Background

UNDP Global Mission Statement:
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. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with national counterparts on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.
UNDP Afghanistan Mission Statement:
UNDP Afghanistan is supporting the Government to find innovative solutions to its development challenges based on the on-going Country Programme Document approved by the Executive Board for the period 2006 – 2009. A new Country Programme Document was approved by the Executive Board during September 2009 for the period 2010-2013. Key priority areas for UNDP assistance are in strengthening democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, and reducing poverty. UNDP is strengthening the institutional capacities of key national government and sub-national authorities which aim to enhance human security, human development, peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Organizational Context:
The Afghanistan Sub-national Governance Programme (ASGP) is the UNDP’s flagship governance programme and plays a key role in developing the institutions and systems to ensure effective implementation of the sub-national governance strategies outlined in the Afghan National Development Strategy and the Afghanistan Compact.
ASGP works with and through the Government of Afghanistan to build the institutional structures required for effective service delivery at the central, provincial, district, and municipal levels. ASGP’s activities are designed to achieve long term sustainability through institutional, organizational and individual capacity development.
ASGP is directly implemented in partnership with the Independent Directorate for Local Governance (IDLG) and the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission (IARCSC). Currently beginning its second phase, a five year period through 2014 with an anticipated budget of USD 180 million, ASGP will expand significantly over the next five years.
The Programme provides:
Support and capacity building to central government agencies responsible for formulating and implementing sub-national governance policy and developing the legal and regulatory framework for sub – national governance;
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; and,
Support to the development of representation and participation in sub-national governance by strengthening the capacity of provincial councils.

Duties and Responsibilities

 Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Regional Project Manager, the Regional Governance Specialist will contribute to ASGP activities related to overall aspects of sub-national development planning and implementation, including development coordination, capacity building, budget formulation and performance measurement. Responsibilities include:

• Provide support to the Regional Project Manager to advise provincial and sub-national administration officials on strategic development planning and implementation towards expanding the local economy and improvement in the delivery of basic services;
• Promote a strong knowledge management culture within ASGP, sub-national and central government partners, and other development partners;
• Research and propose how lessons learned from ASGP activities are recorded, shared and disseminated effectively through various forums and media;
• Provide support to the Regional Project Manager to document the provincial and other sub-national government development initiatives, focusing on good practices, lessons learned and any additional knowledge needed to build a management knowledge base within the province and region.

• In coordination with government counterparts, support the Regional Project Manager to provide periodic advice in coordinating various development and reform efforts introduced by the central government for sub-national governance entities;
• Assist in developing and fostering enhanced levels of partnership and cooperation between and among the Office of the Provincial Governor, Provincial Councils, District Governor, directorates, donor agencies, and civil society organizations to address critical socioeconomic development requirements and service delivery;
• Assist with the coordination of the preparation of provincial development plans and budgets, consistent with the overall provincial development policies and with the ANDS and other government reform initiatives and policies;

• Support the development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, government agencies, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sectors, international military organizations, and civil society organizations in areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and provincial priorities;
• Assist the Regional Project Manager with research on local studies and analysis of information on possible areas of inter-provincial cooperation;
• Oversee the undertaking of selected studies/research on emerging local development concerns that feed into government/development partners processes;
• Support the process of formulating a user-friendly development information system for provincial planning and monitoring of the delivery of basic services;
• Closely collaborates with other technical assistance teams undertaking development and service delivery initiatives within the assigned province or region.

• Provide support on policy advocacy for the Millennium Development Goals, Human Development and pro-poor and equitable economic growth by participating in relevant forums, conferences and training;
• Collect and collate information for the production of advocacy papers by provincial staff for presentation at regional workshops and conferences;
• Participate in monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

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;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

• Promotes sharing of knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas
• Ability to contribute to top quality policy advice services on economic issues;
• In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in relevant Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

• Ability to coordinate and participate on strategic planning activities, results-based management and reporting;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision;
• Ability to participate in the formulation and evaluation of development projects.

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complex tasks;
• Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovative solutions;
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience