Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Country Director and in close cooperation with Executive Officer to the CD, the Special Assistant to CD ensures timely and efficient support to the CD Office in the programme implementation, management of information flow, facilitation of UNDP representation and follow up on the commitments made. The Special Assistant to CD also serves as the key liaison between the CD and UNCT members, programme and operations staff of the Agencies, as well as UNDP staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts and civil society.

He/she will provide timely analytical information, coherent policy advice, clarity of intention and purpose that need to be managed sensitively and brokered within an evolving socio-political context. The Incumbent will be responsible for managing the substantive and normative agenda; The Special Assistant to the Country Director will work in close collaboration with UNCT members, programme and operations teams of the Agencies, UNDGO staff and Government officials, technical advisors and the experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to ensure successful coverage, integration and coordination of UNDP activities within UNCT framework; The Special Assistant to the Country Director will provide strategic inputs to facilitate UNDP representation with other UN agencies, UNDP staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and donors and civil society; The Special Assistant to the Country Director (CD) will provide timely analytical information, coherent policy advice, clarity of intention and purpose that need to be managed sensitively and brokered within an evolving socio-political context.

Candidates who previously applied need to re-apply again if they might still be interested in the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

• Effective management of the substantive and normative agenda;
• Ensure effective collaboration with UNCT members, programme and operations teams of the Agencies, UNDGO staff and Government officials, technical advisors and the experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society;
• Provide strategic inputs to facilitate UNDP representation with other UN agencies, UNDP HQ staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and donors and civil society.

Ensure effective management of the substantive and normative agenda focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support the CD through high level meetings and prepare high quality and actionable minutes in a timely manner. Analyze, compile and prepare papers/notes for relevant policy and operational discussions related to UNDP programmes;
• Prepare briefs for the Country Director and ensure that they are substantively accurate and reflective of the CD's position so as to ensure that timely and coherent follow-up action is taken; Ensure effective support to operational units and in preparation and implementation of country programming processes and products, including UN programmes coordination focusing on results, outcomes, and inputs; Draft speeches, forewords and other published statements for the Country; Director, review and finalize talking points based on inputs from UNDP units, UN Agencies, Integrated Offices etc.

In close collaboration with UNCT members, programme and operations teams of the Agencies, UNDGO staff and Government officials, technical advisors and the experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society,  support the CD on achievement of the following results:

• Coordinate the preparation of strategic outputs to corporate units/ divisions in collaboration with concerned UN Agencies in presenting a consolidated substantive/policy approach when issues are cross-cutting in liaisons with staff of senior government officials, UN agencies and international community;
• Serve as a focal point, coordinate logistics and prepare substantive documentation for high level headquarters missions and special events in coordination with senior management staff and/or concerned units/projects, RBA Staff, UN agencies etc.;
• Draft and prepare correspondence, documents, reports and speaking notes some of which are confidential and ensure appropriate reporting and follow¬ up of the CO's meetings; Contribute to coordination and review of preparatory inputs of UNDP's substantive contribution to the UNCT for CGs, roundtables and other key events in close consultation with appropriate counterparts in government, bilateral and multilateral partners.

Provide strategic inputs to facilitate UNDP representation with other UN agencies, UNDP HQ staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and donors and civil society on achievement of the following results:

• Conduct design, planning and organization of external expertise in assisting in the development and capacity development for UNDP Programmes, as and then required; Actively engage with Programme Staff to acquire information on substantive project development and implementation, as and when required;
• Organize and coordinate thematic group meetings in support of UNDP Programmes, as and when required. In close coordination with Deputy Country Directors (Programme and Operations) and other units of Programmes and Operations, make sure that the information on the programme delivery, including financial rules and procedures is updated on a regular basis;
• Organize regular meetings of all programme staff, project managers and programme management team, including preparation of agenda, documentation and minutes carry out follow up matters arising from the meetings; Support coordination mechanisms as required.

Impact of Results

The Key results have an impact on the overall CO operations efficiency and success. In particular, the key results will ensure overall coordination and will have an impact on the delivery of activities. Results will contribute to ensure a coherent team, timely and effective delivery of the UNDP programmes and a proactive response of UNDP to changes in the country context.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrate integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical;
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Sound political judgment as well as diplomacy, impartiality and discretion.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
• 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 coordinate strategic planning, monitoring and reporting; Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit; Good ICT skills;
• Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.

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;
• Strong teamwork attitude;
• Solid ability to organize tasks, to draft reports/ correspondence and speaking notes, to plan, to anticipate, and work under pressure;
• Strong capacity for relationship-building, emotional intelligence and communication;
• Solid capacity to work in a difficult context and ability to adjust to difficult living conditions;
• Strong Capacity to think and act strategically including solid editorial strengths;
• Ability to work in close partnership with a wide range of national and international partners/ interlocutors;
• Proven capacity of initiative, leadership and autonomy;
• Reactiveness in acquiring and providing information;
• Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks without compromising quality;
• Team spirit and positive working relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field from recognized institute or university;
• Bachelor’s Degree in the same fields with 2 years of relevant work experience.

Experience:

• 2 years (with bachelor) in providing management advisory services and/or managing staff and operational systems and establishing inter-relationships among international organization and or national governments;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language:

• Fluency in English and the national language of the duty station.

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. Qualified Somali women are strongly encouraged to apply.