Programme Specialist, UNDP Iraq

Location: Erbil, IRAQ

Application Deadline: 16-Nov-12

Type of Contract: FTA International

Post Level: P-4

Languages Required: English 

Duration of Initial Contract: One Year (renewable)

Background

In Iraq, socio-economic development and responsive delivery of quality services are hampered by many factors. As a result, 23% of Iraqis live in poverty and enrolment rates in secondary schools average 36%. The health status of the population has seriously deteriorated because of a low level of public spending on health services (only 3.4% of total government spending.) The nationwide rate for sewage coverage is only 25% and 85% of Iraqi households still suffer from weekly or daily electricity cuts. There is generally weak capacity and little experience at local levels for integrated, participatory strategic planning and budgeting. Furthermore, municipalities and technical directorates usually suffer from low administrative, financial, managerial, and technical capacity and lack effective implementation and monitoring mechanism. Ineffective budget allocation approval processes in many institutions and subsequent delays in actual transfers of funds from the Ministry of Finance to governorates and Line Ministries further cripple local efforts to adequately provide equitable access to quality essential services. Background on Kurdistan Region: The Kurdistan Region is a federated region in Iraq. Its main institutions are the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Kurdistan Region Presidency, and the Kurdistan Parliament. As stipulated in Iraq’s federal constitutions, Kurdistan’s institutions exercise legislative and executive authority in many areas, including allocating the Regional budget, policy and security, education and health policies, natural resources management and infrastructure development. The Kurdistan Region compromises three Governorates, Erbil (The Capital), Sulaymaniyah and Dahuk. Each governorate had democratically elected 41- seat Governing Council. The Governorates in Kurdistan receive funds from the Kurdistan Region’s own budget in addition to annual allocation for provincial capital investment and infrastructure projects from Baghdad. The KRG remains committed to the democratically approved Iraqi Constitution, where under Article 117: the constitution recognizes the Kurdistan region, along with its existing authorities as a federal region. Kurdistan Regional Development Strategy (2011 – 2015), emphasizes the importance of accelerating human development, it also highlighted social and human dimensions of interest to the government and society including the care for vulnerable groups, MDGs, institutional reform and good governance. Besides, the plan focuses on the domains of empowerment in many activities, especially in housing provision. With UNDP worldwide experience and proven track record in Iraq, it is required to support the Kurdistan Regional Government in the areas of (a) integrated, inclusive, participatory multi-sectoral planning, budgeting and budget execution; (b) improved physical infrastructure and enhanced service delivery for all, especially the under-served; and (c) empowering civil society to become more engaged in social accountability and promoting community-driven development. These are the focus areas of the Area Based Development and Local Service Delivery (ABD & LSD) sub-cluster within Economic Recovery and Poverty Alleviation Pillar (ERPA) of UNDP Iraq. ERPA is implementing a range of other Projects in the areas of Climate Change, Energy and Natural Resources Management, Inclusive Growth and Private Sector Development and Post-Conflict Recovery and Mine Action and is committed to progressively transition to national implementation and sees the Kurdistan region as increasingly conducive to pilot projects that are implemented by National Counterpart Institutions (NIM). In order to do so, UNDP would like to position a senior international development specialist to act as Programme Specialist to work closely with the KRG authorities to implement Economic recovery and Poverty alleviation Projects and based on lessons learnt, local needs and close consultation with key stakeholders in the Kurdistan Region, identify appropriate projects and then assist in the design and implementation of such interventions. The incumbent is therefore expected to operate as much as possible from within the selected ministry premises. The Programme Specialist will also be responsible for liaising with other project managers and coordinators with UNDP and amongst UN sister Agencies and other development partners as relevant and deemed necessary in accordance with the priorities of UNDP Iraq and activities. Some of the main key ERPA programmes and initiatives implemented in KRG include the following: Budget Execution Support Project Local Area Based Development Project Phase II Strengthening the Housing Sector in Erbil Project Water & Sanitation Master Plan Capacity Building Project Drought Risk Management Project Granting Scheme for Humanitarian Response and Development (ERF) Private Sector Development Programme for Iraq Community Development and Social Cohesion Other ERPAP projects and/or related activities The ERPA Pillar has opted to create the position of Programme Specialist to develop, manage and monitor an increasingly complex and interrelated cluster of ongoing and new projects in the Kurdistan Region, provide management support and oversight to daily activities and advice concerned project officers and managers, in an effective and coherent manner, while also aiming at supporting the systematic and effective reinforcement of national/regional capacity to plan, manage and implement pro poor and inclusive growth development efforts, including the ability to mobilize private and public resources and coordinate among relevant partners stakeholders, projects and initiatives, in order to assist the Pillar in achieving its goals and mandate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Resident Representative, the Country Director, and direct supervision of the Head ERPA and the Area Based Development and Essential Service Delivery Sub-Cluster Programme Management Advisor, the Programme Specialist works in close collaboration with other projects managers on Climate Change, Energy and Natural Resources Management, Inclusive Growth and Private Sector Development and Post-Conflict Recovery and Mine Action, particularly with the other ERPA project managers and team members, Head of Erbil Project Office (Kurdistan portfolios), as well as operations and programme staff as required in order to ensure that the implementation of the Projects is consistent with UNDP rules and regulations and with focus on the following areas: Fosters strategic partnerships for successful achievement of ERPA mandated outcomes including related efforts for resource mobilization focusing on the following: Work with relevant CO units, identify new areas of engagements and local priorities within UNDP’s comparative advantage, making use of available donors’ intelligence for Iraq Promote and explain the UNDP projects and support UNDP Senior Management in their interactions with donors. Assist in resource mobilization for projects aiming at increasing negotiated government cost sharing; Identify areas of cooperation and coordination with other UN Agencies for the implementation of joint initiatives, devising appropriate implementation strategies and maximize synergies especially for ongoing multidisciplinary projects. Provide advice and guidance regarding institutional development strategy and on promoting the engagement of relevant stakeholders Facilitate dialogue on policy and best practices on ERPA related practice areas with representatives of government, civil society, and the private sector Identify opportunities for enhancing resources, knowledge and experience for key counterparts and institutions; develop frameworks and mechanisms for exchange of experiences Provide contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned  Support coordination of ERPA project port-folio for maximizing synergies and optimizing use of available resources focusing on the following: Provide high quality analysis and substantive inputs to the development, management and monitoring of ERPA Projects Provide recommendations and guidance to strengthen coordination and coherence among UNDP projects in the Kurdistan Region. Support the review of ERPA implementation strategies and work plans of projects in KRG, including identifying risks and challenges to the ongoing operations of ERPA projects and provide advice on mitigation strategies. Facilitate the implementation of ERPA programme in KRG as needed and act as secondary supervisor for ERPA project staff in KRG in collaboration with the Head of Erbil Sub-Office. Identify opportunities for enhancing resources, knowledge and experience Support the design and establishment of a pilot NIM initiative in KRG in coordination with key counterparts and CO Operations Units. For any operations related matters, the direct partners are the respective Chiefs of Operations Units. Provide periodic update to ERPA pillar on the implementation and work progress of ERPAP projects in KRG Implementation of the LADP II Project and KRG Budget Execution Project, and other ERPA projects as assigned, focusing on the following: Manage day to day administrative matters of the Projects under the direction of the concerned Cluster Manager, and with support from ERPA project managers and administrative staff, who will also coordinate with the responsible Operations Units staff as required. Manage performance of consultants and specialist advisors. Ensure compliance with UNDP corporate requirements in all aspects of project cycle management, including project closure. Prepare work and monitoring plans and reporting on project progress and achievements, in line with reporting schedules and obligations. Other tasks assigned by ERPA Management.

