UNCDF Jobs - 60606- Fiscal Decentralization Policy Advisor

Fiscal Decentralization Policy Advisor - (One post)

Advertised on behalf of

UNCDF

Location :

Hargeisa-Somaliland & Garowe- Puntland, SOMALIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

13-Nov-2017

Application Deadline :

21-Oct-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

365 days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

365 days

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 Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (JPLG) in Somalia is a joint programme of ILO, UNCDF, UNDP, UN-HABITAT and UNICEF. JPLG commenced in 2008 for an initial phase of 5 years has now entered in its second phase (2013-2017). JPLG works with the Federal Government of Somalia, the Governments of Puntland and Somaliland, local governments, communities and non-state actors. The JPLG overall objective is; “Local governance contributes to peace and equitable priority service delivery in selected locations’. The Joint Programme has two specific objectives which are:

Communities have equitable access to basic services through local government;
Local governments are accountable and transparent.

The Programme is aligned to the programming frameworks of the Somaliland Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) 2008-12, the Somali Compact and the ongoing PFM reforms in Somalia spear headed by the World Bank and other development partners. The UN JPLG is also in line with the UNCDF Corporate Strategy and the Business Plan of the Local Development Finance Practice for 2014-2017.

The overall programmatic scope of JPLG II places greater emphasis on promoting legislative reforms, institutionalizing innovations introduced during Phase I, expanding to more districts, especially in the Federal Government of Somalia region (South Central Somalia), and strengthening the management of the Programme. As before, JPLG II makes concerted efforts to address human rights, gender and women in local government, and good governance principles of transparency, accountability and civic participation.

In the framework of JPLG II, UNCDF has played a vital role in designing and implementing the Local Development Fund (LDF) mechanism for Somalia, following its experiences with Local Development Programmes, Local Development funds and fiscal decentralization in Least Developed Countries. The LDF is perceived as a key mechanism to enhance sustainable and responsive social service delivery in Somalia, and provides a space for capacity building, piloting of systems and procedures, comprehensive planning at local level and accountability measures; ultimately leading to a formalized fiscal decentralization system in Somalia.

In this context and to respond to its increased role in supporting the fiscal decentralization process, Local Revenue mobilization and the related subnational level PFM reforms, UNCDF/JPLG seeks to hire two Fiscal Decentralization Policy Advisors (one for Somaliland and one for Puntland with frequent assignments to FGS), to provide technical assistance and support UNCDF’s role under the JPLGII.

The Fiscal Decentralization Policy Advisor will be based at the State Ministry of Finance and shall also support the Office of the Decentralization Champion, the Ministry of Interior and all government ministries and institutions involved in fiscal decentralization reforms and the related sub-national Public Financial Management (PFM) and Local Revenue Mobilization initiatives. The Fiscal Decentralization Adviser will report to and work closely with the UNCDF Chief Technical Advisor, who is the Project Manager on the JPLGII programme on the review of Policy and legal framework and aspects of the work, as well as on all technical aspects that are of relevance to UNCDF/JPLG.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of duties:

Based at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the main task of the Fiscal Decentralization Advisor shall be contribute to and support the activities related to the design, rolling out, and implementation of the fiscal decentralization policy, Local Government Revenue mobilization and the related sub-national public financial management issues in the state/government where deployed. The Fiscal Decentralization Policy Advisor shall provide consistent support to the UNCDF Chief Technical Adviser, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Decentralization Champion/ Decentralization Secretariat and all relevant government ministries on high level advisory services on issues pertinent to intergovernmental fiscal transfers as well as technical assistance to all parties involved in the practical implementation of the system. The Fiscal Decentralization Advisor will provide technical inputs to the taskforce on intergovernmental Fiscal transfers, Champion Office and Ministry of Finance on a demand driven basis, just as he/she will provide support to local councils and to line ministries and during the implementation phase in line with the Fiscal Decentralization Strategy.

Summary of key functions:

Provide High level advisory services first to the Ministry of finance and to all relevant government ministries pertinent to intergovernmental fiscal transfers as well as technical assistance to the Decentralization Champion’s Office and JPLG Agencies involved in implementation of the system;
Maintain and provide high level technical expertise to the Ministry of Finance, The Decentralization Champion Office/Decentralization Secretariat and other relevant Government Ministries and institutions on provisions of the current Decentralization policy and Fiscal Decentralization Policy and Fiscal Decentralization Strategy Framework being developed;
Provide periodic reports to UNCDF copied to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Champion Office and Ministry of Interior (MoI), where relevant;
Provide technical inputs to the work of the taskforce/committee on the intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers system/Fiscal Decentralization, MOF, MoI, Champion’s Office and UNCDF /JPLG;
Provide a well-balanced Advice, given the various competing interests often involved in development and implementation of fiscal decentralization policies;
Support the implementation of LDF modality and Local Government Revenue Mobilization initiatives involving working with districts/municipalities and relevant State Government agencies;
Participate in providing training, coaching and mentoring of individuals and groups of staff to ensure a profound understanding of the principles and rationale behind the intergovernmental fiscal transfer system, grant simulations, evaluation of the functioning of the system and changes of the system if required;
Maintain and develop relationships with relevant government officials and internal and external stakeholders in order to provide advice the focuses on practical steps to be taken towards fiscal decentralization;
Provide technical assistance in responding to provisions of the Fiscal Decentralization Strategy;.
Maintain and develop relationships with relevant government officials and Fiscal Decentralization internal and external stakeholders in order to provide advice that focuses on practical steps to be taken towards fiscal decentralization;
Develop relevant policy and advisory papers and reports to stakeholders with or without technical background that are involved with aspects of the preparation for the implementation of Fiscal Decentralization;
Produce regular implementation progress reports to relevant stakeholders;
Provide direct technical advice, capacity building and backstopping as required.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the success of country programme within specific areas of cooperation. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design, operation and programming of activities, creation of strategic partnerships as well as reaching resource mobilization targets.

