UNDP Jobs - 63475- Governance Advisor (Governance Technical Working G

Governance Advisor (Governance Technical Working Group)

Location :

Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

23-Feb-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

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

The Development Assistance Group (DAG) of donors was established to coordinate donor support to the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) process and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Governance Technical Working Group (GTWG), as one of the technical working groups of the DAG, is seeking a governance advisor, to be housed in UNDP to provide advisory and support services to the Human Rights and Democracy (HRD), Civil Society (CS),Justice, Safety and Conflict (C), and/or new and additional Sub-Groups as directed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Under the guidance of the UNDP Resident Representative and direct supervision of Head/UNDP Policy Advisory Unit and the Co-Chairs of the GTWG, the Governance Advisor is responsible for supporting the GTWG for the effective functioning of the Technical Working Group and its subgroups. This includes the provision of technical support in dialogue with Government of Ethiopia on strategic policy issues, as well as monitoring and harmonization of programmes within the Governance sector in Ethiopia.
He/ she will support the work of the GTWG in promoting the governance agenda in Ethiopia as articulated in the Growth and Transformation Plan II (GTP II,and in the effective implementation of the DAG Ethiopia Governance Strategy. The Advisor is expected to provide quality policy advisory services to the GTWG as required and contribute to knowledge building and sharing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures provision of top quality policy advice services to the GTWG, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Attend all GTWG as well as Human Rights and Democracy, Civil Society and Justice, Safety and Conflict Sub-Group monthly and ad hoc meetings and when requested DAG meetings, and assist the Chairs to draft and finalize meeting minutes, annual work plans and reports;
Facilitate effective linkages and collaboration between the three (or more) sub-groups of GWTG on selected issues that fall beyond the scope of one sub-group as well as play a facilitating role in the reporting of critical issues to the GTWG and DAG levels;
Maintain up to date awareness and analysis of trends and developments in the political and economic governance, human rights, civil society, and conflict sectors and provide regular reports and analysis on relevant issues;
Identify windows of opportunities to advance/deepen engagement with GoE on the good governance agenda either at the policy or program level;
Act as the resettlement focal point: assist with logistics and mission preparations, updating of methodology and ToR as necessary, maintaining standing relationships with relevant regional and federal governments, participate to the field missions when possible and assist with drafting mission reports;
Develop and proactively maintain a wide network on governance matters which includes: (1) government at both the federal and regional levels and other actors critical in the governance area including (2) civil society, (3) media, (4) human rights activists, and (5) opinion leaders;
Ensure coordination linkages and effective information flow with other DAG sub-groups;
Draft scopes of work and terms of reference for studies, assessments, consultancies etc. commissioned by the Groups;
Carry out and report on specific investigations, assessments and analytical exercises as directed by the Groups;
When appropriate and required, assist the Groups to develop proposals for complementary joint diplomatic and programmatic strategies to achieve specific objectives;
Assist the Group Chairs to draft briefing and action memos and talking points for the DAG;
Assist the Groups to maintain updated maps of donor activities;
Assist the Groups to consider how well current and planned donor programs are harmonized and how existing activities could be re-oriented or new activities could be designed to fill gaps, improve complementarity and increase impact;
Assist the Groups to consider and put in place effective mechanisms to monitor progress toward the objectives of their annual work plans;
Document best practices and lessons learned from Group activities, member agency programs or more generally in the sectors;
As directed, from time to time review the objectives, activities, efficiency and effectiveness of the Groups and make recommendations for improvements;
As requested, assist the design of the objectives, parameters and implementation and monitoring modalities of any GTWG steered donor pooled funds;
Perform other duties as required consistent with these responsibilities.

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

Systematic recording and dissemination of best practice and lessons learnt in the focus areas followed by the Groups in their yearly work-plans, and others as assigned;
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
Coordination of internal and external reviews and evaluations;
Organization and facilitation of training events on governance.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

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

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture;
In-depth knowledge on governance and development issues;
Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to apply and work within a system of strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to analyze development, institutional and governance issues and present concise, practical and accessible proposals and recommendations;
Ability to provide professional advice on the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects;
Ability to analyze and advise on ways to enhance donor coordination arrangements.

Management and Leadership:

Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Understands and applies appropriate team roles effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in law, political science, international relations or other related disciplines.

Experience:

At least 7 years of progressively responsible development experience at the international level in political affairs, democracy, good governance, human rights, civil society and conflict mitigation, prevention and reduction;
A strong background in governance and engagement with donors is desired;
Significant experience in the Horn and East Africa is desirable;
Experience in the use of computers and office software packages.

Language:

Fluency in English;
Knowledge of a second UN official language and the local language (Amharic) will be an added advantage.