Background

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in 166 countries, working with national counterparts on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

Organizational Context

Background

The Afghanistan Sub-national Governance Programme (ASGP) plays a key role in developing capacity and systems to ensure effective implementation of sub-national governance strategies outlined in the Afghan National Development Strategy and the Afghanistan Compact. ASGP works through key partners in the Afghan government, especially the Independent Directorate of Local Governance. The Programme has three major components:
Support to central government agencies responsible for formulating and implementing sub-national governance policy and developing the legal and regulatory framework. This support will focus on developing awareness on the functions of the central government, facilitating national dialogue on sub-national governance, and technical support to key ministries. The component also includes support for strengthening national capacities in programming, administrative management, financial management and systems design.

Support to the government’s public administration reform strategy to build institutional and administrative capacities in provincial, district and municipal administrations to manage basic service delivery through reforming organizational structures, streamlining management processes, developing essential skills and knowledge of civil servants and improving management of public service delivery.

Support for the development of representation and participation in sub-national governance by strengthening the capacity of provincial councils, supporting knowledge sharing and exchange among provincial councils and conducting awareness-raising and civic education campaigns to help citizens participate in conflict-sensitive governance.

Current Situation

In the last year and a half, ASGP has provided extensive assistance to IDLG in the development of the (draft) policy on Subnational Governance, has assisted it in development of several structures and units, and has also provided assistance in development of a programme portfolio. Despite considerable assistance given in institutional development, IDLG has not yet been able to develop an integrated Management Information system that will give management effective oversight of financial resources, human resources and key business processes. As a result, this has been identified as a major priority by IDLG. 

To respond to this need, ASGP has launched a programme to upgrade IDLG’s management information systems. Therefore, ASGP is now seeking the services of a qualified and experienced Management Information Systems Design Specialist to produce a blueprint and complete technical specification for an IDLG Management Information System.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Functions and Expected Results

Summary of Key Functions

• Under the overall supervision of the National Support to IDLG Team Leader, the Management Information Systems Design Specialist will produce the following deliverables;
• Prepare and deliver a comprehensive business function analysis of the existing IDLG MIS system for financial accounting and administrative functions;
• Design the underlying set of databases for the new IDLG MIS system;
• Develop a set of transactions/procedures to support all major business processes;
• Design a full set of reports and statements generated by the MIS;
• Create implementation plan for MIS system, including hardware and software specification , network design, work plan and budget

Key Results Expected

The key expected results include improvement in the overall IDLG financial management efficiency in optimizing the use of financial resources in its management and success in introduction and implementation of operational strategies. This will be achieved through accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, timely and appropriate delivery of services that ensure constituent satisfaction and enhance IDLG’s credibility in the use of financial resources for all its governing units.

Competencies

Competencies:

• Corporate Responsibility & teamwork:
• Serves and promotes the vision, mission, values, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Plans, prioritizes, and delivers tasks on time;
• participates effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others;
• Responds flexibly & positively to change through active involvement;
• Accepts additional responsibilities as required by the demands of service.
  People Skills:
• Recognizes & responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, & concerns of others; gives credit to the contributions of others;
• Establishes clear performance goals, standards, & responsibilities; manages them accordingly;
• Promotes a learning environment; facilitates the development of individual and team competencies.
  Partnering & Networking:
• Initiates and sustains relationships with key constituents (internal/ external/bilateral/public/private/NGO);
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside UNDP.
  Results-Orientation:
• Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals.
• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture.
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of development and sustainable livelihood issues.
  Innovation & Judgment:
• Contributes creative, practical ideas and approaches to deal with challenging situations;
• Pursues own personal and professional development.
  Communication:
• Formulates written information clearly and persuasively;
• Presents oral information clearly and persuasively.
• Job Knowledge & Expertise:
• Demonstrates substantive and technical knowledge to meet responsibilities and post requirements with excellence;
• Executes day-to-day tasks systematically & efficiently;
• Uses Information Technology effectively as a tool and resource;
• Is motivated & demonstrates a capacity to pursue personal development & learn.

Required Skills and Experience

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

• Masters’ Degree or equivalent (or higher) in Information Technology, Computer Science or related subject;
• Bachelors’ Degree in any relevant subject, combined with relevant experience, may be considered, especially in the area of system development.
• Experience and other requirements A minimum of 10 years of experience involved in the detailed design and development of Management Information Systems;
• Previous experience in design of Management Information Systems for public organizations;
• Experience in the development of MIS systems in developing country organizations with very low level of infrastructure and established systems;
• Experience in developing MIS systems in Afghan public organizations is a strong plus;
• Sound and proven work skills including good team work, communications, group problem-solving and meeting skills;
• Computer skills; experience of development of a comprehensive automated financial or organizational development information management system experience of minimum seven years.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills;
• Commitment and proven track-record of mentoring and building the skills and capacities of team-members;
• Proven ability to network and build strong working relations with development partners in government, NGOs, research organization, donors and international agencies;
• Proven ability to meet deadlines;
• Highly pro-active and ability to lead without close supervision.