UNDP Jobs - 13720- Policy and Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Co

Policy and Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Communities and Return

Location :

Prishtinë/Pristina,, Kosovo, UNSCR 1244 (1999)

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

14-Dec-2009

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

3 months

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

The United Nations Development Programme has been implementing major returns projects in Kosovo since 2003 and has become the main facilitator of the returns sector in Kosovo, in close partnership with the Ministry of Communities and Return. In 2008, a new returns programme, the Return and Reintegration in Kosovo (RRK) Project funded by the EU and the MCR, managed by ECLO and implemented by UNDP, started. This places a strong focus on an increased involvement of central and municipal actors in the returns process. Increased support for capacity development of the MCR is one of the components of the project.

The MCR has the leading role in establishing strategy, policies and operating procedures for the Returns sector and is currently coordinating a revision of the Manual for Sustainable Return. The Ministry is also taking increasing responsibility for the monitoring of the implementation of returns implemented in Kosovo’s municipalities. It is also responding to the report of the Functional Review of the MCR which has been carried out by the FRIDOM Project funded by DFID. An experienced consultant is required to support the Minister and his cabinet with the coordination of activities, policy development and to advise on the monitoring and implementation of returns activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Minister of Communities and Return, and working in close co-operation with the MCR Advisor for Returns and other MCR staff, the Capacity Development and Policy Advisor will be responsible for:

Providing expert advice on policy to the Minister and senior staff of the MCR;
Supporting the MCR with advice on the implementation of strategy, policy and operational procedures;
Supporting the MCR as it prepares to implement the recommendations of the FRIDOM functional review;
Working with the Minister and senior staff to develop the Ministry’s capacity to monitor the implementation of Return and Reintegration projects at both central and municipal level;
Acting as the MCR focal point for short-term experts and consultants deployed to support the Ministry;
Support the MCR to finalise the revision of the Manual for Sustainable Return;
Support the coordination of activities of the MCR with other institutions working at the central and municipal levels and in similar fields, thus ensuring development of effective synergies;
Cooperating closely with stakeholders in the returns sector in Kosovo;
Performing other duties as assigned by the Minister.

Competencies

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports, studies and other communications, and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style, as well as excellent presentation and organisational skills;
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
Excellent mentoring skills and the ability to support capacity development are essential;
Good professional judgment and respect to confidentiality.

Required Skills and Experience

University degree (or equivalent) preferably in the area of political or social sciences;
Minimum of ten years’ work experience in the public or NGO sector, preferably directly related to refugee/IDP return and reintegration;
Demonstrable experience of providing advice to governmental institutions at a senior level is preferred;
Working experience in governmental institutions, preferable in the field of minorities, social work or justice an asset;
Current knowledge of the political situation in Kosovo and the returns environment required;
Experience in managing projects related to returns, community development and/or minorities & returnees is highly desirable;
Knowledge of both Albanian and Serbian is required; fluency in oral and written English is essential;