Background

Under the leadership of the UNDG Chair, and with the guidance of the UNDG, the overall objective of the United Nations Development Coordination Office (DOCO) is to support the strategic priorities of the UNDG, and related coordination goals, and to meet DOCO’s responsibilities under the Management and Accountability (M &A) system, in furtherance of the TCPR framework. DOCO supports the UNDG at all levels to better support national partners in meeting the MDGs/IADGs and other critical national development priorities, specifically, the UNDG and its Advisory Group at Headquarters, Regional UNDG Teams, and RCs and UNCTs. In carrying out its responsibilities, DOCO works closely with other UN entities and stakeholders (including DPA, DPKO, DSS, WB, OCHA and the Policy Committee in case of crisis countries), and through various interagency mechanisms.
 
The Headquarters Support Team (HST) is DOCO’s Headquarters-facing coordination policy and practice team that provides the following four primary services in support of UNDG strategic priorities, in collaboration with the Field Support Team( FST):
  • Highlight key operational coordination issues and lessons learned for discussion and decision by UNDG.
  • Develop, manage and facilitate the use of interagency networks of expertise to support implementation of UNDG strategic priorities and address coordination issues at the field level.
  • Support the UNDG in formulating, managing and implementing ongoing global coordination work plans.
  • Provide advice and support to the Director on the need for and take advantage of opportunities to leverage and to deepen UNDG leadership/influence in pursuit of development coordination objectives

Under the general direction and overall guidance of the Policy Adviser, Joint Funding, Business Operations and Programming, the Policy Specialist is responsible for supporting the UNDG to develop policies, guidelines and tools relating to “Delivering as One”, and its Regional Teams and its constituent agencies, funds and programmes to implement important reform measures outlined in the SOPs Plan of Action for headquarters; supporting the coordination of interagency work programme of the UNDAF Programming Network (UPN); and supporting the UN Country Teams rolling out the “Delivering as One” SOPs. 

These tasks are founded on the landmark resolution (67/226) on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review (QCPR) of UN operational activities for development adopted by consensus in the General Assembly on 21 December 2012. The resolution recognizes the value of improving linkages between operational activities and norms and standards such as freedom, peace, security and human rights. It also affirms the importance of mainstreaming sustainable development into the mandates, programmes, strategies and decision-making processes of UN entities. This resolution also represents the first time that intergovernmental recognition has been given to the “Delivering as One” model, although it remains a voluntary option.
GA resolution 67/226 represents a significant step forward in the reform of the UN development system. Through the QCPR, member states are asking that the UN development system provide programme countries wishing to adopt the “Delivering as One” approach, with an integrated package of support, comprising of Standard Operating Procedures and “Delivering as One”-specific guidance on: programming, monitoring and evaluation, reporting and other operational areas. The UNDG has already finalized Standard Operating Procedures as overarching principles to ensure that “Delivering as One” is firmly focused in results, accountability, monitoring and evaluation and improved outcomes, and based on the findings of the independent evaluation of lessons learned from “Delivering as One”.

(For further information, visit the UN-DESA QCPR (http://www.un.org/esa/coordination/2012qcpr.htm); UNDG “Delivering as one” (http://www.undg.org/index.cfm?P=7) and independent evaluation of “Delivering as one” (https://www.un.org/en/ga/deliveringasone/) websites.)

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of functions
  • Develop a “One Programme” guidance package
  • Update of existing 2010 UNDAF guidance package
  • Develop a training package for Training of Trainers on “Delivering as One” Standard Operating Procedures
Develop a “One Programme” guidance package (first draft by end of June 2013, final product by mid September 2013)
  • Review UNDAF guidance in light of the SOPs; support to drafting of ”One Programme” guidance and dissemination strategy;
  • Review current Terms of Reference for UNDAF programme working groups at the country level; support drafting of Terms of References for One Programme management groups (“Results Groups”) in “Delivering as One” countries;
  • Review annual work planning instruments and practices at the country level; draft a template for annual work plans;
  • Review annual progress report requirements and practices at the country level; draft a template for a common UN country results report; and
 Update of existing 2010 UNDAF guidance package (by end of November 2013)
  • Review (and where appropriate amend) existing guidance for UNDAF; taking into consideration the SOPs;
  • Review (and where appropriate amend) UNDAF programming principles in light of the QCPR;
  • Where appropriate, review linkages between UNDAF and transition country specific programming instruments; and
  • Determine extent of modifications for all UNDAF associated guidance; develop an action plan for the UNDAF Programming Network based on the reviews within its 2013-14 work plan.
Develop a training package for Training of Trainers on “Delivering as One” Standard Operating Procedures (by end of November)
  • Draft content of training course working in conjunction with DOCO colleagues/ consultants

Impact of Results

  • The One Programme element of the integrated guidance note to operationalize the “Delivering as One” Standard Operating Procedures, is guided by the QCPR and the independent evaluation of “Delivering as One”; allowing countries to implement the “Delivering as One” approach fully and successfully and to firmly focus “Delivering as One” on: national ownership and leadership; enhanced results and development outcomes; strengthened accountability; effective monitoring and evaluation and reduced transaction costs; and
  • The United Nations Development Assistance Framework process is simplified in order to: reduce the workload of national governments and other stakeholders; decrease the time necessary for the preparation of relevant documents and, ensure alignment with government planning cycles, thus improving the focus on system-wide results and promoting better division of labour within the United Nations system at the country level.

Competencies

Core Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism
  • Demonstrates and promotes the values of the UN in actions and decisions and acts in accordance with the standard of conduct for international civil servants
  • Shows willingness to work without bias with all persons regardless of gender, nationality, religion or culture
  • Contributes effectively to team-based activities, working collaboratively and sharing information openly; works effectively with colleagues inside the UN as well as its partners and other stakeholders to pursue common goals
  • Facilitates and encourages open communication in the team, communicating effectively.
  • Remains calm, composed and patient when facing conflict, manages conflict productively, focusing on mutually acceptable solutions
  • Takes initiative and seeks opportunities to initiate action
  • Actively produces and disseminates new knowledge; creates/contributes to mechanisms to collect and share knowledge
  • Actively seeks learning opportunities; demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Proposes innovate ideas and new solutions to work
Functional Competencies:
  • Demonstrated ability to support and maintain inter-agency networks and partnerships
  • Good technical knowledge of UN joint programming, monitoring and evaluation, results-based management and reporting processes
  • Strong, proven functional skills in analytical writing, producing reports, research and assessments
  • Keeps abreast of new developments in area of focus
  • Good knowledge of UN reform
  • Proven ability to coordinate and support formulation and development of policies, procedures and guidance
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of change processes
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt best management practices to support the achievement of Unit/team goals
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of approaches to capacity-building, knowledge management and organizational learning
  • Ability to contribute effectively in team-based setting, especially in the area of knowledge-sharing and learning
  • Ability to write clearly and convincingly, adapting style and content to different audiences; speaks clearly and convincingly, demonstrating strong presentation and facilitation skills;
  • Good technical writing skills;
  • Anticipates clients’ needs; demonstrates understanding of clients’ perspectives; solicits feedback on service provision and quality. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advance university degree in a development related field, international law, political, social, economic, business management or other related social science field is required. 

Experience:

  • At least seven years relevant work experience in the field of programming, some of which should be with developing countries and within the UN system, Agencies, Funds or Programs.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in oral and written English is required. Proficiency in another UN working language is desirable.

Possible detail assignment for PA/FTA contract holders

FC 68065