Background

UNDP is the UN's global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP’s vision is to support countries in achieving the simultaneous eradication of poverty and significant reduction of inequalities and exclusion. To strengthen inclusive and effective governance, the UNDP Strategic Plan focuses on ensuring participation and voice in pursuit of equitable access to development opportunities, and working with poor and other excluded groups as agents of their own development. The plan includes the following outcomes to ensure the availability of living accommodation through environmentally sound resources and tactics.

In order to ensure continued support to our initiatives, UNDP Kuwait invites National and international candidates to send their applications for inclusion in a Kuwait Nationally Managed Experts Roster. The process of including candidates in the Roster is described in the later sections of this advertisement.

To be considered for inclusion in the roster, applicas would need to have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Global Development Indicators;
2. Writing/editing knowledge and advocacy products;
3. Relationship Development, Research, Analysis and Briefing;
4. International Reporting;
5. Videography and Photography:;

Global Development Indicators:

• Identify national indicators and compare them with global SDG indicators. 
• Collect feed back from data suppliers/owners/producers to identify the data available for SDG. 
• Propose additional national indicators to monitor and assess nationalized SDG targets. 
• Compile the nationally available SDG indicators database. 
• Identify gaps in the national sources and data that hinder proper SDG monitoring and reporting, as well as develop recommendations to mitigate identified gaps. 

Writing/editing knowledge and advocacy products:

• Draft, summarize and edit succinct communications pieces of varying length for different internal and external audiences in close cooperation with counterparts task managers; 
• Support the substantive revision of content aimed at media outreach in coordination with the author(s), and communications focal points;
• Under the guidance of the counterparts task manager and authors/specialists draft and/or edit publications to ensure clarity, consistency and readability of the text for the intended audience;
• Pursue and ensure timely incorporation of feedback received from internal and external peer reviewers into draft manuscripts;  

Relationship Development, Research, Analysis and Briefing :

• Support relationship development through meetings with counterparts and follow up on discussions and potential projects. 
• Assist with the preparation of briefings, including background information on relationships and country political/economic status and risk analysis, as well as develop presentations on a wide range of issues and topics. 
• Maintain and update country partner development cooperation. 
• Support response to inquiries and requests for information from internal counterparts as well as from all countries. 

International Reporting:

• Conduct substantive research and analysis, including: gathering and review of specialist reports and indices; monitoring and tracking of political and thematic developments, including news updates; preparation of briefings and concept notes;
• Support and contribute to the programme reports and M&E, including: note-taking of key meetings. data collection and analysis; archiving; drafting, editing and fact-checking reports; development of infographics; drafting and publication of resource materials;
• Support and contribute to engagement with key partners (Parliament, Government, Ministries, Governorates and municipalities, civil society, Independent commissions, UN agencies, etc.) including: regular meetings with partners; mapping of partner activities; and participation in external events; working on proposals developments and researching new financing streams; support team integration and coordination;
• Assist in to the developing and implementing of new and/or existing programmes and projects;
• Assist in other related duties as required;

Videography and Photography:

•  Conceptualize and produce videos or animated videos including short news features, documentary films, public services announcements; 
• identify in detail the scope of work, including issues to be covered in scripting, review processes and other benchmarks;
• Filming (shooting and interviews) and editing (including adding narration and music and tiles – texts and graphics on screen) with professional video equipment (with consideration for professional sound and lighting);
• Produce clear, concise and engaging materials that convey key messages to target audiences;
• Point out factual inconsistencies, inconsistencies in arguments, political nuances, faulty logic, and awkward or unclear passages and suggest solutions; 
• Pursue and ensure timely incorporation of feedback received from internal and external reviewers into draft materials;
• Ensure delivery of final error-free agreed materials.

Duties and Responsibilities

Tasks assigned in each individual assignment may include one or more of the following:

Policy and Strategy Development:

• Prepare policy briefs, status papers on developmental challenges/issues based on secondary review of existing literature for evidence-based advocacy and policy dialogue;
• Develop guidelines and national and sub-national strategy in the areas of institutional strengthening;
• Develop institutional and regulatory frameworks to facilitate climate change and adaptation and disaster risk reductioReview policy literature in respect of the subject;
• Formulate strategic national and sub-national development policy and regulatory frameworks;
• Identify barriers and solutions for proposed interventions;
• Identify risks and develop mitigation/management strategies.

Project Design, Formulation & other project related functions:

• Prepare conceptual framework/concept note on new area of work/developmental challenge;
• Provide technical assistance in identification of developmental challenges, target areas, beneficiaries and partners and formulation of implementation strategy for UNDP support;
• Provide technical support in development of new interventions/projects with implementation (operational plan, monitoring and resource requirement), institutional, financial and management arrangements;
• Identify issues and barriers, formulate and implement interventions that focus on removing barriers and address issues;
• Conduct studies on project/program highlights, activities and processes involved;
• Prepare project documents, including reporting documents such as Project Implementation Reviews (PIRs);
• Identify areas/beneficiaries and partners; timing, sequencing of activities; mobilization of finance;
• Conduct gender analysis/assessment to ensure gender mainstreaming and empowerment through all UNDP interventions;
• Prepare project proposals to ensure innovation in concepts, strategies, theory of change, results-orientation using log frames, and incorporation of best practices;
• Develop work plans, budgets, monitoring and procurement plans;
• Review project documents or other project related documents, including reporting documents such as Project Implementation Reviews (PIRs), for quality assurance.

Research and Documentation:

• Undertake secondary research in the new areas of developmental concern based on review of existing literature;
• Develop research design, research questions and scope of work for undertaking primary research in new areas;
• Document good practices, case studies, innovations and pilot models for wider dissemination and sharing;
• Undertake process documentation of models for up scaling;
• Conduct financial and economic modelling.

CapacityDevelopment/Training:

• Based on capacity assessment, develop Capacity Development Plan to achieve the milestones identified and address the identified capacity gaps;
• Develop target specific training tools/tool-kits and manuals based on training needs assessment;
• Design training curriculum, conduct and/or coordinate training programmes for various stakeholders;
• Carry out capacity assessments of public institutions and government institutions for development of strategic interventions for institutional strengthening;
• Design and delivery of training tool-kits, products etc.;
• Conduct, facilitate and/or coordinate trainings and workshops.

KnowledgeManagement and Communications:

• Prepare knowledge and communications products related to the projects/programs (Audio, Video and print publication material);
• Review of knowledge products (subject, design and content);
• Prepare and publish featured articles and case studies in publications of the UNDP, other pertinent organizations, academic journals;
• Disseminate knowledge and communications products;
• Develop literature on best practices and case studies;
• Contribute to Communities of Practice (CoP);

Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of national and sub-national policies;
• Facilitate community and process monitoring;
• Undertake Baseline and client satisfaction surveys;
• Evaluate precurment technical bids.

Competencies

• Candidates should possess clarity on gender equality concepts, commitment to work in a gender-sensitive manner.
• Good track record in project management.
• Understanding of Government functioning and systems.
• Updated familiarity on various international projects across one or more areas of expertise.
• Working knowledge of objectives-oriented project planning, or results-based management
• Leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills.
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work.
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet.
• Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.

Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards.

Required Skills and Experience