UNDP Jobs - 23463- Capacity Needs Assessments on Area of SALW Control

Capacity Needs Assessments on Area of SALW Control and Reduction- Home-based with possible Missions to RECS HQS and pilot countries

Location :

Abuja, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jun-2011

Application Deadline :

27-May-11 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

30 days (Within a period of 3 months)

Languages Required :

English French

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

The main task of the AU-Regions Steering Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons is to enhance the capacity and harmonize and coordinate the efforts of the AU, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Bodies with a SALW mandate to implement their programmes and enhance cooperation and synergy across the regions to expedite implementation of agreed actions. To this end the Steering Committee developed a continental SALW Strategy and its action plan.

UNDP/RBA developed a project to enhance human security through the development of capacities of regional and sub-regional organizations to control small arms and light weapons, referred to as the Human Security Project. In line with the project’s mandate and to support the implementation of the action plan, a series of capacity needs assessments will be undertaken in four pilot RECs and in one pilot country for each these RECs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The purpose of the consultation is the adaptation of the capacity needs assessment methodology to the field of SALW and to implement it at the level of four RECs and later on at the level of AU/RECs Member States in four pilot countries. This entails the following key steps and activities:

Mobilize and Design:

With guidance from the Regional SALW Project, set up criteria for the identification of the RECs and Countries to be covered by the CA exercise. Once the target RECS and pilot countries have been selected, the following tasks will be conducted:

Collect and review existing documents related to CD in the area of SALW available from the AUC, the RECs and Countries.
Adapt the Capacity Assessment Methodology to SALW, taking into account the CD issues identified in the literature review above.
P Design CA tools (interview questionnaire, questionnaires, focus group discussions, review matrixes, rating systems, calendars) for 4 RECS and 4 pilot Countries
Identify the participants to the CA exercise and sensitize them on the Capacity Assessment methodology.

Conduct Capacity Assessment:

The CA will be organized in the form of a self-assessment by the concerned RECs and Countries. Participants/respondents will be guided in the identification of desired and existing levels of capacities and capacity gaps using a rating system:

Confirm assessment objectives and expectations with stakeholders (RECs and Countries)
Facilitate the organization of focus group discussions and the distribution of questionnaires to respondents.
Provide technical guidance to participants/respondents in the identification of capacity gaps using a rating system (quantitative and/or qualitative)

Summarize and Interpret Results:

Analyze and interpret capacity assessment results.
Prioritize between capacity gaps.
Triangulate identified capacity gaps with stakeholders.

Formulate Capacity Development responses:

Based on the capacity assessment results, propose action s to be take to address the capacity gaps.
Prepare a capacity assessment report including assessment results and analysis, capacity development responses and plans, and short-term capacity development activities.

The entire consultation will be completed by a team of four (4) consultants in a period of 2 to 3 months, ideally from May to August, based on an initial planning and orientation seminar with UNDP CD advisors.

Key Result Expected:

Literature review report on Capacity Development for SALW in the AUC, selected 4 RECs and 4 Countries
Capacity assessment tools for SALW designed for 4 RECS and 4 pilot Countries.
Capacity Assessments conducted at the level of identified 4 RECs and pilot assessments in four (4) countries.
A Validation workshop to share the CA results of the 4 RECs and 4 pilot Countries needs assessments
Training provided to national consultants in the 4 pilot countries to support the capacity assessment in country
Methodology Paper/Guidance note capturing the method, tools and practical experience of the needs assessment

Competencies

Modeling the values of Professionalism, Integrity and Value for diversity:

Ability to address global development issues
Demonstrated substantive experience and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives
Demonstrate ability and experience to take initiative and work in an independent manner

Functional Competencies:

Substantive knowledge of the UNDP approach to supporting capacity development
Hands-on experience of one or more of UNDP’s capacity development strategies: institutional reform and incentive mechanisms; leadership capacities; education, training and learning; and accountability and voice mechanisms desirable.
Recent country and/or regional experience in working with relevant stakeholders on capacity development.
Demonstrates substantive experience and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives.
A sound global network of institutional and individual contacts.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; commitment to team work and to working across disciplines.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, with experience in consultation processes and presentation of knowledge products.
Full computer literacy.

Leadership and self-management:

Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Good team player, self starter, has ability to work under minimum supervision and maintain good relationships
Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills

Development and operational effectiveness:

Ability to undertake strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Ability to perform team tasks

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in development, international relations and security studies, or a closely related field.

Experience:

At least 10 year of work experience in the area of SALW and/or security related issues, capacity development and related.
Recent country and/or regional experience in working with relevant stakeholders on capacity development
Experience working in Africa is desirable.
Good knowledge of SALW adaptation.
Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including ability to oversee international staff and organize the work of a large, high-profile project.
Experience in working and collaborating with governments on policy issues.

Language:

Advanced knowledge of English and / or French