Antecedentes

The regionalization and decentralization programme envisions increased local participation in decision making through social, political and economic empowerment at the local level. Regionalization and Decentralization would ensure accessibility of services to the people and the realization of human rights and the principles of good governance.

Decentralization was emphasized in the national constitution (2008) in which Chapter 8 is entitled Decentralised Administration. This chapter outlines that “administrative divisions of the Maldives will be administered decentrally” and that local authorities will be legal entities with their own elected councils, budgets, bylaws and statutes. According to the constitution, there shall be elected councils in each inhabited island that will be legal entities with administrative and financial autonomy for meeting the responsibilities within their mandate.

Following the first multi party elections in Maldives in October 2008 the new government prioritised the local government reform process. A draft law was prepared and submitted to parliament in March 2009. It is expected that this bill will pave the way for the full implementation of the Regionalisation and Decentralisation programme.

Under the programme, every two or more atolls of the 20 existing atolls of Maldives are grouped into seven administrative regions (provinces). The Government envisions a three tier governance structure, the national central level (sector ministries), regional level (Province Offices and Atoll Offices) and at island level (Island Office). This will involve delegating and devolving centrally controlled functions and service delivery to the island, atoll/ province levels through elected Island Councils and Atoll Councils in each province, and an elected City Council in the capital island Male’.

Ministry of Home Affairs will oversee the development and implementation of the regionalisation and decentralisation policy of the government in close cooperation with sector agencies and other stakeholders until the law is enacted.

Under the Government’s Manifesto the National Framework for Development 2009-2013, launched on 13th November 2009, the key sector policies and strategies are:

  • Policy 1: Establish Island Atoll and city councils with the authority autonomy and finances to plan and implement development policies according to the needs of the communities and establish seven regions in the country for decentralized administration
  • Policy 2: Develop one administrative centre and commercial centre/s in all provinces in the long run in order to provide social and economic opportunities that would create a competitive environment.
  • Policy 3: Engage civil society and private sector participation at local government level
  • Policy 4: Strengthen links between local functionaries and national authorities as a way to seek coordination in formulating and implementing national programmes.

Deberes y responsabilidades

The incumbent will firstly undertake a literature review and key informant interviews including a field trip to selected communities to familiarise with the local context, and study proposed legislations, governance/administration structures, mechanisms and practices.

The main objective of the consultancy is to raise awareness of the relevant stakeholders on decentralisation. Towards this end the consultant will undertake the following activities;

  • Facilitate questions-and-answer sessions for parliamentarians and  members of political parties, and government officials
  • conduct a public lecture(s) on the topic of decentralisation to the media, civil society and general public
  • submit a report with recommendations for next steps towards raising awareness of key stakeholder and the general public on decentralisation

Competencias

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

Functional Competencies:

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 lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
  • Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
  • Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery
  • Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit
  • Good ICT skills, knowledge of Atlas
  • 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

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

  • Post graduate education in social sciences, public administration, law or related discipline and at least 10 years experience in a related field
  • Extensive experience in conducting research, preparation of reports with strategic recommendations.
  • Significant experience in communicating conceptual, theoretical and practical aspects of establishing local governance in new democracies
  • Significant experience in working in the field of local government reform specially in small islands
  • Significant experience in working in international contexts, community consultation and engagement.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English, and competency in report writing
  • For international consultants, knowledge and understanding of the Maldivian cultural, social, political and economic context would be advantageous.