Background

Myanmar

Myanmar has gone through unprecedented changes since the November 2010 general elections and is at a historic stage in its development. The adoption of a new Constitution in 2008 and the launch of a series of far-reaching political, social and economic reforms have heralded a new and more democratic era for the country, and one in which the government and the people of Myanmar aspire to rule of law, sustainable development and inclusive growth. The 2015 elections brought a landslide victory for the NLD and the incoming Government will be expected to deliver on an ambitious reform and modernization agenda, building on the lessons-learnt of the previous Government, and aiming to achieve the goals stated in the NLD manifesto, namely “the emergence of  a truly democratic government that would guarantee basic human rights and be in line with the wishes of the people; the flourishing of a democratic political system in accordance with the desire of the people of Burma; and the laying down of foundations for a strong and durable union.” It is anticipated that the incoming government would put emphasis on strengthening the administration machinery of government in support of enhanced public services.

UNDP

UNDP has been working closely with the Government of Myanmar in its reform agenda, and will continue providing support to the new incoming Government in view of achieving their set goals. The Public Administration Reform Output falls under the UNDP’s Pillar (3) on Democratic Governance, working with the parliament, the judiciary, and the executive to strengthen government institutions, and make them more responsive and accountable to the needs of the people. The Democratic Governance Pillar has three additional outputs: a) development effectiveness, b) parliamentary strengthening, and c) rule of law and access to justice.

The Public Administration Output has focused on the “third wave” of reforms, and has relationships with key government institutions including the Office of the President, the General Administration Department in the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Union Civil Service Board, as well as international agencies and development partners active in the field of public administration reforms.

The Public Administration Output has two major stream of works. Firstly, Union level policies and capacities to coordinate, steer and manage public administration reforms in Myanmar. Secondly, the Output focuses on reforms within the Myanmar civil service, in view of improving ethics, meritocracy and equal opportunities in the civil service, including programmes and systems for administrative leadership development.

Role Description

UNDP Myanmar is looking for a Programme Analyst to support the management of activities under the Public Administration output, and provide technical and programmatic advice on the direction of the programme and relationships with government counterparts.

The work of the position takes place under the Public Administration Output of the Democratic Governance Pillar, under direct supervision from the Team Leader of Democratic Governance.   The position holder will work closely with the Chief Technical Adviser, Public Administration based in Naw Pyi Daw and other programme management colleagues.

The Programme Analyst will work in a diverse multi-national team of technical experts, including coordination and support staff. The Programme Analyst will work closely with the programmes associates, Chief Technical Advisors and other staff based in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw, and will promote coordination and close collaboration with other Outputs of the Democratic Governance Pillar and other relevant Pillars of the Country Programme.

The candidate is expected to have strong analytical/problem – solving/planning skills and contribute insights about the country’s political, economic and social situation. The candidate will be provided with coaching and guidance from the direct supervisor in order facilitate taking up more responsibilities gradually. The working environment is dynamic and open for ideas, and for savvy political-economy approaches.

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of Key Functions:

  • Monitor, analyse and advise on developments in Myanmar public administration reforms;
  • Coordinate programme activities and facilitate programme management, including monitoring and evaluation of the PAR activities;
  • Build capacity of partners and Public Administration Output staff;
  • Build relationships with national and international counterparts;
  • Facilitate learning and exchange of knowledge with all stakeholders and contribute to the development of knowledge products pertaining to Public Administration Reform.

Monitor, analyse and advise on developments in Myanmar public administration reforms:

  • Provide analysis and research on the political-economy of Myanmar, with a focus on governance, public administration and civil service reforms, and advise on most suitable ways to incorporate into UNDP’s programming;
  • Advise on national developments and trends through regular monitoring of local media and sustained contacts with counterparts; and
  • Contribute ideas about, and inputs into, the strategic direction of the programme;
  • Prepare substantive inputs and support the Chief Technical Adviser in the development of technical contributions to be submitted to the Government of Myanmar.

