNDP Jobs - 57335- Project Support Specialist

Project Support Specialist

Location :

Freetown, SIERRA LEONE

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

10-Jul-2015

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One 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

UNDP is currently developing its new five (5) year Rule of Law Programme in accordance with the commitments made in the UNDAF 2015-2018 in support of the government’s achievement of the Agenda for Prosperity 2013-2017 specifically focusing on the justice and security sector. The programme is expected to commence on 1 July 2015 and will build on key achievements, lessons learnt from the previous Rule of Law and Access to Justice two (2) year project. The programme will further focus on supporting the justice institutions in overcoming adverse effects imposed by the 2014-2015 Ebola crisis.

Under the umbrella of the Rule of Law Programme, UNDP together with the Sierra Leone Judiciary will receive support from the U.S. Department of State to implement a project to develop and implement a sentencing policy and guidelines, and to amend the current bail policy. These revisions are prepared in anticipation of the new Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), which is due to be enacted in the near future.

A Working Group of key national institutions and civil society, headed by the judiciary, will be responsible for developing a policy framework which will define the role of Sierra Leone justice institutions in formulation, implementation & monitoring of sentencing and bail guidelines. The Working Group will recommend, if necessary, establishment of relevant oversight mechanisms within existing structures entrusted with the functions mentioned above. The Policy Framework will also indicate Sierra Leone’s vision of the purposes of sentencing, which will support the new provisions on non-custodial sentencing to be introduced in the new CPA. The Policy therefore will address the balance to be made between punishment, reform and rehabilitation of offenders, the protection of the public, and the making of reparation by offenders to persons affected by their offences. The project will then support the Working Group to draft sentencing guidelines for the seven most significant offences sentenced by Magistrates and Judges in line with relevant instruments, such as the Constitution, and international standards. The sentencing guidelines will: a) provide guidance on general sentencing issues and principles, ensuring that Judges and Magistrates in all courts adopt a uniform approach to sentencing; and b) provide guidance on factors to take into account when exercising their margin of discretion in determining the sentence.

The project will also seek to support implementation of the bail policy, revising it to take account of the new CPA and supporting its implementation nationally through a network of civil society structures.

The duration of the project will be two years starting on 1 July 2015.

The project has the following two specific outputs:

Sentencing and bail policies and guidelines adopted by the mandated judicial authorities; and
Sentencing and bail guidelines are in place and consistently applied.

The Project Support Specialist (PSS) will support implementation of the project by providing amongst other tasks a high level of planning and support to the Working Group. His/Her tasks will include organising Working Group meetings; distributing working papers; taking minutes; and ensuring project timelines are met. The PSS will be located within the High Court building and will work closely with the judiciary, hence a high level of professionalism will be required. As the delivery of the project results will be determined by the effectiveness of the Working Group, the PSS must be a motivated self-starter, with the ability to drive the process forward, and overcome obstacles effectively and tactfully.

Additionally, the PSS will be tasked to build the capacity of key staff at the Court to manage similar processes and support the judiciary more effectively in planning and administration and project coordination. This will include on-the-job training, mentoring and delivering formal training sessions to small groups of court staff on areas of need, as well as improving existing systems for information and case management within the Courts, tracking correspondence etc. as needed.

Key Results Expected

The Project Support Specialist will be required to produce a work plan which will ensure the project deliverables are met within the project timelines, in conjunction with the judicial authorities. This work plan will be subject to approval by the Chief Justice and UNDP.

The PSS will be working directly with the UNDP/ Judiciary project team to support the judiciary in successfully ensuring delivery, high quality updates and reports on progress will be delivered on a monthly basis as well as through regular meetings and oral updates with the UNDP focal point in the project. The PSS will receive overall supervision by the Rule of Law Project Manager.

Summary of Key Functions:

Support to all aspects of the implementation of the Sentencing and Bail project;
Administrative and planning support to the Judiciary in managing the ‘Sentencing and Bail Working Group’ ensuring project timelines are met and budgets adhered to;
Strengthen the capacity of key support staff in managing and implementing development and judicial reform projects.
Systematic collation of information for contributing to the delivery of high quality reports and updates to demonstrate project progress, capacity development, and impact of the project activities;
Helping establish and improve existing systems in place in the High Court relating to information and case management (i.e. tracking correspondence; court data etc.);
Support to the judiciary in the implementation of any other projects by UNDP’s Rule of Law Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Support Specialist will under the auspices of the Rule of Law Project Manager work together with the UNDP Rule of Law Officer to 1) achieve the outputs of the project; and
Strengthen capacity of the project focal points in the High Court in strengthening internal and external planning, coordination and reporting systems that will enhance the future functioning of the judiciary.

The Project Support Specialist will deliver the following:

Support the UNDP Rule of Law Programme in the implementation and coordination of the ‘Promoting Transparency in the Judiciary of Sierra Leone’ project ensuring budget and timelines are adhered to;
Build and strengthen the capacities of the project focal points in the judicial headquarters in planning, coordination and implementation of development and reform projects;
Support the Chief Justice’s Administrative Assistant and the Acting Master and Registrar in putting in place systems for data collection and development of outreach information including letters, briefs and reports to justice stakeholders and donors;
Support the judiciary in strengthening and sustaining the existing information systems both internal and external, as well as developing new ones for ensuring effective implementation of the developed policies and guidelines;
Active contribution in the development of key programme documents, including donor reports ensured for the successful achievement of the project;
Support provided to the judiciary for the implementation of any other ongoing justice initiatives by UNDP.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning:

In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
Actively work towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of the project.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to oversee implementation, and undertake monitoring and evaluation of projects;
Ability to identify potential risks and challenges to project activities, and take steps to mitigate or overcome them;
Ability to bring diverse activities into a coherent narrative;
Willingness to spend a significant proportion of time in the field, overseeing project activities and developing field reports.

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;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Outstanding communication skills;
Builds strong relationships both formally and informally, ensuring information flows effectively as necessary to ensure project is effective.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Masters) in Administration, or other related field of study, and a recognised qualification in Project Planning (e.g. PRINCE 2) will be a distinct advantage.

Experience:

At least 5 years’ work experience in Sierra Leone or a related post-conflict setting;
Substantial direct experience on access to justice, judicial reform and/or strengthening of the rule of law sector is highly desirable;
Detailed knowledge and familiarity of issues and key actors in the justice sector including the courts will be considered an advantage;
Previous experience in building capacity in project management, planning and coordination as well as donor reporting is a essential;
Experience working on donor-supported projects in similar capacity is highly desirable;
Demonstrated experience in managing processes and delivering results is essential;
Prior working experience in Sierra Leone is a requirement.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English.