UNDP Jobs - 61993- Programme Specialist (LADP)

Programme Specialist (LADP)

Location :

Erbil, IRAQ

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

11-Dec-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 Months (renewable)

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

In 2010 the EU-funded multi-agency Local Area Development Programme (LADP) led by UNDP undertook a stocktaking exercise with the Ministry of Planning and five Governorates during November which identified areas of local development planning and service delivery that require improvements. The project found certain key issues to be addressed, both at the central (federal/region) and the governorate levels.

Subsequently LADP, in partnership with the Ministries of Planning of the Federal and Kurdistan Region Governments and Governors’ Offices, agreed to conduct pilot planning exercises in five Governorates to produce Integrated Annual Provincial Plans (IPAP) that are inclusive of all projects planned to be implemented in 2012 regardless of their respective sources of financing or ownership in order to provide a holistic comprehensive view and understanding of the expected development objectives in that specific year and minimize overlaps.

As a result, actual improvements were achieved through an array of coordinated capacity development efforts aiming at meeting quality features of the plans expected by MoP, greater alignment with the National Development Plan (NDP), improved coordination, greater responsiveness to citizen’s needs and priorities, including systematic public consultation, incorporation of cross-cutting issues, spatial analysis, development of Monitoring and Evaluation framework and performance measurement and identification of ways to remove bottlenecks to project implementation and delivery of services etc.

Through LADP I & II, UNDP has established a track record of success with regard to planning-related capacity building; ongoing strong and collaborative relationships with a large number of central, federal, provincial, and local authorities. The specific objective is to strengthen good governance in Iraq by improving delivery of public services, through improved planning and implementation processes at governorate level, resulting in: Improved capacity for planning and implementation at governorate level, resulting in higher budget execution and service delivery, leading towards better sector wide planning and; Improved communication and coordination between central and governorate levels, and increased participation of communities in local development.

Under the guidance and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager and in close coordination with UNDP senior management the Programme Support Specialist is responsible for day–to-day technical management, smooth functioning of the Programme operations consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. S/he will provide strategic operational advice and guidance on resource management and programme management matters related to the Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide analytical and strategic support to the project:

Assist in ensuring compliance of operation with UNDP rules and regulations;
Help ensure that the strategic direction of the project is reflected in work-plans;
Ensures, in close consultation with the Programme Manager the effective application of RBM tools, elaboration and implementation of coherent work plans, programme documents, preparation of compelling proposals and achievement of results;
Conduct analytical work including institutional capacity assessments and policy reviews related to UNDP’s portfolio of activities.

Ensure appropriate implementation of programme activities liaison and coordination with implementing partners as well as timely reporting, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Planning, analysis, and implementation:

Participate actively in project work planning and operation plans;
Analyze and monitor progress and advice on timely corrective actions for proper project delivery;
Advocate for Programme goals and support communication of results;
Assist in coordination of Programme implementation with counterparts and UN agencies;
Identify new areas of support and facilitate implementation of new initiatives;
Support to liaison with counterparts and preparation of agreements including work plan, budget and schedule of payments.

Reporting and partner liaison and coordination:

Ensure proper reporting to donors on implementation, the achievement of outputs as well as contribute to reporting on progress towards outcomes and impact;
Assist in liaison with all partner agencies, donors and implementing agencies;
Ensures that appropriate logistical and administrative support is provided for all workshops and meetings;
Promote information sharing and coordination with UN agencies.

Provide operational support, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Budgeting and Financial management:

Track expenses, ensure proper allocation and use of funds, and ensure timely payments to vendors through Atlas;
Provide quality control of financial reports submitted by implementing agencies and liaise with them to ensure the transparent and accountable use of funds;
Prepare all required periodic financial, progress and up-date reports and submit drafts to the Programme Manager;
Issue payment requests and fund transfers, following the Programme Manager approval;
Programme financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of programme resources;
Participation in the programme’ audit, develop terms of reference for audit missions and manage audit support processes.

Procurement, contracting and recruitment:

Identify and implement the proper contracting modalities to be used and applied for the project;
Prepare project procurement and recruitment plans;
Identify human resources strategy and support the recruitment process (drafting of TORs);
Ensure timely mobilization of goods and services to initiate activities.
Provide capacity building and training to implementing partners related matters to promote national ownership of future Development processes:
Support to transfer of knowledge of relevant processes to implementing partners;
Effective support to capacity building and training of the National Staff.

Support to monitoring of LADP Programme Activities:

Support UNDPs monitoring and evaluation framework and ensure that LADP progress and activities are delivered in a timely manner and in an appropriate format. Analyze quality of programme delivery and advise on programmeimplementation;
Following up on weekly reporting from the governorate coordinators and advise on action needed to support field operations;
Contribute to quarterly, mid-year and annual reporting and coordinate reporting inputs;
Support the outcome monitoring systems developed with CO and support the outcome evaluation process.

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

Functional Competencies:

Leadership

Capacity to supervise a multidisciplinary high level team and to supervise project activities;

Technical support

Technical knowledge and expertise regarding procurement and financial cycles is indispensable;

Planning and management

Demonstrate proven capacity for planning and organizing the work of the team.

Communication

Ability to write clearly and concisely, with excellent oral communication skills;
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing with a wide range of people within UNDP, Governments, donors, and UN agencies;
Communicates effectively with staff at all levels of the organization;
Fluent in English and able to draft and edit project documents, proposals, correspondence and briefings..

Team work

Ability to establish and maintain good working relations with colleagues in multi-cultural environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in the areas of international relations/post conflict development, management, administration, economics or related discipline.

Experience:

5 years of relevant professional experience in Operations/ Programme Support in conflict countries;
Professional knowledge and experience of ATLAS;
Experience in UN/UNDP programme support and programmes; UNDP programme execution rules and regulations, including procurement, is requirement;
Able to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner;
Excellent computer skills.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Arabic is a strong asset.