UNDP has been supporting the Nepalese people in their struggle against poverty since it opened an in-country office in 1963. Much of this support has gone to building up the capacity of government agencies, civil society and community groups to fight poverty, and to bringing these groups and Nepal's development partners together to design and implement successful projects to contribute to the achievement of Nepal’s development objectives.

In parallel to the roll-out of its new Country Programme, 2018-2022, UNDP Nepal is reorganizing internally and moving towards strategically repositioning UNDP’s contributions in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and collaboration with national development partners.  Nepal is transforming itself in a federal state as per its new Constitution which has implications for how UNDP engages with national and sub-national authorities.  Meanwhile, Nepal’s GNI continues to grow, making graduation from LDC status a scenario for which UNDP needs to begin planning and adapting to different models of development cooperation.

In this context, under the guidance and direct supervision of the Country Director, the Policy Analyst Livelihoods with technical rigor and persuasive expertise, deepens the perspectives of colleagues and partners, attracts new collaborators and creates excitement about opportunities for investment in UNDP Nepal’s work on livelihoods. 

With a focus on ideas that stimulate new audiences to participate, the Policy Analyst leads the creation of compelling analytics, dialogues and commitments that measurably advance Nepal on its path to achieving the SDGs.  As a member of the Strategic Engagement team, the Policy Analyst shares in the management, leadership and outcomes of the country office.  S/he models the commitment to creative collaboration and team accountability in the service of Nepal’s challenges.

The incumbent promotes client-oriented approach while having strong networking savvy and political acumen performing her/his functions in collaboration with Programme team leaders and CO and Regional senior management to continuously reflect on how UNDP engages with its partners and stakeholders in order to truly fulfill UNDP’s strategic position and value proposition.    

Duties and Responsibilities

Supports in the provision of policy advice and inputs to the strategic planning in line with the priorities and development objectives UNDP and advice on partnerships and outreach, through:

1. Identifying key priorities and strategy for implementation;
2. Advising on high value addition/high impact projects and scaling up of successful innovations and built on cutting-edge knowledge of global and good practices and cost-effective development solutions;

1. Providing advice on strategies, policies and plans impacting the operations, delivery of practice advisory, knowledge and learning services;
2. Advising on high quality and client-oriented services aligned to partner expectations and contributing to the strengthening of administrative efficiency of the development programmes;
3. Identifying approaches and modalities to achieve management targets and increased cost-effectiveness;
4. Providing leadership in overseeing effective provision of services to counterparts including fair and transparent procurement, human resources and financial management, as well as the consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations.

Provides strategic advice for and leads the development of Livelihoods and economic growth programme activities through:

1. Thorough analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the country and contribution to the preparation/revision of project documents, AWP and other documents in the area of work;
2. Supports in the operationalization of the Country Programme though ongoing and new programmes and projects and in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies. Identifies opportunities for new programme/project development including joint programming with UN agencies;
3. Identifies, in close collaboration with national and international partners, strategic programme areas of cooperation;
4. Leads the design and formulation of UNDP programme translating programme priorities into local interventions and ensuring coordination and networking with clients, stakeholders and programme partners;
5. Contributes to the implementation of the UNDAF and other UN level initiatives especially on Livelihoods and economic Growth related matters and projects, working towards formulation and implementation of joint programmes and ensures strong contributions to UNDAF and UN coordination groups.
6. Collaborates with colleagues in Regional and HQ to apply in country programming new global and regional initiatives, polices and knowledge products.

Continually seek, develop ideas/emerging trends and provide expert advisory services to achieve the following:

1. Scan the landscape of issues and identify entry points on significant livelihoods and economic growth policy issues and especially new interdisciplinary linkages drawing attention to UNDPs creativity and relevance.
2. Compile socio-economic research and data leading to fresh, compelling intelligence and reports that attract new collaborators.
3. Undertake selected studies expanding the perspectives of government and UN partner collaborators drawing them into new dialogues and policy directions.
4. Support in the design of solutions for livelihoods and economic growth including policy reform accessible to partners and new stakeholders. 
5. Translate livelihoods and economic growth thinking and challenges into analytics and messaging that speaks to new external audiences in their language. 
6. Assess livelihoods and economic growth output and advise management and team of results and recommendations for improvement. 

