Organization: UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
Location: Monrovia
Grade: Level not specified – Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
International Relations
Democratic Governance
Public Policy and Administration
Managerial positions
Closing Date: 2024-07-12
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Background and Organizational Context
As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.
UNDP connects countries to the knowledge, resources, and networks they need to achieve development breakthroughs. Our work is summed up in our six signature solutions, adapted to context and powered by three potent enablers for greater impact. Responding in an integrated and coherent manner, we are determined to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet from degradation, ensure that all people have prosperous lives, with growth that occurs in harmony with nature, and to foster peaceful and inclusive societies. We are committed to mobilizing the means to implement the 2030 Agenda through a revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity.
UNDP has supported the Government and people of Liberia in their efforts to reduce poverty and inequality in a bid to attain sustainable development since 1977. This has been done by among other things strengthening and reforming governance institutions to be inclusive and participatory, developing the necessary regulatory frameworks, upholding human rights, and supporting growth of the private sector and civil society. Our United Nations identity ensures neutrality and respect for people’s choices. Transparency and accountability in operations makes us a trusted partner for national and international development stakeholders.
UNDP encourages and enables collective intelligence, collaboration, integration, critical thinking and thought leadership. We mainstream innovation, digitalization opportunities, gender equity and diversity/inclusion principles in all aspects of our work. Our staff consistently strive for excellence, effectiveness, efficiency and inclusion across all areas of work.
In close cooperation with the UNDP Programme teams and other Country Office units, the Operations team supports the UNDP Country Office and programme implementation through the provision of relevant and timely procurement, finance, ICT and digital services, General Administration services, and Human Resources support. This includes a focus on collaboration, innovation, speed and administrative efficiency as well as advisory services for enhanced planning. The unit contributes to a collective engagement with other teams, partners and UN Agency clients to offer timely, well-planned and efficient services that meet the standard and requirements of UNDP policies and procedures.
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.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Position Purpose
Broadly defined, governance constitutes the mechanisms, processes, relations, and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their rights, mediate their differences and build consensus on shared interests, is a ‘work in progress’ in Liberia. A genuine and ultimate measure of success will be achieved when citizens realize their development aspirations through state institutions that work; an optimally functioning civil service; an independent judiciary; a capacitated Legislature enabled to exercise its oversight functions over the Executive, and a free media that empowers society, among others. Reforming the governance system in Liberia is at the core of efforts to consolidate peace and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in line with its medium to long term national priorities to i) to build a capable state, through enhanced public-sector performance, improved service delivery, advanced decentralization, increased local economic growth, and; ii) reducing corruption, through more effective, accountable and transparent performance by the Ministries, Agencies and Commissions (MACs); iii) guarantee rule of law, access to justice, human rights and implement regulatory, legal and electoral reforms for a just, participatory and inclusive society.
In tackling governance reform, emphasis and discourse has been placed on the forms and structures of national institutions, and mostly at the national level. This has resulted in the establishment of a wide variety of agencies, authorities, commissions and boards tasked with advisory and normative considerations (i.e. drafting laws and regulations). Significant investments have been made in capacity enhancement, review of institutional capacities, structures, functions, and staffing, as well as public financial management; extension of state authority to the counties and strengthening of county administrations (decentralization); and improving access to public services at the county level through de-concentration.
Under its Governance and Public Institutions Pillar, UNDP has maintained support in implementing some of the most challenging and sensitive reforms, including constitutional reform, decentralization, national reconciliation, elections, integrity and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening core government functionality. Focus is also on justice and security sector to enhance a restoration of access to justice and the rule of law with specific attention to the promotion of grassroots approaches to safety and security; engage with the formal and informal justice actors and processes to increase observation of international standards, with a focus on gender and juvenile justice. On decentralization, focus remains to provide sustained support to ensure roll-out of a County Service Centers and the accompanying passage of the Local Government Act and roll-out of implementation of key provisions of the Act. On reconciliation, priority is further analysis of conflict drivers and triggers, building social cohesion, addressing the discrimination and barriers related to economic class, gender, age and political affiliation.
