Background

Background

UNDP Afghanistan works to achieve transformation change that will lead to freedom from poverty and insecurity for all citizens of Afghanistan.   UNDP assists in the achievement of Afghanistan’s own priorities outlined in the Afghanistan National Development Strategy and National Priority Programmes, as well as international development frameworks such as the Millennium Development Goals, the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States, and other global agreements in which Afghanistan participates.

In partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, UNDP contributes to institutional development efforts and strengthens the capacity of national partners through projects and interventions in the areas of democratic governance, rule of law and security, women empowerment and gender, sustainable management of natural resources and climate change adaptation, resilience to natural and man-made chocks and disasters.

UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.

The Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA) is a Programme implemented by the Government of Afghanistan through the Ministry of Interior Affairs (MOIA) with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Afghanistan, and with funding from 17 bi-and multilateral donors. The Programme was established in 2002 to provide a funding channel for the international community to support the establishment of the ANP (Afghan National Police), particularly through the transfer of funding for ANP and prison guard salaries.

In 2011 the project expanded to include the provision of policy advice and capacity development support in the areas of institutional development of the MOIA; prison and police professionalization, and improvement of police service delivery. A new phase of the Programme containing two separate projects under a joint governance arrangement will be launched to be implemented in three phases from 1 July 2015 to 31 December 2016.

Project 1 will continue to support capacity development of the MOIA in order to ensure that the MOIA independently manages the function  - human resources, finance and ICT - related to payroll operations to enable the transition of payroll management functions to the MOIA by 31 December 2016.

Project 2 will focus on police professionalization and on institutional development of the MOIA through two components. Component 1 will support ANP professionalization efforts by technical assistance in instituting appropriate legal frameworks, building the capacity for training and education and directly supporting the efforts to improve trust and confidence by introducing best practices and international standards in community oriented policing, human rights standards and gender equality in its service delivery. Component 2 improves the MOIA´s capacity for reform and assist in building accountable and efficient management and oversight capacities.

LOTFA, which is the largest project supported by UNDP globally, is located the Ministry of Interior Affairs in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Organizational Context of the Position

Under the overall supervision of the CTA – Police Professionalization and direct supervision of the Policing Training & Education Specialist, the Training and Education Specialist is responsible for carrying out the functions and tasks as per this Terms of Reference (ToR).

The incumbent of this position works in close collaboration and daily contact with the project partners in implementation of all tasks and activities of the ToR. All tasks will have to be conducted promptly and according to the project implementation plans. A key objective of this position is to systematically and effectively transfer technical knowledge to, and to build capacity of, the partner organizations and the individual counterparts in these organizations. The results of the knowledge transfer and capacity-building activities constitute the main criteria of performance assessment for this position.

The capacity-building activities depend on the area of work and may entail – but are not restricted – to the following:

  • Undertake research to identify best practices;
  • Help to locate and access knowledge and expertise;
  • Provide prompt and high-standard technical inputs to partner institutions;
  • Proactively initiate and stimulate dialogue around technical issues with staff in partner organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Responsibilties

The Training and Education Specialist in collaboration with administrative and operational units in the Ministry of Interior, LOTFA components, UNDP and other agencies and partners will perform the following key functions:

  • To facilitate the development and operationalization of specific project plans, which includes organizational structure and position requirements, defined functions, and activities, to support the Training and Education Command (TEC) of the Afghan National Police;
  • To coordinate activities with the operational policy sector of the MOI and other development partners including; Resolute Support Mission Afghanistan (RSM-A), European Union Police Mission (EUPOL), UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), International Police Coordination Board (IPCB) and the Strategic Support to the Ministry of Interior (SSMI) project to facilitate specific project/program design, development, implementation and handover to the TEC;
  • Oversee the development of police  training material and adult educational training activities;
  • In collaboration with the M&E expert, to design, develop and implement sound M&E policies, activities and reporting methods to monitor, record and advise development initiatives;
  • To assist the MOI/TEC in their design, development and implementation of student-centred, adult education oriented training courses and programs, with emphasis on ANP faculty staff development, the development of ANP faculties as institutions of Higher Learning, and in support of operational leadership programs for mid and senior level ANP officers;
  • To build the capability of the TEC to coordinate and manage educational programs with integrity, fairness, commitment, and impartiality, and to develop skills in introspection, reflection, and courage in facing individual and institutional weakness;
  • To engage effectively with external partners and stakeholders, including senior academics, government representatives and policymakers;
  • To conduct analysis and research to increase the impact of democratic policing initiatives, including on the empowerment of women and protection of marginalized and at-risk elements of society.

Capacity Building of National Staff:

  • Providing technical guidance for staff and consultants working in Training and Education;
  • Guiding National Specialists with the clear objective of building national capacities , and contribute to the performance results of national specialists;
  • Advising CTA on necessary adjustments of implementation to ensure strategic flexibility.

Project Performance and Reporting:

  • Prepare needs assessment and factsheet for the project areas;
  • Contribute to the formulation of guidelines, procedures and policies to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the project;
  • Review and analyze proposals and concept to be submitted to partners, donors and counterparts;
  • Identify and articulate lessons learnt and contribute to the formulation of guidelines, procedures and policies to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the project;
  • Contribute to the preparation of consolidated monthly, quarterly and annual analytical results-based progress reports in accordance with standards of UNDP;
  • Respond to queries and requests for assistance and submission of regular reports and data, as needed.

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, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

  • Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, internet, PP, database packages, etc. Experience with web-based management systems;
  • Ability to inform and coordinate educational/adult education initiatives;
  • Ability to work with a wide cross-section of partners including Government, donors, I/NGOs and community-based organizations;
  • A team player and self-starter able to inspire and influence action;
  • Mature judgment combined with a proactive, resourceful and energetic approach to problem solving. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and strong organizational and time management skills;
  • Capacity to work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines;
  • Demonstrated behavior of professional and personal ethics, transparency and openness;
  • Willingness to undertake regular field visits and interact with different stakeholders, especially with primary stakeholders.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master degree in International Development, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences, Police Academy or related field;
  • Undergraduate qualifications in Adult Vocational Education, Tertiary Teaching, or a related field plus 7 years of experience.

Experience:

  • 5 years of relevant experience at the international level in supporting policy and institutional and systems development in Government institutions;
  • Prior experience with the UNDP;
  • Prior experience in similar post-conflict context;
  • Prior experience working in highly volatile security environment;
  • Proven experience in adult education and training, preferably within the Justice Sector;
  • hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects and
  • establishing inter-relationships among international and national organizations and national governments;

Language:

  • Fluency in English required and fluency in Dari and/or Pashtu will be an asset.

Application:

  • Interested and qualified international candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at UNDP Afghanistan Vacancy Announcement and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at UNDP Personal History Form (P.11 Form);
  • Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted;
  • For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af.
  • Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within 6 weeks of the offer of appointment;
  • Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.