Background

Afghanistan is currently in a two-year transition period that will last until the departure of the international security forces by the end of 2014. This transition phase will be followed by a phase of transformation of 5 years, according to the Tokyo Conference. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) 10-Year Vision sets the strategic framework for ministerial reform and Afghan National Police (ANP) professionalization during the so-called decade of transformation. As part of the MoI-driven reform supported by the International Community, ministerial functions (policy-making, budgeting, goal-setting planning and controlling) shall be separated from the policing agencies resulting in a new architecture of the entire Ministry of Interior.

LOTFA Phase VI has consisted of three distinct pillars:

  • (Pillar 1) police remuneration, infrastructure and equipment;
  • (Pillar 2) capacity development and gender; and
  • (Pillar 3) community policing (Police-e-Mardumi).

The new strategic MoI context described above has generated fundamental changes in what and how LOTFA will further engage in the policing sector, and will affect each of the three pillars in substantial ways. Within this context, internal reorganization of the programme pillars began from April 2013 upon approval of LOTFA Steering Committee (20th March 2013) during 2013 LOTFA has evolved into a more substantive platform with an expanded capacity development component for consolidated sustainability of the established systems and processes, and a separate community policing component for decentralized support to the police towards more effective service delivery. Further, increased efforts have been made by LOTFA and MoI to strengthen joint planning, the intent of which is to help MoI to assume ownership of LOTFA-supported activities.

Late in 2013 the MoI and UNDP, in coordination with LOTFA donors, have agreed to extend Phase VI until 31 December 2014 with the main objective to fully operationalize LOTFA management changes and streamline elements of innovation taking into account current and perspective needs of the MoI. In 2014 Pillar 1, while continuing to manage the remuneration to police and to uniformed guards of the Prisons Department, transitioned its functions into a more streamlined service organized as a practice area. Anticipating the transition of payroll management to the MoI, Pillar 1 will focus on building MoI capacity to use, manage, and maintain the payroll system, while also ensuring that the software itself is made robust and professional. In the meantime, training and systems development will continue to be provided to the MoI and Ministry of Finance (MoF).

Similarly, Pillar 2 will structure its programmatic areas of work around ministerial reform. And, Pillar 3 will shift from a narrow emphasis on Police-e-Mardumi to civilian policing and police professionalization in all capacities of on-the-ground policing agencies. All Pillars will shift from ad hoc programming and material support so as to align more directly with policies and strategies of the MoI. This will increase the likelihood that LOTFA support will meaningfully contribute to the achievement of mid- and long-term changes to policing, and will lay the foundation for much greater MoI involvement with and ownership of the LOTFA framework.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Based in MoI - LOTFA project, the Programme Support Specialist (Pillar 1 - Payroll Administration Services) will be responsible to perform the following specific duties and responsibilities under the direct supervision of LOTFA Pillar 1 International Manager (first reporting line) and LOTFA Programme Manager (second reporting line).
 
Support the coordination, planning, implementation process and monitoring of Pillar 1/Payroll reform (Payroll Action Plan) according to the agreed standards and deadlines:
  • Coordinate and work with Pillar 1 team and relevant partners (MoI, MoF, CSTC-A and EU) for the implementation and monitoring of the LOTFA Payroll Action Plan, ensuring participation and coordination with relevant stakeholders;
  • Track (monitor) through weekly follow-up the overall progress and performance of the Payroll Action Plan according to the agreed targets and benchmarks for implementation;
  • Provide quality analysis and inputs to LOTFA Programme Manager and Payroll Administration (Pillar 1) Manager on the status of progress and challenges of the Payroll Action Plan;
  • Consolidate inputs from Pillar 1 and prepare reports (corporate and monthly updates) and other information products relevant to report about implementation and monitoring of the Payroll Action Plan.
Work in close collaboration with Pillar 1, MoI relevant counterparts and technical advisors and the experts involved in the payroll management and reform on achievement of the following results:
  • Serve as a focal point to prepare substantive documentation in order to address information requests from external partners dealing with payroll at high and technical level;
  • Actively engage with Pillar 1 team to acquire information on substantive Pillar 1 development and implementation.
  • Draft and prepare correspondence, documents, reports and speaking notes as related to payroll;
  • Provide support to organize and document regular consultative sessions and payroll working groups with external partners;
  • Coordinate with Pillar 1 to carry out follow up matters arising from the meetings and working groups.
  • Support coordination mechanisms as required;
  • Provide weekly updates and briefings for LOTFA Senior Management on key issues arising as part of external coordination with payroll partners;
  • Act as focal point for the coordination of all meetings related to the Monitoring Agent (MA) in collaboration with the MA firm, Pillar 1, MoI (Finance and Budget Department), and UNDP Country Office (Oversight and Compliance Unit -OCU).
Support facilitation and knowledge sharing in the area of Pillar 1/payroll reform, focusing on achievement of the following results, in coordination with Pillar 1-EPS team:
  • Establish knowledge share database for management of organization and institutional memory of Pillar 1;
  • Support information management of external & formal communications sent to/received from Government partners (MoI, MoF and Ministry of Defense-MoD) and international partners within the knowledge sharing database;
  • Be responsible to keep regularly updated Pillar 1 information database.

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, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Knowledge Management and Learning:
  • Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through information sharing, good training and advisory practice and personal example;
  • In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
  • Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP Programme.
Functional Competencies:
  • Excellent writing and oral skills in English;
  • Ability to write quickly, clearly and concisely;
  • Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, internet, PP, database packages, etc.;
  • Mature judgment combined with a proactive, resourceful and energetic approach to problem solving;
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and
  • Strong organizational and time management skills;
  • Capacity to work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines;
  • Demonstrated behavior of professional and personal ethics, transparency and openness;
  • Ability to handle confidential issues in a responsible and mature manner.
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
  • Proven record of strong diagnostics, analytical and problem solving skills;
  • Experience in post-conflict electoral programs;
  • Ability to contribute to formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities;
  • Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Master’s degree in Business Administration or Public Administration or International Development or Social Sciences or any other relevant discipline.
Experience:
  • Minimum five years (5) of professional experience in development cooperation, coordination, programming, reporting, research and analysis;
  • With at least two years of experience in payroll management role;
  • In-depth payroll experience, payroll reconciliation and verifications, as well as employee entitlement and benefit plans and payroll taxes;
  • Prior or current experience with UNDP is a distinct advantage;
  • Experience in the production of diverse types of written materials for resource mobilization and advocacy with donors, including official correspondence with donors and other external partners;
  • Ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner.
Language:
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is essential;
  • Knowledge of Pashto and/or Dari an asset.
Note:
  • Interested and qualified international candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at UNDP Afghanistan Vacancy Announcement and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at UNDP Personal History Form (P.11 Form);
  • Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted;
  • For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af.   ; 
  • Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within 6 weeks of the offer of appointment;
  • Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.