Under the current and future programme, UNDP will maintain support to governance reform with a focus on inclusive governance with a strategy that focuses investments in enhancing national reconciliation, peace and social cohesion and improved service delivery and accountability through decentralized and inclusive governance. These strategies have gained special relevance and urgency since UNMIL’s final withdrawal from Liberia in March 2018. Under justice and security, UNDP will engage with formal and informal justice actors and processes to increase observation of international standards, with a focus on gender and juvenile justice. For these reform efforts to be effectively advanced and accelerated, UNDP is seeking to recruit a Team Leader and Manager of its Governance Portfolio.
Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative-Programme, the Team Leader, Governance and Public Institutions (GPI) Pillar acts as one of the advisers to Senior Management. In addition to the senior managerial functions, the incumbent is responsible for contributing to the overall Country Programme with management and supervision responsibilities, strategic planning, proactive delivery and effective implementation of the governance portfolio. The incumbent will cover the entire range of functions in the programme cycle, from conceptualization and formulation to monitoring and evaluation. In liaison with DRR/P and other programme teams, he/she plays a lead role in the analyses of the governance landscape, social, economic and political context in Liberia and advises on responses to emerging complex challenges and possible areas for UNDP interventions within the Country Programme Document. In addition, he/she identifies and forges strategic partnerships with the government, UN Agencies under ONE UN Programme/UNSDCF, CSOs as well as bi-laterals.
As Team Leader, the incumbent heads the Programme team within the GPI Pillar working through and with the operations team in the CO, programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to successfully implement the UNDP programme. And as member of the CO Leadership Team, he/she may also advise on potential areas of policy that could have an impact on the country as far as governance reform is concerned. On a day-to-day basis, the incumbent provides direct support to DRR/P in relation to policy advice and guidance to strengthen national capacity to accelerate delivery ensuring cross-programme and synergies and complementarities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions:
Strategic direction of UNDP CPD, engagement in the UN ONE Programme and related Joint UN Programmes
Management of the CO programme and supervision of the team under the Governance Portfolio
Management of the Country Programme and assists the DRR (P) in accelerating delivery, identifying and reporting on results and ensuring compliance with the POPP.
Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships and supports mobilization of resources with respect to the CPD.
Provision of top-quality policy advice services to the Government and facilitation of knowledge building and management.
The Team Leader/GPI is responsible for coordinating and advising on formulation and delivery of UNDP’s Governance Portfolio
Advise and participate in the relevant pillars of the UNSDCF process including promoting thematic and sectoral synergies and coordination of programme activities and execution; identify relevant areas where UNDP can leverage on its technical and advisory resources.
Advise the DRR/P and management in general on emerging issues in the governance domain that require UNDP’s attention, the allocation of resources, coordinate pillar level programme delivery, identifying bottlenecks that impede accelerated delivery and escalating them as appropriate.
Support inter-agency collaboration and joint programming with other UN agencies in line with UN system priorities established in the UNCT; act as focal point for the relevant outcome areas and pillars of both the UNSDCF and National Development Plan of the country. .
Advise the DRR/P on innovative approaches and modalities of the UNDP programme to achieve development targets focusing on those which facilitate partnership building, engagement of diverse stakeholders, etc
Coordinate the GPI team in implementing and monitoring programme assurance activities related to the implementation of the Country Programme and assessment of national capacity in financial management and procurement of goods and services.
Continuously assess the political and socio-economic situation and trends in the country to ensure that UNDP policy support, programmes and services are relevant and responsive to emerging priorities and needs.
Ensure follow-up on thematic and program evaluations under GPI to ensure continuous improvement on development impact. Apply lessons learned from audit and evaluation exercises to new management efforts and program development.
Promote knowledge management to ensure access to best available expertise and facilitate organizational learning.
