Capacity Development Specialist - NPPP III (For Nepalese Nationals Only) - NEX PROJECT – UNDP – Kathmandu, Nepal

Location: Kathmandu with some travel to the field, NEPAL

Application Deadline: 28-Feb-13

Additional Category: Democratic Governance

Type of Contract: Other

Post Level: Other

Languages Required: English 

Starting Date: (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)   01-Jun-2013

Duration of Initial Contract: Initially for one year with possibility of extension

Background

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), and the interim Constitution 2007 laid out an agenda for change, including a commitment to carry out a progressive restructuring of the State to address problems related to centralization and discrimination.   The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nepal has a mission to provide substantial contribution to accelerating the achievement of the national Millennium Development Goals through capacity building and policy advice in the areas of poverty reduction, good governance, environmental sustainability, gender equality and human rights.  Within the framework of this overall assistance, UNDP is planning to provide  assistance to the Government of  Nepal in developing the institutional framework and capacities, needed for public sector reform in the context of the re-structuring process of the country. The Project to “Prepare the Public Administration for State Reform” is a catalytic initiative to support the transformational change that Nepal has embarked upon. The project will embark on reform agenda that focuses on ensuring quality services and opportunities to the excluded and disadvantaged group of people in the context of state restructuring. The overall objective of the present project is to assist the Nepal government key institutions (Ministry of General Administration, Public Service Commission and other related ministries/departments) for strengthening their existing system and getting  prepared  to deal with federalizing the administration in the context of the state re-structuring. The project also seeks to develop the capacities of the key institutions to deliver efficient services to the Nepali people, facilitate interactions/dialogue within executive and legislative bodies on administrative restructuring issues, and promote development through empowering the civil society for better understanding on various issues around state restructuring and federalization process. The project will also contribute in writing of a series of framework laws, rules and regulations based on the constitution, will help for the federalization process of the administration backed by strong strategic document with an action plan. The Project support to carry out various interactions between the civil service and political decision makers on options of administrative reform will foster dialogue and debate on public administration and civil service which will bring development to the people and ensure that the expression of the political structure through the public service is as inclusive and representative as possible.  UNDP will work over the next 2 years in close collaboration with the relevant Nepali government and non-government institutions within the context of broader international support to strengthen state restructuring and federalization process in Nepal.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall direction of National Project Manager of the project, the national Capacity Development specialist will ensure the smooth functioning of the project activities, transition planning process and the capacity building aspects of the project. The incumbent plays a major role in coordinating the capacity development training programmes to be organized in collaboration with NASC and LDTA.   More specifically the Capacity Development Specialist will: Provide Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) to the counterpart ministries and government departments  in a lead or supportive role Perform capacity assessment   of the beneficiary institutions and identify institutions  needs and resources and develop a capacity building assistance plan? With the assistance of International and National Advisors, identify and select appropriate countries to be visited by the government beneficiaries for gaining learning experiences in the area of public administration reform and state restructuring. Assist beneficiary  ministries  with implementation of CBA action plan and monitor status Provide proper documentation for all CBA activities planned and conducted Coordinate the delivery of CBA with the counterpart ministries and the partnering organizations Identify national resource persons to be involved in various interaction and training programmes Involved in designing and deliberations of training, workshop and seminar to be organized by the project Develop technical papers to be used in the training, workshop and seminars. Participate  in necessary collaborative efforts with other CBA providers and national training institutions Assist in the preparation of quarterly progress  reports and annual reports Other duties as assigned by the Programme manager and senior national advisor Apply principles of gender and social inclusion as the cross-cutting issue while designing and implementing the capacity development programme/activities

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favoritism Knowledge Management and Learning Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office In-depth knowledge on development issues Ability to advocate and provide policy advice at the highest levels of government Development and Operational Effectiveness Understanding and experience of federalism and federal systems. Personal competencies: Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills Focuses on impact and results and responds positively to feedback Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors, at the senior levels Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master’s degree in social sciences, organizational development, public administration, political sciences or other relevant fields.     Experience: Minimum 7 years experience in the area of capacity building and public administration reform (PAR). Experience with capacity building within the context of PAR during transitioning from a unitary to a federal state highly recommended. Language: Fluency in written and spoken English and Nepali is required.

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.

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