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:   Operational Effectiveness and Expertise Able to establish goals and priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor workplans Able to manage several tasks simultaneously in a high-stress work environment Displays ability to manage formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects Demonstrates practical knowledge in capacity development approaches Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed, identify problems and opportunities Identifies clients’ needs and develops appropriate solutions Able to work independently and show initiative Ability to coordinate, build and sustain relationships with national/regional counterparts and local interlocutors; Capacity to think quickly and generate instant responses to beneficiaries and field with focus on effective problem solving; Ability to perform and coordinate projects operations in a result based manner; Ensure synergies between projects demands and operations support in coherent fashion; Capable to avail and support unit’s staff on work / life balance requirements ; Professionalism Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests and concerns of others Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office and with stakeholders Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve goals and promotes good team spirit Partnering and Networking Initiates and maintains relationships with key constituents, including public, private and ü civil society constituents in Iraq and the region, and other national and international bodies working in the field of elections Exhibits ability to work collaboratively and inclusively with national/regional counterparts Ensures effective coordination and cooperation with key UN partners and international agencies Able to develop and implement joint work plans Management Strong functional capacities to work under extreme pressure, including competing demands from different ERPA project managers; Analytical skills to synthesize issues of complex nature Substantive knowledge based contribution to the ongoing and new programs and to provide expert advisory level; Leading by example to engage ERPA staff into knowledge management and support the ERPA learning programs; Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with strong knowledge and exposure to a post conflict country programs; Result-oriented person with versatile capacity of prioritizing tasks and management duties; Ability to work in complex institutional structures and multi-disciplinary teams and can from different national and cultural backgrounds; Communication Possesses excellent communications skills, both spoken and written Is able to articulate information and ideas in a clear and concise manner Job Knowledge and Expertise: Strong analytical skills, with the ability to deal with a range of complex legal, accounting and administrative, sometimes politically sensitive, issues; Advanced development research and writing skills including relevant experience in strategic planning, local governance, budget execution, essential service delivery, civil society building, environment, public administration and institution building Sound and proven management skills, training experience, strong leadership, people development skills, and proven ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with host-country counterparts; In-depth practical knowledge and experience in capacity development/training approaches Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master degree in Public Administration, Economics , Management or in a field relevant to international development or rural/community development Experience/People Skills: Minimum 7 years of relevant post qualification experience in management and/or implementation support of developmental programs / projects; Minimum 5 years experience of program management and project implementation in international development areas in crisis or post conflict country; Minimum 5 years experience in public administration and institutional strengthening; Minimum 3 years experience with an international organisation, preferably UN; Relevant experience in strategic planning and public financial management/ expenditure management; Excellent communication skills: speaking, writing, and advocating in international, multi-cultural settings with problem solving capacities; Excellent inter-personal skills with a strong team player attitude; Knowledge of UN operational and management common tools such as RBM and Enterprise Resources planning an asset; Prior experiences in working with Iraq related developments program, with in depth knowledge of Iraq’s socio and cultural context is an advantage; Technical skills required: Functionally-related professional management skills. Ability to plan and prioritize work activities to meet organizational goals and organize and oversee work processes efficiently to achieve quality results. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and PowerPoint. Daily use of Project Management IT tools is a strong asset Language Requirements: Fluency in the English language both in writing and orally Arabic language skills is considered a strong asset Kurdish language skills is considered a strong advantage Previous UN Experience: Experience with UN and international organizations dealing with development and / aid would be an asset. Note: Female candidates are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of Results Based Management methodologies would be an asset. Knowledge of ATLAS applications and reporting would be an asset.

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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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