UNDP Jobs - 28783- International Consultant to develop a Manual on Pu

International Consultant to develop a Manual on Public Hearings organized by Parliament

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

11-Apr-2012

Application Deadline :

27-Mar-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

April - May 2012

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 “Support to Parliamentary Development in Moldova” Project aims to enhance parliamentary efficiency in carrying out its functions and responsibilities thus contributing to viable democracy and open society in Moldova. The project adopts a comprehensive, long-term approach to parliamentary development including strengthening of the legislatures law-making, representation and oversight roles.

An effective member of parliament is an accomplished legislator and a spry committee member. The MPs various roles and responsibilities often come together in committee and through the public hearing process. Legislative hearings examine the need for, the quality of and the potential effectiveness and consequences of proposed legislation. Oversight hearings monitor the implementation of legislation and put the role of Government under scrutiny, and investigative hearings guard the public interest by investigating potential wrong doing by government departments and public officials.

Public hearings are an important tool which helps to improve public opinion, allowing experts, interested bodies and members of the public to appear in front of the hearing and give evidence and contribute to the review and scrutiny process of a range of issues connected to good governance.

In this context, UNDP Parliament Project is seeking to hire an international consultant who will develop a Manual on Public Hearings to be applied within the Parliament of Moldova.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective of the assignment:

To develop a Manual on Public Hearings to be used by chairmen of parliamentary committees, committee members and committee advisers to help them in the organization and management of effective public hearings. The Manual should be a practical hand on tool, which ensures the practical application of procedures.

Under the guidance of Parliament Project Chief Technical Adviser (CTA), the international consultant will ensure a high level of analytical support, facilitating the communication and cooperation with the Parliament and other stakeholders. The assignment shall be carried out in close cooperation with parliamentary commissions and parliamentary staff.

Scope of work and expected output:

In order to achieve the stated objective, the Consultant will have the following responsibilities:

Undertake a comprehensive desk review of the relevant national legal framework, policies, regulations and administrative procedures governing and regulating the organization of public hearings within Parliament of Moldova Secretariat;
Analyze similar experiences in other national European Parliaments, look for suitable models developed by international organizations (i.e. NDI, OSCE);
Prepare a detailed work plan to be applied for respective assignment;
Undertake interviews with the key stakeholders: Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, civil society representatives;
Identify existing gaps in the administrative procedures related to the public hearings organization;
Propose revisions and/or updates of the regulations on public hearings organization in order to avoid legislative overlaps;

Actively participate in the discussion of the delivered results with Parliament and advocate for them;

Develop a Manual on Public Hearings, which will provide step by step guidelines for organizing and conducting a public hearing, including the preliminary process of evaluating the appropriateness of a hearing;

Conduct a Roundtable discussion with MPs, parliamentary staff, NGOs;

Other relevant tasks, as agreed with the counterparts.

The timeframe for the work of International Consultant is tentatively planned through April – May 2012. The Consultancy should involve about 40 days of work and two visits (comprising in total 8 days) to Moldova.

Competencies

Abilities:

Ability to analyze, plan, communicate effectively orally and in writing, draft report, organize and meet expected results, adapt to different environments (cultural, economic, political and social);
Ability to apply communications tools and techniques, including the ability to analyze and use research data;
Fluency in English. Knowledge of Romanian and Russian will be an advantage.

Skills:

Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications:

University / Master degree in Law, Mass Communications or Political Science;
At least 3 years of relevant experience in outreach and/or advocacy.

Experience:

In-depth knowledge and understanding of development issues and relevant work experience;
Experience of organizing and conducting public hearings;
Experience in working with international organizations (successful experience in working with UN agencies is an asset);
Knowledge of the parliament or government institutions;
Experience of developing and performing communication materials.