UNDP Jobs - 58733- Community Development Specialist, SC (CBA Project

Community Development Specialist, SC (CBA Project - Phase-III)

Location :

Kyiv, UKRAINE

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

12-Aug-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

The Community Based Approach (CBA) Project is financed by the European Union and co-financed and implemented by UNDP. Its overall objective is to promote sustainable socio-economic development at local level by strengthening participatory governance and encouraging community-based initiatives throughout Ukraine. It is achieved by local communities and local governments by undertaking joint planning and joint implementation of community initiatives. The first phase of the Project started in 2008 and was succeeded by its second phase in 2011. The Project has been operational in 25 regions, 264 rayons, 1108 village/city councils and 1109 local communities of Ukraine. More than 20 universities across the country have partnered with the CBA Project to include the CBA methodologies and experience into their curriculum. The project period (Phase 2) was until June 2015. Details on the CBA Project can be found at http://cba.org.ua or http://www.undp.org.ua/

The third phase of the CBA Project (CBA III) has begun and the duration will be approximately 42 months. The project will continue with the vision developed in phases one and two, expanded and implemented throughout Ukraine. The “expanded vision” includes project interventions in rural areas, urban areas and in the areas of knowledge management. The project vision with the urban component is to promote the community based approach;

to strengthen municipal governance,
to improve energy efficiency in urban housing through normal and optimal technical solutions, and
innovative governance practices and technologies in Ukrainian cities.

The Rural component of the Project comprise of technical and non-technical staff led by the Community Development Specialist/s. The Community Development Specialist has a direct reporting line to the Project Manager. The project encourages teamwork and a matrix approach to responsibilities, reporting and communication lines. The Component Head for Project Implementation will be responsible for project implementation in 50% of the Oblasts in Ukraine.

More detail about CBA-III can also be found at www.cba.org.ua/three.

In this context, the United Nations Development Programme is recruiting a professional with relevant experience and record of accomplishment for the position of “Community Development Specialist” (Component Head for Project Implementation Unit).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Project Manager, the incumbent will perform the following functions:

Contribute towards strengthening of participatory governance in the Project area by introducing and nurturing the mechanism of wide citizens’ participation in decision-making process;
Implement social mobilization to demonstrate effectiveness of community based approach to sustainable local development in Project area in line with the framework of the Project;
Work to expand partnership and cooperation between community organisations and levels of government for the implementation of community level micro projects and to have local needs, priorities and initiatives integrated into higher level of development planning in the region;
Provide support to scaling up of experimentation on local level strategic planning in the Project area;
Provide professional mentorship, training and support to community development officers and local authorities;
Work to establish networking of CBA-partners at local, rayon and regional level;
Coordinate CBA implementation on knowledge management, linking academia with grassroots level activities;
Support scaling up of experimentation on rural and urban economic development and innovative energy efficient technologies;
Supervise and monitor the work of community development officers in half of the regions covered by Project. Support them in regional experience documentation;
In consultation with the project management unit and technical experts of different disciplines (rural-, urban-, policy- and other experts) ensure effective and efficient project implementation in the Oblasts under his/her supervision;
Support in internalization/replication of the successful practices by the local authorities including through development fund;
Develop/support in development of necessary training materials and implementation guidelines for local communities and local authorities;
Support in development/strengthening of resource centres and demonstration sites relevant to the Project approach;
Report on progress in the areas of responsibility and, advise for effective project policies and procedures;
Undertake measures required for timely achievement of Project results;
Ensure that profiles of local/regional partners and information related with activities of the unit are maintained and updated on the CBA website.

It will be expected of the incumbent of the post to work in close collaboration with all members of the CBA management team, especially the colleague managing the alternative Project Implementation Unit and technical experts responsible for different disciplines.

Measurable outputs of the work assignment:

Number of support structures developed and nurtured;
Number of micro-projects supported;
Delivery of project resources against annual target.

Performance Indicators for evaluation of results:

Effectiveness of the support structures in promoting participatory governance;
Quality of process in implementing micro-projects and keeping it sustainable.

Competencies

Strong organizational and management skills;
Excellent writing and communication skills;
Strong teamwork ability.

Required Skills and Experience

Master degree or equivalent in social science, sociology, economics, engineering, or related field;
Five years of working experience with local communities for development activities;
Experience in working with all level of governments and non-government organizations;
Sound knowledge of the concept of social mobilisation, decentralization and sustainable development;
Fluency in Ukrainian and/or Russian languages is required. English language ability will be a strong advantage;
Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office computer applications;
Previous experience with UNDP and understanding of the CBA project implementation modality will be a strong advantage.

Application Instructions:

Click on the "Apply now" button.
Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in or paste your Resume into the last box.
Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11). When completing the Form and, even though not currently requested, please include email addresses for your Supervisors.
Without the completed and signed P11 your application will not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at link . Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and please ensure that copies of your educational qualifications are available when contacted.

This is a locally recruited position and no expatriation benefits will apply.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 12 AUGUST 2015

UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest. Applications may only be submitted for specific vacancy. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.