UNDP Jobs - 53344- Technical Specialist

Technical Specialist

Location :

Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

06-Feb-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

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

Organizational Context

In contrast to the large-scale tradable minerals and hydrocarbons sector, the low-value minerals and materials sector (LVMM) has closer links with the local economy, has the potential to generate more local jobs, and therefore can have a greater impact on poverty reduction. However, its income generation potential often remains unrealized or under-realized. This is in part due to the uncertain legal and regulatory framework in which the sector operates and the lack of publicly available and easily accessible geological data, which exacerbates wasteful exploration and

discourages investment in the sector. Furthermore, there can be serious social and environmental impacts associated with low-value mining, with dire consequences on health and safety of workers in this sector and surrounding communities.

The project “Capacity development of mineral institutions and of small-scale private sector operating in low-value minerals in ACP countries” (short title: “Low-value minerals project”) aims to support the implementation of the ACP Framework of Action on the

Development of Mineral Resources Sector endorsed by the ACP Committee of Ambassadors in 2011.

The project will provide capacity-building support to the small-scale private sector, associations/chambers, public institutions and social stakeholders that operate in the low value minerals and materials sector. The project will enhance the capacities of these entities to increase the sector’s productivity; better manage mining operations; adhere to national and international environmental and health standards; and prevent conflict through effective community relations.

This is a three year project, with a budget of €12.1 million (funded by the EU and UNDP) that will be implemented by UNDP.

While based in UNDP’s Regional Centre in Addis Ababa, the Technical Specialist will provide support to the overall group of ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) countries supported by this project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Advisor, Extractive Industries (UNDP Regional Centre in Addis Ababa) and with an additional reporting line to the Project Manager (UNDP Brussels), the Technical Specialist will have the following responsibilities:

Functions / Key Results Expected:

Summary of Key Functions

The Technical Specialist will be responsible for providing technical oversight over the country-level projects in the six countries, preparing training materials and delivering of training in relevant fields and conducting/ overseeing market analyses, social analyses, baseline and other studies in selected countries.

Policy advice and training:

Coordinate and manage drafting and production of training curricula, training materials, and other knowledge products on small scale mineral development based on the needs as identified in the project document and as emerges from partners’ needs;
Provide advisory services on small-scale mineral development, ensuring overall consistency and synergies between various thematic areas; act as a resource person within UNDP on small-scale mineral development;
Coordinate and guide project country studies;
Design and deliver training in at least one of the six thematic areas of the project;
Prepare terms of reference of technical consultants and partners and ensure the quality of deliverables by consultants and partners;
Provide advice and input on training and activities as needed, stay abreast of project progress and troubleshoot problems that may arise;
Stay abreast of research in small scale mining development and its linkages with human development; Share relevant information and research findings with project partners.

Project management:

Liaise with partners at global, regional/ sub-regional, and country levels;
Liaise with UNDP's and other partner agencies’ regional and country technical advisors;
Ensure guidance by the project’s Technical Committee is provided and reflected in delivery and content of assessments, training and other activities;
Represent the project externally at appropriate meetings, consultations and outreach events;
Provide inputs to quarterly and annual project work plans;
Provide inputs to quarterly and annual project reports;
Develop plans for knowledge products, including: training curricula, training materials, study reports, video and audio products;
Coordinate and guide baseline and endline studies;
Refine project monitoring indicators;
Adapt/ formulate indicators at the country level.

Knowledge management:

Maintain a roster/ database/ network of experts and partners, monitor feedback on performance;
Share and exchange knowledge and information with other relevant global projects and initiatives to ensure coherence of activities and realize synergies at global and country levels.

Impact of Results:

As a result of the work in the areas mentioned;
Capacities of key stakeholders in low-value mining enhanced, including that of public stakeholders such as regulatory agencies and local governments; private stakeholders such as small-scale mining enterprises and associations, business development centres; and social stakeholders such as civil society organizations and community groups;
High-quality training materials and country studies are carried out to inform the implementation of the project.

Competencies

Corporate 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 and adaptability;
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment
Commitment to development impact and results;
Commitment and willingness to share knowledge and experience;
Capable of delivering in a fast-paced environment, observe deadlines.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge in the field of sustainable development, extractive industries, natural resources, value chain development and/or small-scale mining;
Ability to identify and analyze needs for advisory support and propose appropriate solutions;
Demonstrated capacity to conduct and guide research and analysis on mining and development;
Very strong ability to design and conduct training;
Excellent analytical skills;
Excellent communication skills with ability to express ideas clearly, concisely and effectively, orally and in writing.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in development studies, business administration, economics or a related discipline

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience;
Strong experience working in the fields of development, extractive industries, and/ or small-scale mining, with specialization in at least one of the following areas: 1) mine and quarry management; 2) environment, health, safety; 3) entrepreneurship skills development; 4) market analysis and investment promotion; 5) geo-data and maps design; 6) community relations and addressing grievances;
Experience conducting training in relevant areas;
Field experience is desired.

Language:

Very good command of spoken and written English required;
Fluency in spoken and written French desired.