Background

Belarus faces a multitude of political, social, and economic risks and externalities which impact the country’s development trajectory. With the UN remaining – likely for the foreseeable future – the only international organisation with significant presence on the ground, it is essential that the UN is able to productively navigate the complex prevailing environment. This is important not only for ensuring the prudent targeting of programming and advocacy but also, and  more importantly, for ensuring that the entry points available are used to advance Belarus’ ability to adapt to the range of pressures, challenges, and changes that are likely forthcoming. Opening up and strengthening opportunities for dialogue and connections between actors on the ground is a necessary prerequisite for this, and the UN Country Team requires the support of a Strategic Planning Specialist  (SPS) to ensure the UN can duly support such efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Resident Coordinator and in close collaboration with the Country Team, relevant UN agency programme officers and the RC’s Office, Strategic Planning Specialist  will:

Provide strategic and analytical support to the UNCT and RC/RR on the evolving dynamics in the country and the near neighborhood:

• Provide strategic and analytical support to the UNCT and RC/RR on the evolving dynamics in the country and the near neighborhood;
  
• Advise the RC as to the situation in the country, and tailor any advice with a view to the management of risk both in terms of programming and UN advocacy use;
  
• Based on guidance from RCO, support internal communications with HQ as necessary;
• Provide strategic and analytical support to the RC/RR in his/her relations with government officials, academia, civil society, parliament, the judiciary and the private sector and with the wider political and civic leadership, including through;
• Providing continuous, high quality and relevant analysis to RC and UNCT on socio-economic developments;
• Provide proactive analytical and strategic support to UNCT to strengthen the collection of disaggregated data that helps target specific initiatives for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

• Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with key national stakeholders and the UNCT’s development partners and, in turn, help UNCT identify additional strategic entry points for programming in close cooperation with the Regional Centre;
• Establish and maintain networks and strategic partnerships that could be utilized to support ongoing dialogue efforts;
• Liaise closely with national, regional, and local stakeholders from Government, parliament, the judiciary, academia, private sector and civil society and key international actors, including current and potential donors, to identify entry points, foster dialogue on key issues pertaining to Belarus’ political, social, and economic challenges and opportunities;
• Maintain close contact with relevant staff in UN Headquarters including relevant focal points at UNDP and UN/DPA, including through the submission of bi-monthly reports through the RC, to UNDP and DPA as per the Standard Operating Procedures of the Joint UNDP/DPA Programme.

• Strengthen capacity of UNCT to mainstream risk management and conflict sensitivity for sustainable human development in the UNDAF process; conduct training for UN Country Team staff and key national partners on the same issue;
  
• Support the development of a more robust M&E system for the UNCT that fully incorporates risk management, HRBA, conflict sensitivity and early warning;
• Ensure, through relationships with all in-country partners, that the work of the UNDAF is grounded in national ownership, partnership, comparative advantage and maximum effectively and accountability;
• Ensure recommendations from the evaluation of the current UNDAF are implemented in the formulation of the next.

• Entry points identified and sustained for longer-term UN engagement in areas pertaining to sustainable human development;
• Strengthened capacity of UNCT to undertake and sustain risk analysis;
• Strengthened capacity of UNCT to adapt programming to country dynamics on the basis of analysis;
• Strengthened capacity of UNCT to design, implement and monitor conflict-sensitive development programming consistent with the human rights-based approach;
• Strengthened partnerships with national counterparts in government, the legislature, the judiciary, private sector, civil society, academia, and think-tanks/ research institutions, with a view to creating entry points for the UN to support ongoing dialogue efforts.

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;
• Good understanding of the UN system.

• Possesses specialist knowledge in the area of risk analysis, HRBA, conflict prevention, social cohesion, dialogue and governance or related areas, as well as in-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
• Sound political acumen and extensive experience of providing policy advice;
• In-depth knowledge of human development situation in CIS countries and recent history/events/transitions;
• Ability to contribute to UN strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Ability to advise and oversee formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects and programmes;
• Very strong analytical reporting and writing skills.

• Ability to build strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Capacity to work under pressure, manage stress and adapt to rapidly evolving situations.

• Team player, self-motivated and initiative taking, dedicated, creative, resourceful, flexible, energetic and sound judgment;
• Builds strong relationships with partners, focusing on impact and results.

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) in sociology, international relations, international economics, law, political science, public administration, or other related social sciences.

Work experience:

• 7 years of progressively responsible experience in risk and conflict analysis/prevention, policy, and strategy development, development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization;
• Experience working in CIS countries and/or other transitional contexts;
• Extensive experience in research and project development;
• A proven policy, advisory and advocacy experience and track record of engagement with senior levels of government, United Nations, and donors;
• Experience working within a UN agency and experience in Eastern Europe and the CIS would be a major asset;
• Sound knowledge of and extensive experience in Eastern Europe and the CIS.

Language:

• Fluent written and spoken English and Russian;
• Knowledge of Belarusian is an advantage.