Public Administration Reform Specialist - NPPP III (For Nepalese Nationals Only) - NEX PROJECT– UNDP – Kathmandu, Nepal

Location: Kathmandu, 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 possibilities 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 public administration reform specialist will ensure the smooth functioning of the project activities transition planning process informed by the most relevant and useful international experience, in a coordinated process.   More specifically the public administration reform specialist will:   Conduct research and prepare options papers, presentations on  PAR transitions and the challenges of the Nepali context Provide technical advice to the counterpart on PAR and state restructuring and assure the quality of the work Prepare and conduct briefings etc. for related counterparts as requested in consultation with the project coordinator. Maintain close contacts and collaboration with other UNDP and UN projects/programme directly or indirectly involved in the state restructuring process Develop networks with relevant Nepali academic and policy organizations at national and local level such as think tanks, university departments, professional associations, civil society organizations etc. Assist International advisor to work with other donors epically with the other donors, to develop a donor strategy for assistance to the transition in phase 1, ensure regular briefings to donor’s transition group on activities of the facility etc. Coordinate with other relevant development partners in terms of collection and sharing of relevant materials. Assist international advisor to develop options for a financing mechanism for the implementation of federalism (phase 2), based on the Nepali and international experience, including pros and cons etc. Work with other donors and government to agree the best option. Work with International Advisor and Senior National Advisor for  costing the transition plan and on the requisite donor financing Work with other UN agencies and government in close coordination with Senior National Advisor and International Advisor to conduct risk analysis and planning to minimize disruptions to service delivery, especially to vulnerable groups. Advise other UN agencies and the UNDP senior management on PAR aspects of the transition. Apply principles of gender and social inclusion as the cross-cutting issue in every aspect of the project implementation and management

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 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 Public Administration, law, economics, political sciences or other relevant area.       Experience Minimum 7 years’ experience in the area of Public Administration Reform (PAR). Experience with PAR during transitioning from a unitary to a federal state highly recommended;   Language Requirements   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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