UNDP Jobs - 7664- Consultant: Support to MDG scale up in Mali

Consultant: Support to MDG scale up in Mali

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

18-Dec-2008

Application Deadline :

14-Dec-08 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English French

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

UNDP is currently supporting African governments in the scaling up to the MDGs with the inputs from the lessons learned from the Millennium Villages project. The scaling up efforts is coordinated closely between UNDP Country Offices and the Regional Bureau for Africa and the Bureau for Development Policy (BDP) and the UN CDF (UNCDF).
The Government of Mali scaling up plan is currently one of the most concrete. Mali presented a plan for the scaling up MDGs to 2,000,000 people, to the 166 poorest communes in the country. The government has requested the UNDP to support them in these effort, the UNDP Mali and the UNDP HQ have set up a task force to assist the government of Mali in the best possible way. The work of the two taskforces (in Bamako, Mali and in New York) needs to be supported in this initial stage. Through the Earth Institute a partnership with the Open Society foundation will be formed for this scaling up and resource mobilization efforts with other foundations will be part of the taskforce objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the team leader of the MDG support team (BDP) and the Project Manager of the Millennium Villages (RBA), and in close coordination with Office of The Principal Advisor for UN Foundation Affairs, the incumbent shall perform the following tasks.

Coordinate the Taskforce “Mali MDG scale up” at New York level (coordinate the inputs from New York and communicate with the taskforce in Bamako, prepares the meetings and the distribution of working documents between all parties involved (Government of Mali, UNCDF, UNDP, Earth Institute, Millennium Promise and founcations)).
Prepares policy notes about the scaling up efforts, coordination of the policy notes in the main areas where the Millennium Villages have been active: Health, Education, Agriculture, and Infrastructure. This in close discussion and coordination with the experts from the Earth Institute.
Prepares policy notes on every UNDP practice area and the relation to the scaling up effort in Mali (Decentralization, Local Governance, Capacity Development for National Government and Local Governments). This in close discussion and coordination with the experts from the Bureau for Development Policies (BDP and UNCDF).
Coordinated the different development activities in Mali to make sure that they are aligned to the Mali scale up planning, especially the multifunctional platforms funded by the Gates foundation.
Maintains coordination platform (intranet) of all substantive papers and correspondence about the Mali MDG scale up. Coordinate the external communication on websites and the link with the MDG progress monitor site of Communication office and the DEVINFO / MVINFO where possible.
Coordinate the development of a firm Monitoring and Evaluation for the MDG scale up initiative with involvement with all partners.
Studies similar initiatives in other countries, other regions (for example Mongolia) and advices to both taskforces on the lessons learned from other initiatives which can be included in the Mali MDG scale up initiative.
Coordinate and assist to Resource Mobilization efforts of the government of Mali where needed. Assist in the development of marketing material around the MDG scale up material.
Forges partnerships around the initiative of the government of Mali especially with foundations.
Coordinate with Earth Institute and BDP and contribute to the continuously improvement of the lessons learned document while preparing and starting to implement the MDG scale up in Mali.

Competencies

Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
Experience in handling of web based management systems.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment managing several tasks simultaneously.
Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master degree from university in Development Economics, Social Studies, Law, Management or related field is required.

Experience:

Excellent project management skills (5 years of relevant experience in private sector or development projects is the minimum requirement).

Language requirements:

Fluency in spoken and written English and French.