UNDP Jobs - 13599- Consultant: Comprehensive Study on Public Sector

Consultant: Comprehensive Study on Public Sector Reforms & Modernization of Public Administration

Location :

Male', MALDIVES

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

19-Nov-2009

Application Deadline :

03-Dec-09 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

2 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

January 2010

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

Since the initial introduction of Republic system in the 1950s, the Maldives has undergone several public administration reforms and experienced a process of modernization. As part of these reforms, a multi-party system was introduced to the country followed by the establishment of independent institutions and commissions according to the constitution ratified in August 2008. More recently, following the ratification of the revised Constitution in August 2008, extensive changes have been and are being brought to the country’s public administration. Significant reforms are being adopted in the nation’s public administration and governance system, and the need for proper documentation of such proceedings has been recognized.

Recognizing the need to effectively diagnose the problems faced in this sector and proper documentation of the reform process, a comprehensive study on public administration has been planned under the project entitled “Building an Efficient, Service-oriented and Transparent Administration” (BEST) which was signed between UNDP and the Government of Maldives (GOM) in mid 2008. In line with the overall objectives of the project, the comprehensive study will focus on public sector reform, evaluating and analyzing achievements in modernizing the public administration and evolvement of democratic governance in the Maldives. In this context, as an outcome of a previously conducted study, a book titled “The Public Service of the Republic of Maldives – A Profile: Current Good Practices and New Developments in Public Service Management” was published in the year 2006.

However, a separate comprehensive study would build on the studies already carried out and further document the stages, phases and milestones the nation has passed through in reaching a modern democratic state. Such a study could provide crucial insight to directing current and future policy making. Firstly, the study will document the progress made in modernizing and democratizing the public administration system. Secondly, identify opportunities, strengths and challenges of the newly formed institutions such as the Civil Service Commission as well as relevant government agencies, identifying the challenges in achieving and the extent to which objectives of such institutions are being met. The findings from the study will be utilized to compile a detailed report with recommendations on how institutional capacity could be further developed in order to fast track the overall national governance reform and public administration modernization agenda. The study will result in a book under the working titled “Evolution of Governance in the Maldives” based on the final report and findings from the study, which will be published.

Towards this end, the government of Maldives in collaboration with UNDP would like to invite applications/expression of interest from individuals/organizations who are interested in conducting a comprehensive study on evolution of governance in the Maldives.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main objective of the assignment is to conduct a comprehensive study on the experiences and the challenges faced in modernizing public administration and document the findings. The study will focus on significant areas such as the constitutional and government framework, relevant legislation, size and shape of the public service, structural reform, leadership, financial reforms and accountability, service delivery and challenges from a management perspective.

Specific Objectives include:

To document and compile the history and evolution of democratic governance and public administration based on records and findings, and facilitate publishing a book under the working title “Evolution of Governance in the Maldives”.
Analysis on public sector reforms and modernization in the Maldives.
To conduct a comprehensive evaluation on the process of modernizing public administration, and systematically collect evidence of the achievements thus far by comparing it with the pre-designed frameworks and plans on public sector modernization.
To investigate the dynamics of modernization and reform on administrative procedures and decision making in the public sector
To determine the implications for (or effects on) good governance, public sector performance and best practices.

Specific tasks include:

Conduct a comprehensive literature review on the achievements/ challenges in modernizing public administration.
In consultation with the Task Force on modernization of public administration conduct consultative stakeholder meetings to discuss the outline of the proposed study, identify key themes and determine the most appropriate sources for collecting relevant data and information on public sector modernization.
In light of the opinions and suggestions given by the stakeholder meetings participants and in collaboration with BEST project Task Force, document the stages of governance reform and current structure of the public administration
Evaluate policy and decision making processes and the level of public participation in such processes
Identify the key institutions and figureheads underpinning the reform process and provide recommendations on possible institutional capacity development to expedite the reform process
Analysis of the effectiveness of current reform and modernization framework and challenges faced during the implementation stage
Develop a provisional monitoring and evaluation framework for piloting the progress made in modernizing public administration

Recommendations and Guidelines

It is expected to have the following completed by the end of the assignment:

A detailed comprehensive study on public administration reform and modernization in the country. The outcome of the study will include, but not be limited to the following:

A background and situation analysis of public administration in the Maldives.
Detailed documentation of the history and evolution of public administration in the Maldives.
Analysis of interaction/inter-relationship between public and government in modernizing public administration.
Analysis of gaps and challenges in modernization and reform of public administration in the Maldives – particularly the civil service and other government agencies.
Recommendations on possible institutional capacity development to expedite the reform process.
Greater understanding of the implication of (or effects on) good governance/public sector performance of such procedures and other factors (including best practices).
A provisional monitoring and evaluation tools/framework for piloting the progress made in modernizing the public administration.

Reporting Procedure

The consultant shall report regularly to the Task Force on modernization of public administration.

Competencies

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

Required Skills and Experience

The consultant should have a minimum Master’s Degree in Public Administration or related discipline.
Consultants should have more than five (05) years experience in the field of Public Administration, Governance Reform and Modernization or Management Studies.
Consultants with knowledge and exposure to modernization of public administration and of the Transitional management are preferred.
Familiarity with the Maldivian context will be an added advantage.