As a member of the CO Senior Management Team (E-SMT), ensures the strategic direction of UNDP Country Programme and related joint UN programmes, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Thorough analysis of the political, social and economic situation the country and collaborative preparation/revision of CCA, UNSDCF, CPD and any other planning instruments.
Identification of strategic and innovative programme areas of cooperation enabling the attainment of the outcomes outlined in the CPD as aligned with the UNSDCF and the National Medium Term Development Plan.
Support CO Leadership Team in the operationalization of UNSDCF/CPD and UNDP’s inputs into the UN One Programme
Document best practices, covering concepts, strategies and implementation approaches and support the SMT in streaming programmes policies and practices.
Working closely with relevant Government departments and IPs on related areas of support, disseminating policy decisions and responding accordingly
Also works closely with Senior Staff from IPs responsible for the execution of Government/UNDP programmes, as well as with experts and technical personnel, related to democratic governance.
Analysis and presentation of UNDP policies and procedures and implications for the Country programme in the CO as well as with partners.
Provide support to Senior Management in undertaking office wide activities, strategic inter agency initiatives, knowledge sharing strategies, internal office reviews and evaluations.
Ensures effective management of the Democratic Governance Portfolio and related joint UN programmes and assists the DRR/P in quality control of the full cycle of the programming from design through to implementation, monitoring and reporting, achieving the following results:
Effective application of Results Based Management tools, establishment of management targets and monitoring achievement of results
Preparation and revision of corporate programming and monitoring tools, such as, IRRF/IWP, ROAR Scorecard, substantive evaluations, etc.
Strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the programmes, tracking use of financial resources in accordance with the applicable policies and procedures; incumbent performs the function of Manager Level 2 in QUANTUM;;
Effective monitoring and evaluation, measuring the impacts of the CPD, democratic governance projects and related joint UN programmes.
Sustained monitoring and analysis of the programme environment with possible timely re-adjustment of the programmes
Organization of cost-recovery system for the services provided by the CO to projects in close collaboration with Operations Team;
Promotion of teamwork for enhanced coordination of programme management and implementation for results.
Ensures provision of top-quality policy advice services to the Government and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achieving the following results, in the domain of sustainability:
Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues, synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to democratic governance.
Preparing and updating programme/projects briefs information for partners to support UNDP awareness raising activities including through preparation of statements and other communication materials for advocacy of UN principles and UNDP thematic areas
Lead and monitor the process of implementing policy advisory services, including the organization of workshop, seminars, training and delivery of outputs (products)
Lead the analytical and policy development work of the team and ensure high quality policy products. Contribute to the production of reports and publications, and serve as peer reviewer as appropriate;
Sound contribution to knowledge networks and communities of practice, including Teamworks and
Design and delivery of targeted trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme.
Provision of substantive inputs to government policy formulation and programmes in compliance with international conventions under the auspices of the UN(DP) and follow-up on the implementation of the Government’s commitments to these conventions; these include implementation of the SDGs, especially Goal 16 that seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.
Develop country-based intelligence on country situation, interests and prospects covering governments, UNDP and major development stakeholders.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Cross-functional Business Direction & Strategy:
Strategic Thinking:
Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.
Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.
Business Management
Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts, and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
Business Management: Portfolio Management
Portfolio design & management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment.
Cross-functional Business Development
Collective Intelligence Design: Ability to bring together diverse groups of people, data, information or ideas, and technology to design services or solutions.
Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness
Innovation: Technology and Innovation
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in international development, public administration, business administration, public policy or other relevant political/social sciences coupled with five years of experience. Or
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional seven years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
Minimum of five (5) years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in portfolio/programme management, policy analysis or technical assistance in areas related to democratic governance.
Proven project management skills: and hands-on experience in the design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects are all required.
Proven track record of effective team building, and staff supervision is required.
Experience with international and UN Organizations will be considered as an asset.
Computer literacy (word processing, spreadsheet software, presentation software) is required
Language Requirement English
Proficiency in English. Working knowledge of other UN language desirable.
Other:
Describe any additional qualifications: Non-Smoking environment
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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