UNDP Jobs - 19202- National Technical Specialist

National Technical Specialist - Improving Democracy through Parliamentary Development in Bangladesh (Only Bangladeshi nationals are eligible to apply)

Location :

Dhaka, BANGLADESH

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Nov-2010

Application Deadline :

30-Sep-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

Initially One year with possibility of extension

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

UNDP Bangladesh, in line with its Country Programme Action Plan (2006-2010) with the Government of Bangladesh is committed to assist in strengthening the Parliament to improve its (i) legislative capacity, (ii) oversight functions and (iii) democratic practices through institutional and operational reforms.

A fifteen month UNDP Preparatory Assistance (PA) programme for Parliament which involved strengthening the capacity of the institution and providing policy advice and technical support concluded on 30 June 2010. Following extensive consultation and planning during the PA and with the approval of the Parliament and the government the Improving Democracy through Parliamentary Development (IPD) project 2010 to 2014 commenced on 1 July 2010.

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Technical Specialist (NTA) will act as part of a core team supporting the NPD and the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) achieve project objectives and outcome. The NTA will play a key role in the design, organization and implementation of project activities that lead to project success. The NTA will maintain an effective network with colleagues from the UNDP and other UN Agencies, the office of the Honourable Speaker, Committee Members, Members, the Parliament Secretariat, Government officials, and multi -lateral and bi-lateral donors. The position will report directly to the CTA and works in close collaboration with International Technical Advisors, the Project Co-ordinator and other Managers. This position holder will provide guidance and supervision to the project officer. The position impacts across all functional and programme areas of the project and is therefore critical to project success.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) the National Technical Specialist will be responsible to;

Provide technical advice to the project in the design, organization and implementation of agreed activities, including preparing and/or reviewing Terms of Reference for specific activities and assisting in the identification of short-term experts.
Contribute to the technical soundness of project activities and achievement of project outputs that are transformative and achieve the desired and agreed outcome;
Develop and draft advice on policy related issues including issues related to parliamentary law and practice;
Assist the CTA in the provision of support to the Office of the Honourable Speaker including policy and technical advice according to need;
Provide effective project management to achieve quality and on time results;
Assist with the preparation and implementation of the annual results based work plans, strategic planning and result frameworks as endorsed by the UNDP management and high level government authority;
Ensure technical soundness of programme activities in terms of quality and cost effectiveness and provide technical advice to identify priorities and capacity development needs and design interventions to address those needs
Manage and coordinate the substantive work of project programme staff including monitoring and evaluating performance against desired outcomes in the annual work plan;
Contribute to the delivery of quarterly and annual reports;
Ensure information sharing and bridging between UNDP programme management, project management and national counterpart in the process of implementation of the corporate strategic planning;
Report on and monitor the project performance and manage risk in line of with the project document M&E and risk log framework with special consideration for gender issues;
Develop a strong team work environment based on open communication. Coach, mentor, motivate and support project team members to achieve project objectives and career development;
Contribute to bringing and developing best practices on parliamentary development to the project and to leverage the best available expertise in the regional market to support the project when appropriate. Maintain excellent working relationships with executing agency and the funding agencies.
Provide intellectual or substantive leadership in managing issues related to Parliamentary law and practice. Stimulate strategic thinking in the subject practice area, taking into account the needs of the country as well as the opportunities to interact with other countries in the region;
Design, introduce and continuously develop feedback mechanisms and open communication channels to ensure that the changing needs and expectations, including public need and expectation, are fully taken into account;
Ensure, in cooperation with UNDP that Development Partners are kept informed about the programme progress;
Map on a consistent basis, the development issues, covering the situation and strategic opportunities;
Ensure highest UNDP standards in the provision of technical and advisory inputs, organization of workshops, seminars, training and delivery of outputs;

Performance Indicators

Programme/ advice of high quality;
Policy and technical advice of high quality and relevance and based on established Parliamentary law and practice;
Strategic and portfolio development advice of high quality;
High level and effective inputs into project progress reports and work plans, and review and monitoring systems;
Effective performance management and day-to-day guidance of staff;
Effective communication to achieve results and to develop effective and active networking and partnerships to ensure coordination amongst those working with the parliament;
Effective training delivery skills and styles;

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the overall success of the UNDP IPD project and as a result impact on UNDP country programme and reaching UNDAF/ CPD goals. In particular, the key results have an impact on the overall effectiveness of the Bangladesh Parliament and its secretariat.

Competencies

Technical Competencies:

Proven leadership, management including strategic and risk management, negotiation, mediation and team work skills;
Excellent knowledge of the functions and operations of Parliament, Rules of Procedures and the constitution and system of government of Bangladesh;
Excellent report writing, policy analysis and analytical skills;
Excellent oral and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with the Honourable Speaker, Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior public officials and a range of stakeholders;
Skill in adapting policies and techniques to local circumstances;
Proven capacity to demonstrate tact discretion and integrity and provide impartial apolitical advice and services to Members, Parliament Secretariat and UNDP;
Excellent understanding of the role and functions of Parliament and its Committees and the system of government in Bangladesh;
Proven programme support and project management skills;
Excellent computer skills and ability to use information management as a tool and resource for capacity development and institutional strengthening;
Excellent skills in writing and speaking in Bangla and English;

Behavioural Competencies:

High standards of integrity and the ability to handle confidential matters and provide impartial and apolitical advice.
Demonstrated capacity to participate effectively in small teams.
Demonstrable client based and results-oriented approach to work;
Proven ability to work effectively under pressure and in a highly charged environment and produce anticipated results;
Good interpersonal skills and strong networking and representational skills;
Ability to promote learning environment, human rights and gender friendly work environment;
Neutrality and ability to work successfully in a political environment;
Initiative and ability to work in an organized and concise manner;
Ability to work supportively in a cross cultural environment;

Corporate Competencies:

Promotes UN's Values and ethical standards (tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation, impartiality)
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and sensitivity and adaptability
Demonstrates integrity by modelling in the UN's values and ethical standards (human rights, peace, understanding between people and nations, tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation, UNDP core ethics, impartiality.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters degree in Law, Social Science and Development Studies, Humanities or other relevant studies from a reputed university.

Experience:

Minimum 3 years relevant experience working with the Parliament or other Constitutional Body, Government, International Organization or relevant NGO.
Experience working with UN/UNDP and/or a Westminster Parliament would be an advantage;
Experience in design and implementation of parliament programmes an asset;

Language requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken English and Bangla