Programme Specialist, (UNDG ITF), UNDP IRAQ

Location: Amman (with periodic and extended travels to Iraq, relocation to Iraq when the security situation permits), JORDAN

Application Deadline: 23-Feb-13

Type of Contract: TA International

Post Level: P-4

Languages Required: English 

Duration of Initial Contract: 364 days

Background

The United Nations Development Group Iraq Trust Fund (UNDG ITF) was established in 2004 as one of two trust funds of the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI). The IRFFI was created in 2003 in close consultation with the Iraqi authorities, donors, World Bank and the United Nations in response to international requests to create a mechanism to enable donors to channel their resources and coordinate their support for reconstruction and development activities in Iraq. To achieve the goals of the UNDG ITF, the ITF Steering Committee and its Support Office (SCSO) were established to oversee and coordinate the operations of the UNDG ITF in accordance with the UNDG ITF Steering Committee Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure, which are designed to guide and facilitate the work of the Committee. Currently the Fund is closing down and the SCSO is supporting the financial and operational closure of the Fund in close cooperation with the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) Office in New York. The Iraq UNDAF Fund is established to support the first United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2011-2014 for Iraq. The UNDAF articulates Iraq’s recovery and transition towards longer-term development by providing a coherent and coordinated strategy for the delivery of UN assistance in line with Iraq’s national priorities stipulated in the Iraq Five Year National Development Plan (NDP) 2010-2014.   Under the overall guidance of the Resident Coordinator and direct supervision of the Head of the UNDG ITF Steering Committee Support Office (SCSO) and in coordination with the Senior Portfolio Manager of the MPTF Office, UNDP, the SCSO Programme Specialist will provide support to, and facilitate the work of the SCSO based in Amman, Jordan.   The job will require frequent travel to Iraq.

Duties and Responsibilities

Servicing the UNDG ITF and Iraq UNDAF Fund Steering Committee   Based on the UNDG ITF Steering Committee Terms of Reference and Rules and Procedures, and under the supervision of the Head of SCSO, the SCSO Programme Specialist shall perform the following functions:   Lead the preparations for the Steering Committee meetings on a timely basis. Preparation of required analysis, reports and information to support Steering Committee processes. Assist in the necessary follow-up of the Steering Committee’s decisions and agreed actions. Analyze Six-Monthly Program Reports prepared by the Administrative Agent and bring to the attention of the Steering Committee issues of concern and/or interest. Respond to MPTF Office queries and requests for assistance and submission of regular reports and data, as needed. Programme/Project Review and Coordination   Review and analyze programme/project proposals to be funded under the Iraq UNDAF Fund Support UNDAF Priority Working Groups (PWGs) and Sub-Priority Working Groups (sub-PWGs) in the review and approval of proposals. In cases of programmatic/ operational issues with project submissions, prepare and distribute a report and recommendations to members of the Steering Committee prior to the Steering Committee meeting. Provide guidance to Participating UN Organizations and PWG/sub-PWG co-chairs on common methodology for programme/project costing, staffing and related salary scales, liability issues, etc. Assist the SCSO to ensure timely flow of information about Iraq UNDAF Fund/UNDG ITF activities and respond to internal/ external queries. Programme Planning, Management and Policy Analysis  Contribute to the formulation of guidelines, procedures and policies to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the fund and SCSO. Assist the SCSO in its strategic planning of the Iraq UNDAF Fund and contribute to the establishment, introduction and maintenance of quality operational management at the SCSO level. Serve as the focal point and resource person to the Participating UN Organizations, UNCT Coordination Structures as they relate to the Iraq UNDAF Fund and the MPTF Office.  Advise the Head of the SCSO on policy issues affecting SCSO responsibilities relating to the Iraq UNDAF Fund/UNDG ITF. Programme Performance and Reporting   Maintain regular contact with the Participating UN Organizations and provide support and guidance on the preparation and timely receipt of progress reports. Contribute to the preparation of consolidated annual analytical results-based progress reports with the MPTF Office in accordance with timelines stipulated in the UNDG ITF/ Iraq UNDAF Fund Memorandum of Understanding and Letter of Agreement. Prepare, as requested and in consultation with the MPTF Office, periodic briefs and position papers on overall UNDG ITF/ Iraq UNDAF Fund level progress, emerging results and outcomes through write ups in periodic Newsletters and web postings. Knowledge Management and Advisory Services  Identify and articulate lessons learnt on the operations of the Iraq UNDAF Fund and contribute to the formulation of guidelines, procedures and policies to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations of the Iraq UNDAF Fund, its Steering Committee and SCSO. Ensure all reports are and relevant documents are uploaded on MPTF Office gateway.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Ethics and Values Organizational Awareness Developing and Empowering People / Coaching and Mentoring Working in Teams Communicating Information and Ideas Self-management and Emotional Intelligence Conflict Management / Negotiating and Resolving Disagreements Knowledge Sharing / Continuous Learning Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making Functional Competencies: Proven track record of client satisfaction, and good networking and facilitation skills Service orientation, problem solving and willingness to adhere to formal, allocated roles and responsibilities Proven track record of strong diagnostic, analytical and problem-solving skills Knowledge of programme formulation and results based management Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to present coherent and convincing positions both in writing and orally Excellent team player and facilitator Ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously Readiness to respond positively to feedback and differing points of view Fluency in English with excellent verbal and written communication, drafting and presentation skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Masters degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field is a requirement Experience: Minimum 7 years of relevant experience at the national level in providing communication packages to promote the activities of international development organization. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Language Requirements: Excellent command of English. Ability to speak Arabic will be an advantage.

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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