UNDP Jobs - 36199- Chief Technical Advisor: Democratic Empowerment Pr

Chief Technical Advisor: Democratic Empowerment Project

Location :

Dar es salaam, TANZANIA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-May-2013

Application Deadline :

29-Mar-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year with a possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year with a possibility of extension

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

Tanzania has had 4 credible general elections since the reintroduction of multi-party politics in 1992. Citizens and the government are -- eager to maintain this track record and to further strengthen democratic practice in Tanzania. Looking to the 2015 general election, government has undertaken early and comprehensive preparations for the electoral processes. Since receipt of official requests for UN assistance to the election cycle leading to the 2015 general election from the National Election Commission and Zanzibar Electoral Commission, a UN Needs Assessment Mission recommended the development of a project in support of the National efforts.

As well, in 2014 the United Republic of Tanzania will likely conduct the first national referendum on a new constitution. The National partners and other stakeholders in preparing for these critical events have requested the support of UNDP to provide technical and financial support to the preparation and execution of the referendum and general election.

To these ends, the Democratic Empowerment Project is a four year (2013-2016) UNDP, UN One Fund and other donor-funded project with the overall aim of contributing to Tanzania’s UNDAP’s Outcome 7: i.e. “key institutions of democracy, (.e. EMBs, etc.) effectively implement their election and political functions”.

Project Objectives

The Project seeks to promote democracy and contribute to the realization of the following four outputs:
Capacity of the key democratic institutions (EMBs, CRC, RPP, etc.) enhanced to support and promote legal and institutional reform in the context of the on-going constitutional reform process and beyond;
Capacity of the EMBs to conduct credible elections enhanced through strategic, technical and operational support and improved EMB engagement with stakeholders (i.e. political parties, CSOs, and the media) to foster a democratic environment
Inclusive participation in elections and politics enhanced through the empowerment of women, youth and PWDs; and
National peace infrastructure enhanced to mitigate and prevent election-related conflicts.

Project Management

The project will be executed directly by UNDP with implemented under the overall guiding principle of national ownership and leadership in the electoral process. The international assistance provided should be considered as an extension of, and a complement to, national resources and is intended to support national management and coordination structures, in the spirit of the Joint Assistance Strategy for Tanzania (JAST)

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Capacity development for institutional reforms and development
Organization and management
Management for delivery of results
Policy reforms and development services
Analytical national knowledge products
Advocacy, networking and marketing
Partnerships and resource mobilization
Coordination and recommendations

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the guidance and direction of the RC/RR, the CTA will lead high level consultations and communication with stakeholders.
The CTA will be expected to engage constructively and effectively with all stakeholders, including national counterparts, government officials, the diplomatic community and development partners. The CTA is also responsible for reporting to and preparing/organizing all aspects of Steering Committee meetings.
The CTA has overall responsibly and accountability for substantive advice and technical support to the EMBs and other stakeholders in the achievement of election cycle goals.

Substantive support to the electoral process:

Leadership for all technical assistance to NEC and ZEC and identification of issues that may impact on the election process and require attention of the EMBs, the UNDP and/or the Steering Committee.
High level advisory assistance to NEC and ZEC, and other stakeholders, on strategic directions and goals, the election cycle environment, opportunities and risks in democratic development, and other related.
Monitor the implementation of substantive activities through ongoing evaluation of project outputs; regular meetings with NEC and ZEC, interaction with implementing agents, field visits and assessments.
Perform any other duties the supervisor may assign with respect to the conduct of the elections.

Capacity Development and Knowledge Building:

Provide advice, support and recommend assistance to senior EMB management.
In cooperation with UNDP, coordinate and supervise activities related to the provision of international assistance to the electoral process.
Prepare capacity development plan, taking into consideration the need of the EMBs, non-governmental organizations and other partners.
Recommend and develop strategies to enhance and maintain EMB communication with stakeholders including political parties, the media, civil society and donor partners.
Promote and supervise capacity development in consultation with the EMBs and UNDP,
Monitor and document the experiences and achievements of capacity development initiatives.
Recommend and ensure the application of national and international best-practice in the subject areas and generate knowledge-based products, drawing on global, regional and thematic policy and advisory support resources within the UN, UNDP, EC, etc.
Lead the analytical development work of the team and ensure high quality knowledge products. Ensure the substantive quality of all knowledge products, reports and services, and ensure effective integration and compatibility with other practice areas.
Disseminate information on international best practices and be an active member of the UNDP global and regional networks.

Impact of Results

The key results of the post will contribute to the UN’s efforts to consolidating democratic structures and systems of good governance in Tanzania by strengthening political, civil society and electoral systems that enhance effective participation, representation and greater political tolerance.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the DEP.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly and without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Technical Expertise

Specialist knowledge and high level advisory experience in the area of Elections, preferably in Africa, in a normal (non conflict) development context.
Theoretical and practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development and governance issues
Strong understanding of political dynamics in government, civil society and the donor community in developing countries

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development
Ability to provide top quality policy advice services on electoral issues
In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
Ability to go beyond established procedures and models, propose new approaches which expand the range of programmes.
Ability to apply theory to the specific country context

Management and Leadership

Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback
Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation
Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates strong writing, facilitation, and presentation skills
Builds strong relationships and networks with clients and external actors.
Negotiation skills: capacity to work with diverse partners including government, donors and civil society;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in political science or other relevant field, such as international relations, law, and public administration, or equivalent

Experience:

Minimum 10 years election advisory, CTA or similar experience with electoral processes and election management (preferably with an electoral management body or the UN)
Extensive practical experience in election operations, planning, management and/or logistics
Institutional capacity building experience, training, project design and implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills desirable
Knowledge of UN financial management systems an advantage
Experience with UN, governments, donors, non-government and international development organizations
Excellent analytical, communication, writing and presentation skills
Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa an advantage
Willingness to travel frequently in Tanzania and to work extensive hours and under pressure
Advanced computer skills essential

Language Requirements:

English language fluency written and spoken, essential. Knowledge of Kiswahili an asset.

FC: 30000