Support the creation of strategic partnership engagement and resource mobilization:

1. Participate in the livelihoods policy dialogue across sectors and issues with all actors including government, NGOs, and citizenry, UN partners and the private sector ensuring all voices are heard and the Share knowledge across teamwork of UNDP is known to all.
2. Identification and development of relationships with technical experts locally and internationally that champion Nepal’s challenges, demonstrating UNDP Nepal’s expertise and innovation.
3. Analyse and research information on donors, identification of opportunities for new initiatives.
4. Demonstrate empathy for new partner perspectives by adapting analysis and policy to reflect their priorities
5. Developing partnerships with UN Agencies, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral development agencies/donors, national accredited entities; national thematic funds and institutions, foundations; private sector and civil society, based on the strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and government and donor priorities;
6. Representing UNDP at external meetings within her/his issue area.

Ensure effective Team Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

1. Anchor the livelihoods and economic growth issue in the country office by securing collaboration and agreement on priorities, policy and work planning commitments
2. Critically assess livelihoods content, output and advise management and team of results and recommendations for improvement.
3. Learn from colleagues and adapt to new thinking and approaches.
4. Continually seek opportunities and linkages within broader country office efforts for livelihoods work.
5. Conduct learning seminars and lead discussion groups for the team on relevant subjects.
6. Model reliability of output, organization and, innovation.    

Ensure provision of top quality advisory services, knowledge building and management

1. Adding value to policy dialogue and practice in the area of livelihoods and economic growth with unconventional analysis and innovative approaches that are based on such evidence;
2. Support trainings for the CO staff on programme and shares knowledge on livelihoods strategies
3. Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to programme country policy goals.
4. Support to development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
5. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice

Competencies and Selection Criteria

Description of Competency at Level Required

(For more comprehensive descriptions please see the competency inventory)

In this section list all core competencies as well as the most relevant technical/functional competencies the role will require along with the appropriate level.  A Detailed list of competencies can be accessed through the following link: https://intranet.undp.org/unit/ohr/competency-framework/SitePages/Home.aspx

Core

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Level 4: Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefully

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 4: Generates commitment, excitement and excellence in others

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 4: Models independent thinking and action

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 4: Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Level 4: Meets goals and quality criteria for delivery of products or services

Technical/Functional

Detailed list of competencies can be accessed through https://intranet.undp.org/unit/ohr/competency-framework/SitePages/Home.aspx

 and hiring managers are encouraged to familiarize themselves for more information

Trends and emerging areas analytics

Ability to scan the horizon and identify approaches and initiatives to bring into policy and programme design

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

 Collaboration and Partnerships

Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with internal partners and external organizations, government bodies who can provide information, assistance, and support.? Sets overall direction for the formation and management of strategic relationships contributing to the overall positioning of UNDP

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Livelihoods Analysis and Risk Assessment

Knowledge of livelihoods analysis and risk assessment concepts and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Resource Mobilization

Ability to identify and organize programmes and projects to implement solutions and generate resources.

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Infrastructures for Livelihoods     

Knowledge of mechanisms, methods to and the ability to contribute through dialogue and consultation in developing livelihoods initiatives

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent in social, public policy, economics, development studies or related area.

Experience:

2 years of progressively responsible work experience in policy design on livelihoods, poverty reductions, economic growth issues.  

Experience coordinating and liaising with government agencies and/or donors.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience working in the UN System is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in English and Nepali.

Workforce Diversity:

UNDP is committed to achieve workforce diversity (in terms of nationality, minority groups, caste/ethnic groups, persons with disability etc.) and has a policy to have gender balance among staff at all levels.  Qualified female candidates and candidates particularly from disadvantaged and socially excluded groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

All applications will be treated with highest confidentiality.