Management and Reporting arrangements:

The Fiscal Decentralization Advisor will primarily work under the management of and report to the UNCDF Chief Technical Adviser. The Advisor will also be expected to share the periodic reports to government counterparts as relevant.

Institutional Arrangement:

The contractor will be required to report regularly at the offices located within The Ministry of Finance (MoF)- at least 4 days a week and work from the UNCDF office Premises for the rest of the days as will be agreed with the CTA. The Frequency of reporting at either of the offices may be reviewed based recommendations of UN security experts;
The host MoF shall provide office space and UNCDF/JPLG shall provide basic furniture and relevant office equipment. Other office logistics like bulk photocopying, bulk printing and scanning shall be accessed at the UNCDF office premises

Duty Station:

For Puntland: The Duty Station will be Garowe with possible travel to districts where JPLG works as will be specified. The distraicts may change at any time during the duration of the assignment.

For Somaliland: The Duty Station will be Hargeisa.

Travel outside the duty station shall be facilitate by UNCDF/JPLG.

Payment of Fees:

The Contract shall be based on an all-inclusive Daily Fee.

An IC Time Sheet must be submitted by the Contractor, duly approved by the Individual Contractor’s supervisor, which shall serve as the basis for the payment of fees.The Consultant will submit invoices for days worked at the end of the agreed payment time. Payment will be made upon receipt of invoices and approval of theUNCDF Chief Technical Advisor.

Evaluation Method:

Evaluation Scoring

Technical evaluation based on competencies, experience and education (70%);
Financial evaluation based on daily fee quoted by applicant (30%).

Total score: 100%.

Application Requirements:

Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNCDF;
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
Brief description of why considers yourself as the most suitable for this assignment and methodology.
Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive daily fee , supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided on the below link.

Offeror’s letter confirming interest and availability form can be found here: http://uncdf.org/sites/default/files/Download/consultant-application-form.docx;

For more information about IC visit http://uncdf.org/en/hiring-consultants

Please upload all documents as one file under "CV".

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
Demonstrate subject -matter knowledge and sound judgment;
Facilitating and encouraging open communication among stakeholders;
Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing
Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNCDF/JPLG;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards

Functional Competencies:

Job knowledge/technical expertise

Possesses expert knowledge of advanced concepts in primary discipline, a broad knowledge of related disciplines, as well as an in-depth knowledge of relevant ofpolicies and procedures;
Applies knowledge to support the MoF objectives and mandate on fiscal decentralization);
Applies a broad knowledge of best policy development practices;
Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop a knowledge base at MoF;
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of relevant information technology;

Client orientation

Anticipates constraints in the delivery of technical assistance and identifies solutions or alternatives;
Proactively identifies, develops and discusses solutions for internal and external clients, and persuades management to undertake new relevant approaches;
Consults with clients and ensures their needs are represented in decision-making processes;
Advises and develops strategic and operational solutions with clients that add value to Fiscal Decentralization Reform objectives.

Coordination Effectiveness

Ability to lead the implementation of UNCDF programme activities while strengthening counterpart participation;
Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with other UN Agencies and main stakeholders, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different government counterparts.

Leadership

Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view;
Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior.

Development and operational effectiveness

Builds strong relationships with clients (primarily Government), focusses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Ability to manage complex problems proactively and effectively, including responses to field based emergencies;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Proven networking, team building, organizational and communication skills;
IT Competencies in word, excel, Power Point and Internet;
Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in Public Finance, Economic Policy, Public Policy or other subject or relevance; or
A Bachelor’s Degree Public Finance, Economic Policy, Public Policy or other subject or relevance plus 15 years of relevant experience.

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years of experience in in the field of fiscal decentralization, public financial management, public sector reform, expenditure management, local revenue mobilization and intergovernmental fiscal systems;
Experience in providing technical and policy guidance to governments, especially LDCs;
Demonstrated sound knowledge and understanding of public sector reforms in fiscal decentralization , particularly in post-conflict and transitional countries;
Demonstrated experience in LDF/ design and implementation;
Experience in the assessment of government systems and processes;
Experience in International development support to least Developed Countries in Africa;
Experience in post-conflict environments is a distinct advantage;
Previous experience within the UN/Bretton Woods/ development agency/donor institutions desirable;
Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of governance issues in Puntland, Somaliland and Federal Government of Somalia an advantage.

Language Requirements:

Demonstrated excellence in written and spoken English is essential;
Knowledge of Somali is an advantage, but not a requirement.