UNDP Jobs - 13151- Programme Specialist (Results-Based Management) -

Programme Specialist (Results-Based Management) - Resident Coordinator's Office

Location :

HANOI, VIET NAM

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Jan-2010

Application Deadline :

10-Nov-09 (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

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of the Office of the Resident Coordinator and in support to the work of the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team (UNCT), the Programme Specialist - Results-Based Management (RBM) provides assistance to the execution of services in the UN Coordination Unit by: 1) Supporting improvements in system-wide coherence through all the phases of the programming cycle; 2) Enhancing aid effectiveness by providing strategic and operational guidance on results-based management and joint programming; 3) Supporting the results-oriented focus of UN Reform through the design and management of an adequate system to measure system-wide reform process results and development results.

The Office of the UN Resident Coordinator has been intimately involved in the design and operationalization of the UN reform programme in Viet Nam. The objective of UN reform in Viet Nam is to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of the UN. This means the UN has to work better together, and be more coherent and strategic in its interventions.

The UN in Viet Nam is improving coherence in a number of ways. The main vehicles to drive coherence are:

Enhancing effectiveness through the One Plan, ensuring coherence in delivery;
Increasing programmatic synergies among the UN Agencies in the Programme Coordination Groups (PCGs);

As a pilot, the reform process in Viet Nam needs to be documented and its progress measured to ensure that it leads to tangible results. A sustainable UN Reform process in Viet Nam requires building a ‘culture of results’ and ensuring that M&E is used as a strategic management tool.

Management mechanisms and monitoring and evaluation systems have so far been based on Agency specific guidelines and rules. However, joint planning in PCGs requires also joint review and standardization of planning and reporting formats. The challenge lies in developing and institutionalizing a system that measures the added value in terms of enhanced development impact of the One Plan. It requires the UN to think out of the box and develop and further refine systems, adapted to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of the new programming modalities such as the One Plan. In addition, such a system needs to be Results-Based Management (RBM) oriented, so as to allow decision makers to make adjustments when needed along the road of UN reform.

The real benefit from UN coordination and collaboration is the increased impact that UN system support will have on Vietnam’s development priorities and attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Other important benefits include the reduced transaction costs caused by the UN for Government; strengthened national capacity for monitoring the impact on poverty reduction and other important national goals; and the increased recognition by Governments and other partners of the potential strength of the UN system when it works as a coherent whole.

Enhancing the prospects for joint collaboration and “One UN” requires a correspondingly strengthened coordination support capacity for the role of RC, especially for results-based planning and monitoring & evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and in support to the work of the RC and the UNCT, the main duties and responsibilities of the Programme Specialist - RBM would be to:

Provide support to the measurement of both process and development results

Support the monitoring of progress in the UN reform process as per the Results Framework agreed by the Tripartite National Task Force (TNTF);
Support the implementation and monitoring of the One Plan as per the Results and Resources Framework (RRF);
Provide guidance and advice on the design and conduct of evaluations of the One UN Initiative in Viet Nam;
Assist in the preparatory process of the annual reviews at PCG and One Plan level;
Provide guidance in consolidating One UN progress reports, in particular the One Plan Annual Report;
Assist in the timely preparation and dissemination of other results-oriented reports, as well as briefing documents and other publications relating to the One Plan implementation in the country.

2. Ensure the application of Results-Based Management in the One UN Initiative

Advise on enhancing RBM for evidence-based decision-making in planning, programming, budgeting and resource allocation within the One UN Initiative;
Provide guidance and technical assistance to the PCGs in the area of annual planning, performance monitoring, reviews and reporting;
Provide guidance and develop initiatives to enhance RBM knowledge and skills of UN staff;
Support the development and operationalisation of joint programming in line with One Plan priorities, and assist the PCGs in developing and operationalising proposed joint programming activities;
Support the development of plans to enhance knowledge networking, sharing best practices and technical expertise within the UNCT on joint programming;
Provide support in the planning process towards the next One Plan (2012-2016) taking into account the changes in the development landscape as Viet Nam is attaining Middle Income Country (MIC) status.

3. Advise on the further implementation of the One UN Initiative, particularly the One Plan, aimed at enhancing coherence, aid effectiveness and efficiency

As Chair of the Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group (MEWG), act as the UN system-wide focal point for the One Plan M&E, coordinate the MEWG in providing technical guidance and assistance in M&E, fostering dialogue among the participating agencies within the PCGs and developing concrete suggestions to further the objectives of the One UN Initiative;
As a member of the Delivering as One M&E Network, act as the focal point for Viet Nam for the M&E of the One UN initiative, fostering dialogue among pilots and self-starters, exchanging knowledge and good practices;
Provide assistance in measuring external perceptions of stakeholders and staff well-being through surveys;
Assist in editing and laying out updates/briefings/presentations on the One UN Initiative, with careful consideration of One Plan messaging, advocacy and public imaging, in close collaboration with the One UN Communications Team.

Impact of Results

To support the Resident Coordinator in enhancing system-wide coherence through all the phases of the programming cycle; to enhance aid effectiveness by providing strategic and operational guidance on results-based management (RBM) and joint programming; to support the results-oriented focus of UN Reform through the design and management of an adequate system to measure system-wide reform process and development results.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UN mission, vision and values.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Leadership

Strategic vision, strong technical and analytical capabilities and demonstrated ability to gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavour through technical leadership in a broad range of operational areas

Communication & Coordination

Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills, resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment, tact, and negotiating skills, and the ability to cope with situations which may pose conflict
Proven ability to work in a team, develop synergies and establish effective working relations within the RCO, with persons of different UN Agencies, government counterparts, donors and NGOs

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Good knowledge of UN system, programming policies and procedures as well as operational activities for development. Previous experience in UNDAF development and UN reform is considered as a clear advantage

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience from within and outside the UN Country Team.
Encourages UN staff to share knowledge
Develops substantive knowledge in CCA, UNDAF, UN System reform and MDGs

Self-management

Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan
Ability to effectively handle multiple tasks without compromising quality, team spirit and positive working relationships
Flexibility in accepting work assignments outside the normal job description

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or higher in international development, development economics, political science, statistics, or related field

Experience:

At least seven years postgraduate, progressively responsible experience in development programming, monitoring and evaluation;
Experience in and solid command of Results-Based Management (RBM);
Experience with UN reform at the country level is of direct relevance to the content of the post;

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in English