Background

Candidates who previously applied need not re-apply.

Within the framework of the UNDP project to support the GSSCPD, UNDP provides technical expertise and support to the General Secretariat as well as other Government entities, with the aim of enhancing national planning and implementation in support to the timely and quality implementation of the National Mid-Range Development Plan.

In light of the challenges that faced the implementation of previous development plans in the country, due to limited policy analyses and engagement, GSSCPD is soliciting the services of a senior  Policy Analyst to provide strategic and evidence-base advise to the Office of the of the Secretary General of GSSCPD. The successful applicant will work on crosscutting issues related to development policies in the human development, economic, environment and governance and prepare develop policy advice on how to improve the performance of NMRDP implementation. The consultant will follow-up on a number of projects and assume several functions, reflecting country policy interests and the programme of work on follow up the plan implementation. The incumbent will .assist in enhancing Plan implementation given the importance of strategic planning, the use of best practices and the need for clear public outreach on the progress of the implementation of the NMRDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work - Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Secretary General of  SCPD and close coordination with the UNDP Project Manager, the Senior Policy Analyst will assume the following tasks:

Task 1: Analysis, drafting sectoral and crosscutting policies:

• Analyze existing policies in key development sectors, identify gaps and opportunities for improvement;
• Draft analytic, statistical and policy relevant reports in social & economic development, issues critical to Kuwait economy and study the interrelationships among the sectors;
• Develop clear and rigorous analyticall  frameworks for the analysis of policy differences across countries;
• Prepare analytical briefing on development policy breakthroughs and lessons for different countries;
• Drafting progress reports on studies and strategies;
• Inform and reassure decision makers of actions that  are being taken;
• Gain further support from stakeholders in following  up the implementation of NMRDP;
• Summarizing the state of existing knowledge in a form which is readily accessible to policy makers.

Task 2: Statistical Analysis of Development Indicators:

• Develop a policy research agenda for GSSCPD;
• Undertake statistical and economic analysis of data relating to development indicators in order to explain key differences in outcomes across Sectors, and at scale of State of Kuwait in comparison with other countries;
• Review the compatibility of statistical information with the Central Statistical Bureau-CSB sources to developing data that can be analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques;
• Help develop surveys to fill the gaps in international information in coordinating with CSB;
• Identify and document national, regional and international sources of data and information related to the policies.

Task 3: Produce & Draft the Annual NMRDP Progress Reports:

• Follow up & Coordinate with GSSCPD departments the progress reports relating to each policy mentioned in NMRDP (Sectoral approach);
• Identify the policy gaps and the policy coordination mechanism for effective implementation, and determine the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders;
• Propose the effective and strategic directions and the necessary feedback;
• Prepare NMRDP related policy presentations for the Office of the SG;
• Draft the final Annual NMRDP.

Task 4: Communications and Outreach:

• Present research conclusions, and represent the GSSCPD in seminars and conferences;
• Participate in discussions and act as a resource person for  thematic reports discussions;
• Maintain good working relationships with staff in other divisions of the GSSCPD, CSB, and other national entities, as well as with academics working on development policy issues;
• Co-ordinate with the government officials responsible for analytical work and provide contributions to ensure the timely delivery of analytical products of high quality.

Deliverables and Schedule:

• All tasks and deliverables mentioned above should be done and accomplished through the contract period.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Organizational Awareness:

• Adopts a corporate approach to complex situations, focusing on process of change and interrelationships;
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the different perspectives and functioning of various organizational units, and works to resolve differences;
• Gains cooperation from others through understanding of the political and organizational culture;
• Builds and maintains alliances and networks of partners, colleagues and interest groups inside and outside of the organization to achieve results.

Working in Teams:

• Recognizes opportunities to meet organizational priorities through team work, inspires and motivates staff to achieve them collectively encouraging them to think and act co-operatively, openly and honestly;
• Manages and resolves conflicts with individuals and groups both within and outside the organization to achieve win-win solutions;
• Supports and promotes inter-agency cooperation and recognizes participation of staff in cross-functional and inter-agency teams.

Communicating Information and Ideas:

• Synthesizes multiple/complex messages, identifies appropriate key points for different audiences and communicates concepts in a manner that influences the perceptions/behaviors of others;
• Creates an environment for open communication and encourages others to be diplomatic and use tact and sensitivity in dealing with colleagues and partners;
• Effectively communicates to audiences in challenging and adversarial situations.

Self-management and Emotional intelligence:

• Foresees how others will interpret and react to events, using that awareness to smooth the way;
• Typically focuses on opportunities rather than threats in the organizational environment; drives towards positive change.

Functional Competencies:

Adaptation And Application Of Knowledge / Innovations In Different Contexts:

• Collaborates with regional, national and local partners to create and apply knowledge and concepts;
• Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on programme and capacity development activities;
• Promotes a supportive environment to enhance partnerships, leverages resources and build support for the institution strategic initiatives;
• Provides evidence-based guidance to policy that woke.

Advocacy / Advancing Policy Oriented Agenda:

• Analysis and creation of messages and strategies;
• Creates effective advocacy strategies;
• Contributes to the elaboration of advocacy strategies by identifying and prioritizing audiences and communication means;
• Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses;
• Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for advocacy work.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

• Establishing, maintaining and utilizing a broad network of contacts. Building partnerships and strategic alliances. Leveraging the resources of national governments and other development partners;
• Identifies common interests and goals and carries out joint initiatives with partners;
• Creates networks and promotes initiatives with partner organizations.

Promoting Organizational learning and Knowledge Sharing:

• Participating in the development of policies and innovative approaches and promoting their application throughout the organization;
• Actively seeks and promotes innovative methodologies and leads the development of supporting policies/tools to encourage learning and knowledge sharing;
• Develops and/or participates in the development of policies and new approaches and participates in training of staff in their application throughout the organization.

Promotes knowledge sharing:
Client Orientation

• Developing innovative approaches to meeting client needs. Ensuring overall provision of quality services to clients;
• Contributing to positive outcomes for the client;
• Anticipates client needs;;
• Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider;
• Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective;
• Keeps the client informed of problems or delays in the provision of services;
• Uses discretion and flexibility in interpreting rules in order to meet client needs and achieve organizational goals more effectively;
• Solicits feedback on service provision and quality.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• An advanced university degree and or Master in economics, social sciences, development studies, or other relevant discipline in development planning;
• PhD is an advantage.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience of applied policy research and analysis of interdisciplinary and large-scale teams within complex projects and interaction with other organizations and external stakeholders;
• Experience of large-scale international surveys of plans implementations would be a particular asset;
• In the area of economic and social policies, acquired in a national administration, international organization, university or research Centre;
• Experience in collecting, interpreting and analyzing development statistics. Strong quantitative skills to measure the development indicators would be particularly desirable;
• Experience in working on national plans implementation in different countries would be an asset;
• Proven ability to draft reports as shown by research and publications on development policies.

Language:

•       Arabic & English are required.

Note:

• Applicant must attach their CV as part of the application.

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