Background

UNDP is focused on working with the legislatures to strengthen their capacities to discharge their constitutional mandates of law-making, oversight and representation. UNDP is working to support both MPs themselves, as well as longer-term efforts to capacitate parliamentary secretariats. Recognizing the importance of rebuilding the social contract between the people and the institutions of the state, UNDP is also heavily focusing on support for parliamentary outreach and civil society engagement. More broadly, the Project is also providing technical advice and assistance in support of the broader constitutional review process which is being undertaken by supporting MPs to engage as appropriate. UNDP coordinates its support with other development partners in the field, including the National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute, AWEPA, the Max Planck Institute and Inter-peace.

The National Federal Parliament and its members have a critical role to play in Somalia’s divided context today. If supported to effectively fill its place in the new political infrastructure of Somalia, the legislature will operate as a venue for the debate and discussion of issues of national importance. Potential sources of conflict can be aired, debated and addressed publicly and in a bi-/multi-partisan manner. In order to achieve these objectives, both Members of Parliament and the Parliamentary Secretariat require urgent support. Apart of the National Federal Parliament (NFP) functioning parliaments exist in Garowe/Puntland and in Hargeisa/Somaliland and new assemblies are currently formed in the emerging states.

Under the Provisional Constitution, the NFP has also been tasked with leading the process of constitutional review and implementation, which is required in order to finalize a national Federal Constitution and set in place a framework for national elections. Parliament has set up a Constitutional Oversight Committee, and legislation was enacted in July 2013 to establish an Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission (ICRIC) intended to provide technical support to the Committee. In a Memorandum of Understanding dated 8 March 2015 the cooperation between the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs, the Oversight Committee and the ICRIC the division of labor between these three institutions has been agreed.

UNDP through its two projects - the Parliamentary Support Project and the Constitutional Review Process Support Project – which are implemented by the same project team provides technical assistance to the parliaments and supports the ongoing constitutional review process.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Management Specialist, and overall guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, the Reporting Officer will provide timely and quality reports and information to support projects’ staff in all locations. He/she will provide support to project management and partners on reporting and communications and act as a facilitator or trainer to the counterparts.

The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the Governance Programme staff in the Country office, UNDP counterparts and other UN agency staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

• Ensure timely and quality project reporting;
• Ensure the development of relevant capacity building materials and activities;
• Ensure efficient and innovative communication of the projects;
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensure timely and quality project reporting:

• Prepare donor, civic education and community awareness reports in support of the project;
• Prepare monthly project newsletters, special reports and spot reports;
• Collaborate with  the monitoring and evaluation officer and Program management specialist in the production of high quality program progress reports as per donors and UNDP requirements;
• Effective and timely  editing  and formatting of  all program related documents;
• Actively collaborate with  program staff in organizing and managing seminars, workshops, press conferences and field visits as required, especially in the  communication of  activities;
• Provide relevant expert services to the project management and implementing partners on reporting and communications and act as a facilitator or trainer to the counterparts;
• Develop and keep the  Project content website updated;
• In coordination with the Project team, collate feedback on quality of reports for future improvement.

Ensure the development of relevant capacity building materials and activities:

• Through workshops and mentoring, provide capacity building to national counterparts on quality and timely reporting, assess gaps and implement corrective measures;
• Guide national counterparts in the preparation, formulation and design of reports;
• Elaborate standards and templates for counterpart reporting;
• Provide guidance to national counterparts in recurrent updating of their respective websites;
• Provide guidance to national counterparts in the implementation of their communication strategy.

Ensure efficient and innovative communication of the projects:

• Work closely with the Project Management Specialist in documenting lessons learned and best practices in project implementation;
• In collaboration with the project staff and the communications unit, assist in the production and dissemination of communication materials on the Parliament and Constitution Project to relevant audiences, particularly the production of monthly newsletters;
• Develop clear and concise briefings and presentations for various meetings, workshops, conferences and the project board meetings.

Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge management by focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Organize training for Project Staff and partners on reporting;
• Capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training for national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in communication and reporting.

Impact of Results

The key results will have an impact on the overall success of the specific areas of cooperation under the UNDP country programme. In particular, the key results will have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the design, implementation and outcome of key project activities results under the specific Programme portfolio.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Client Orientation.

Functional Competencies:

 Knowledge and Learning Management

• Contributes to UNDP Practice Areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development;
• Builds knowledge in at least one practice areas, and shares;
• Ability to provide top quality policy advice services on related issues;
• In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to conduct results-based management and reporting;
• Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, and general administration.

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 good oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
• Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure.

Communications and Networking

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and conflict resolution competency to manage inter-group dynamics and mediate conflict interest of varied actors;
• Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior and high ranking members of national institutions, government and non-government.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:         

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in communication, media relations, journalism, publishing or any related field; or
• A first level university degree in communication, media relations, journalism, publishing or any related field with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year relevant experience with master's degree at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy  or A bachelor's degree with 3 years’ experience in public relations, communications or advocacy at the national or international level may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
• Proven work experience in reporting, communications, public relations or advocacy is a requirement;
• Knowledge of Parliament and previous experience in dealing with Parliament is desirable;
• Previous work experience with a multilateral or international organization is desirable  but not mandatory;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and oral English and Somali.