Coordinate programme activities and facilitate programme management, including reporting requirements and monitoring and evaluation of the PAR activities:

  • Coordinate programme activities in collaboration with staff and consultants;
  • Contribute to the development and delivery of the workplan for each year, including assistance in management of procurement and recruitment;
  • Lead and/or contribute to the development of concept notes, Terms of Reference and other programmatic tools in support of the implementation of the PAR workplan;
  • Monitor progress of programme activities and recommend corrective actions;
  • Draft quarterly reports and output board reports;
  • Contribute to the identification of risks to, and opportunities for, programme success, as well as operational and financial problems, and propose solutions;
  • Lead the preparation of the regular Output Board Meetings;
  • Coordinate with programme staff of other Outputs under the Democratic Governance Pillar and the other UNDP Pillars.

Build capacity of partners and Public Administration Output staff:

  • Assess capacity requirements and recommend measures to address capacity needs of partners and Public Administration Output project staff;
  • Coordinate government counterparts’ active participation at consultative meetings that are organized as part of programme activities;
  • Supervise national/international consultants in their advisory roles, if requested.  

Build relationships with national and international counterparts:

  • Establish relevant networks and relations within government institutions who are involved in public administration reforms at Union and at State and Regional levels;
  • Gather and share partners’ feedback on the impact and effectiveness of the Public Administration Output;
  • Support organization of relevant coordination meetings on PAR;
  • Gather and summarise basic information on government counterparts for preparation of substantive briefs and talking points for meetings.

Facilitate learning and exchange of knowledge with all stakeholders and contribute to the development of knowledge products pertaining to Public Administration Reform:

  • Contribute lessons learned and knowledge to various networks of professionals in the Public Administration work within and outside UNDP;
  • Contribute to the development of knowledge products and knowledge sharing sessions to counterparts, partners and colleagues.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the success of the country programme within the specific area of public administration. In particular, the results will ensure that UNDP delivers a programme for Public Administration which is relevant for the counterparts and responsive to changes in the country context, and will impact on the intended outcomes of the UNDP extended CPAP.   

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda:

Preparing Information for advocacy

  • Identifies and communicates relevant information for a variety of audiences for advocating UNDP’s mandate.

Results-based Programme Development and Management:

Contribute into results through primary research and analysis

  • Assesses project performance to identify success factors and incorporate best practices into project work;
  • Researches linkages across programme activities to identify critical points of integration;
  • Monitor specific stages of projects/programme implementation.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Maintaining a network of contacts

  • Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues;
  • Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders.

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches:

Enhancing processes or products

  • Generates new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things.

Promoting Organizational learning and Knowledge Sharing:

Basic research and analysis

  • Generate new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things.

Job Knowledge/ Technical Expertise:

Fundamental Knowledge of own discipline

  • Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical speciality relating to the position;
  • Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks;
  • Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Client Orientation:

Establishing effective client relationships

  • Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion;
  • Organize and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines.

Core Competencies:

  • Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
  • Self-development, initiative-taking;
  • Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
  • Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
  • Creating synergies through self-control;
  • Managing conflict;
  • Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others;
  • Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
  • Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master’s Degree or equivalent in economic, political or social sciences or related field with a minimum of two years of relevant experience;
  • A Bachelor degree in the same field of expertise, combined with four years of professional experience may also be accepted.

Experience:

  • At   least  2   years   of   relevant   professional   experience at the national or international level, ideally in Democratic Governance is a requirement;
  • Past experience working on development projects is a requirement;
  • Experience working with the government and/or liaising with Government officials is a requirement;
  • Experience of drafting reports and policy notes is a distinct advantage;
  • Experience in operational and financial management and monitoring and evaluation of development projects is an advantage;
  • Experience and knowledge of UN or UNDP systems is an advantage;
  • Experience working in multi-cultural teams is an advantage.

Language:

  • Fluency in English and Myanmar, both written and spoken.