Background

UNDP Somalia is comprised of three main programmes, Rule of Law and Security, Recovery and Sustainable Livelihoods and Governance. The Programme Management Support Team (PMST) is a central unit within UNDP Somalia that supports effective and efficient programme delivery in Somalia. To this end, PMST directly supports the three main programmes at UNDP Somalia with expert services tailored to a crisis context.
 
In the key service areas, PMST acts as a focal point for the latest information on strategic approaches and programmatic tools such as results based management, Atlas and Prince2. Supporting all areas, will focus on providing high quality advisory services, training and on the job mentoring. While quality assurance remains a core programmatic function, PMST will ensure overall consistency with corporate standards, policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected
 
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Country Director - Programmes and the overall guidance of the Deputy Country Director Programme and Country Director, the donor relations specialist is responsible for donor outreach, reporting at output and outcome level and supports the management of donor funds by UNDP.
 
Summary of key functions
  • Develop and fine-tune the resource mobilization strategy for the CO, in collaboration with senior management, PMST and programme colleagues.
  • Review all donor reporting, analyze results/lessons learned, research inputs, review all submissions to donors of project related documentation and ensure high quality standards are applied to presentation, context and style. Ensure veracity and factual correctness of all reports.
  • Focal point for all donor contributions - review all donor correspondence, project proposal submissions, project narrative and financial reporting.
  • Regularly update donor profiles and maintain monitoring system for donor contributions.
  • Receive, record and disseminate funds as per UNDP policies and procedures.
  • Liaise with finance section for monitoring/tracking contributions.
  • Work closely with Programme teams to ensure high level of accountability and reporting to donors.
  • Liaise closely with the appropriate resource mobilization entities at UNDP headquarters.
  • Analyze humanitarian, relief and recovery trends in funding.
  • Perform other duties as and when requested by the ACD, DCD-P or Country Director.

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
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Partnership building:
  • Promotes partnerships and is proactive in pursuing new partnerships
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
  • Promotes team work
  •  In-depth understanding of donor relations in post-conflict situation
Knowledge Management and Learning
  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
  • Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development
  • In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues
 Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
  • Ability for planning and establishing priorities; coordinating and monitoring the work of others, and delegating responsibility where appropriate;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Excellent analytical skills
  • Good interpersonal and supervisory skills;
  • Good command of MS Office applications (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and advanced knowledge of web based management systems desirable (Atlas etc).

Self Management and Leadership

  • Flexible and responsive with a client-oriented approach;
  • Effective problem-solver; demonstrated capacity-building and facilitation skills;
  • Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback
  • Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Resourcefulness, initiative, and maturity of judgment.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
  • Ability to think strategically and the ability to translate this into practical and feasible operational actions

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Masters degree or equivalent in business administration, financial management, economics, law and/or related fields.
  • A first level university degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • At least 2 years of progressively responsible post masters relevant experience at the national or international level.
  • Experience working with UN or international organization is an asset.
  • Knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures, including Atlas is desirable
  • Knowledge of results based management principles and experience managing donor relations is an advantage.
  • Sound understanding and experience of working in Arab and/or African contexts and of building trust with national counterparts.
 Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; working knowledge of at least one other official UN language is an asset.