Historique

Recent economic recovery, combined with some improvements to the socio-economic situation and relative political stability have led to a general improvement in the situation in Zimbabwe.  Despite these improvements, Zimbabwe continues to face persistent humanitarian needs in 2013, albeit at a reduced scale, particularly in the area of food security and containment of water borne diseases.  The UN is providing assistance to the Government of Zimbabwe to address the multifaceted challenges toward full recovery and development in the areas of governance and social service delivery.

The gains achieved through both humanitarian action and substantive recovery and development efforts, and the close linkages between the two, need to be sustained and further consolidated.  A number of critical processes relevant to transition and recovery, which are engaging multiple UN agencies, are underway which require substantive ongoing support.  The overall focus of the on-going recovery efforts is thus to restore the capacity of communities and local institutions to deal with the emergency situation and to lay the foundation for sustained development.

As such, the role of the United Nations in Zimbabwe has become increasingly important. Both the Government of Zimbabwe and its Development Partners consider the United Nations to be a key strategic partner in coordinating and channelling support to the country in this complex and rapidly changing context of transition. Ongoing humanitarian needs, as well as varying shifts to recovery, posit the UN as a key player in supporting the transition to a sustainable state of recovery, from relief to development.

In order to effectively support the coordination of on-going recovery and transition efforts, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office is therefore seeking to recruit a Transition and Recovery Specialist.  The incumbent will work under the overall strategic guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator and the day to day supervision of the Head of UNRCO.  He/She will also work in close collaboration with OCHA and in consultation with other UN members. This is a Management Project Funded (MPF) position.

Devoirs et responsabilités

Provides policy and advisory services to determine optimised approaches for enhanced development effectiveness in support of transitional processes, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Work with the relevant stakeholders (UNCT, HCT, and Government) to review and support the implementation of streamlined and optimised coordination structures, tools, and practices that cater for national leadership in a transitional environment, bringing together humanitarian and development actors as part of the on-going efforts to improve aid coordination and effectiveness in the country.
• Support the RC/HC and the UNCT in ensuring the effectiveness of UN engagement in managing the transition, facilitating integration and promoting synergies in a context which involves relief, recovery, and development activities.
• Participate in and support the functioning of a coordinated approach to developing common policies on major national processes and emerging issues.
• Support effective ZUNDAF implementation and the adjustment of strategies and implementation modalities as appropriate.

Provides management support to a recovery process which is needs-based and conducted in an effective and principled manner in the best interests of affected and vulnerable populations, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support Government and the UNCT as they seek to incorporate a recovery approach, where appropriate, into overarching national frameworks and strategies, such as the MTP, the ZUNDAF, and humanitarian appeal-using instruments and tools.
• Continuing to strengthen the linkages between humanitarian and recovery/development programming and support the integration of the humanitarian strategic objectives within ZUNDAF operationalization where appropriate.
• Ensure the effectiveness of ‘post-humanitarian’ coordination mechanisms, working closely with OCHA to ensure the smooth transfer of responsibility to nationally led processes which maintain a preparedness and response capacity.
• Support UN M&E processes and joint programming efforts, working closely with inter-agency teams.
• Ensure that capacity development, emergency preparedness, and disaster risk reduction are duly integrated into recovery and development programmes.
• Support the coordination of UN action to better assist Government in the implementation of its Disaster Risk Management Strategy

Work with OCHA and the RCO to provide support to UNCT work planning in the particular areas of recovery and transition, including advocacy and resource mobilisation efforts,  focussing on the achievement of the following results:

• Building on and strengthening partnerships for sustainable recovery with Government, Development Partners, regional bodies, and other relevant actors in successfully positioning the UNCT within the transitional environment.
• Supporting the implementation of recommendations from the review and analysis of pooled funding mechanisms that contribute to strengthening the relevance of the UN in recovery and transition context
• Support transition and recovery resource mobilization activities and oversee the management of fund requests and allocations from BCPR and other donors.

Ensures the establishment of a knowledge culture with effective advocacy tools focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Create synergies between relevant stakeholders involved in transition and recovery efforts while promoting national ownership of coordination processes through increased participation of national and local stakeholders.
• Facilitate the flow of information between UN global systems, the HCT, the UNCT, Government, and development partners on transition and recovery issues.
• Work closely with relevant UN inter-agency teams
• Support the provision and application of the latest policy guidelines and technical standards.
• Liaise with and participate in the Global Cluster Working Group on Early Recovery (CWGER), other relevant expert networks and derive lessons learned.

Compétences

Functional Competencies:

Policy Advice and Knowledge Management 

• Ability to develop evidence-based policy advice
• Ability to develop planning and advocacy documents involving multiple stakeholders  
• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture
• Knowledge on joint programming and operational issues
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in relevant practice areas

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback  
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management, and reporting  
• Ability to lead and manage corporate strategic initiatives  
• Excellent computer and information system skills

Management and Leadership

• Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment  
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude  
• Demonstrates advanced oral and written communication skills  
• Demonstrates strong team management skills  
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors  
• Remains calm, in control, and good humoured even under pressure  
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities  
• Strategic thinking, strategic decision-making, and proven leadership qualities, and experience in management of teams and large groups
• Demonstrates capacity to communicate effectively and plan programmes effectively
• Resourcefulness, initiative and mature judgment  

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards  
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the common UN system  
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity, and adaptability  
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism  
• Demonstrates excellent analytical and organizational skills 

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:  

• Masters degree in international development, law, political science, economics, management, or other relevant field.

Experience:   

• At least 7 years of relevant work experience with progressive responsibility in relief, recovery and/or transitional operations, including at least three years work in a post-conflict setting.
• In-depth knowledge of the UN system, UN reform and its operational mandates and experience providing policy advice on development effectiveness issues.
• In-depth knowledge of joint UN programming and M&E processes.
• Previous work experience in Eastern and Southern Africa will be considered an asset.

Language Requirements:   

• Fluency in English with superior drafting skills.
  
• Good knowledge of another UN language will be considered an asset.

FC: 04180