UNDP Jobs - 658- Project Advisor, Promoting Pro-Poor Trade

Project Advisor, Promoting Pro-Poor Trade

Location :

Dhaka, BANGLADESH

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

16-Nov-2006

Application Deadline :

25-Oct-06 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

11 months

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

In Bangladesh, the need for pro-poor globalization policies and practices is growing in importance as the country’s liberalization commitments increase. Experience has shown that those who have the skills, products, and resources to take advantage of world markets can benefit greatly from globalization. But the poor have more difficulty benefiting, and in some cases they may even face lower wages and increased livelihood instability as a result of greater openness.

UNDP is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable globalization process centered on human development concerns. In its role as a coordinator of global efforts to reach Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), UNDP aims for a global partnership for development through progress in aid, trade and debt relief (MDG 8). At the country level, UNDP encourages analysis of the impact of trade on human development, the mainstreaming of trade into poverty reduction policies and trade capacity building in collaboration with the public and private sectors.

The UNDP Country Office in will undertake a Preparatory Assistance project, “Promoting Pro-Poor Trade”, to provide the groundwork for one or more project to address the national trade-related needs and priorities. This PA will have three outputs:

a) Needs and opportunities for building GoB capacity to negotiate and analyze trade and investment agreements identified;

b) Mechanisms for improved compliance in the RMG sector established; and

c) Market access facilities for micro and small producers of handicrafts developed. The Project Adviser will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of the PA-PPT project and will report directly to the Poverty Team Leader.

Duties and Responsibilities

Implement and update the work plan of the PA-PPT project including;

Coordinate with UNDP suppliers and consultants to ensure that administrative, financial and technical support are provided for the achievement of the project outcome;
Prepare, implement and monitor a detailed annual work plan and budget;
Coordinate, facilitate, and supervise the work of consultants, including preparation of TORs and contracts;
Ensure quality output of consultants, trainers and other inputs;
Undertake all reporting activities;
Liaise, consult, and network with national and regional stakeholders;
Oversee the development of information management tools to ensure monitoring, evaluation and replicability of activities;
Coordinate donor dialogue activities to ensure cooperation with projects under development by them and for timely resource mobilization;
Ensure the preparation of the project document(s) for continued assistance, with inputs from project consultants, trainers and UNDP staff; and
Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Promotes a Learning environment in the office: - empowers staff to address their development needs and promotes an open atmosphere of mutual feedback and support.

Actively builds deep knowledge in one or more areas: - developing deep understanding and experience in economic policy and trade, including process and/or substantive knowledge; willingly shares this knowledge when others in UNDP request advice or help.

Applies existing knowledge to work: - Brings all relevant UNDP and external knowledge and resources to provide quality advice and services and improve organizational performance.

Political, cultural sensitivity, commitment to diversity: - Communicates effectively with and relates to people of different cultures, demonstrating an ability to see issues from other perspectives.

Manages for results: - Translate strategic aims into achievable plans to achieve quality results, with established priorities, monitor them, making periodic adjustments as required.

Demonstrates knowledge of integrating gender and human rights issues into trade policies and practices.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Experience

Masters degree or higher in Economics, Trade Policy or a really related discipline and a minimum of five years work experience.

Additionally, the incumbent has to have:

Excellent managerial, analytical, and communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and team-building skills, with a commitment to working in cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary teams.
Familiarity with the United Nations (UNDP) policies and principles.

Language requirement:

Excellent English speaking and writing.
Familiarity with Bangladesh/South Asia preferred.