UNDP supports stabilization, state building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP has played a key role in the management of the Law and Order Trust Fund, which supports the Government in developing and maintaining the national police force and in efforts to stabilize the internal security environment. Major demobilization, disarmament and rehabilitation and area-based livelihoods and reconstruction programmes have taken place nationwide. UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.
UNDP supports stabilization, state building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP has played a key role in the management of the Law and Order Trust Fund, which supports the Government in developing and maintaining the national police force and in efforts to stabilize the internal security environment. Major demobilization, disarmament and rehabilitation and area-based livelihoods and reconstruction programmes have taken place nationwide. UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.
Developing sound and functional sub-national governance systems is a vital item on the Afghanistan development agenda. Strengthening institutional capacities and arrangements for sub-national governance and development were priorities approved in the London and Kabul Conferences in 2010. It is increasingly recognized that capacity of sub-national governance and development institutions is key to peace, stability and development of the Afghan people.
The UNDP is implementing the Afghanistan Sub-national Governance Programme (ASGP) to develop institutional structures and capacities required for effective service delivery at the sub-national level.
ASGP works at the national level with Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) and with key government institutions at the sub national level, namely the Provincial District Governor’s Office (PGOs DGOs), Provincial District Councils (PCs DCs) and the municipalities. The key objective of the ASGP is to strengthen the democratic state and government institutions to govern and ensure quality public service delivery at the sub-national level through advocacy, policy advice and capacity development. In the phase I, ASGP had initiated the sub-national governance reform process at national (IDLG), provincial, district and municipal levels. The objective of Phase II is to roll out these reforms comprehensively across the country.
Based on the experience during the Inception Phase of ASGP-II, the implementation strategy of ASGP now consists of support at the national, provincial and municipal levels.
At the national level, support will be provided to strengthen the capacity of the IDLG to own, plan and manage (i.e. to take the lead) in implementing the sub-national governance policy and to put in place sub-national governance and development policies and laws. This will include support for sound policy analysis and development. Similarly, support will be provided to strengthen the capacity of IDLG through a network of human resources development centers, in training sub-national government and governance authorities and their staff. The implementation process will consist of (1) analysis and preparation of strategies / action plans, (2) stakeholder consultations, (3) finalization, (4) implementation and (5) monitoring and conclusions.
A key priority for ASGP is capacity development, which is an integral strategy for implementation of ASGP activities and it is based on the principles of (1) capacity analysis and planning, (2) establishment of required staffing and competencies and (3) implementation of activities or delivery of project outputs. The Capacity Development Specialist for IDLG will contribute towards developing sustainable capacities within IDLG at all levels namely the institutional (enabling environment) level, the organizational level and the individual level and will work with counterparts to facilitate their performance, learning and development.
Under the direct supervision of the ASGP Chief Technical Advisor, the Capacity Development Specialist provides strategic advice and technical assistance to IDLG in formulating and implementing capacity development strategies and plans both at the central level and subnational level. The Capacity Development Specialist will have the following duties and responsibilities:
Summary of Key Functions:
- Organization and Management of Capacity Development (CD) activities;
- Institutional Capacity Development;
- Stakeholders’ Consultation, Coordination and Monitoring Evaluation;
- Advocacy, Networking and Marketing – Component Management;
- Gender Mainstreaming.
Organization and Management of CD activities:
- Lead preparation of project specific guidelines and manuals for CD assessment and responses based on the UNDP standard tools and methodology.
- Lead preparation of CD strategies and CD Plans for IDLG and facilitate preparation of CD Plans for sub-national governance entities.
- Facilitate preparation of results framework for the project including establishment of performance and impact assessment indicators, and support implementation of work plans in IDLG for delivery of results.
- Lead the project team in preparing component or output-based concept or strategy papers and preparation and implementation of manuals and guidelines.
- Facilitate provision of advisory services for specialized capacity development under twinning arrangements with ministries / agencies of other regional governments for institutional and organizational CD of IDLG.
Institutional Capacity Development:
- Ensure development and implementation of policies and strategies for institutional strengthening and organizational reforms.
- Facilitate preparation of need based capacity development plans.
- Facilitate strengthening of institutional capacity of IDLG for improved Public Administration Reform (PAR) implementation in sub-national governance entities and coordination.
- Supervise the project’s capacity development efforts aimed at government counterparts, local authorities and development organizations.
- Monitor the achievements of institutional capacity development initiatives and ensure follow-up support.
Stakeholders’ Consultation, Coordination and Monitoring Evaluation:
- Provide intellectual or substantive leadership in the subject area through identification of key policy issues and formulation of best possible and alternative policy and programme options at national and sub-ational levels.
- Stimulate strategic thinking in the subject area, taking into account the needs of Government, local authorities, non-government and development partners and map on a consistent basis the capacity development issues, covering the situation and strategic opportunities.
- Coordinate the capacity development activities of IDLG for sub-national governance entities.
- Ensure monitoring of CD activities of the project, so as to keep track of its inputs and impact.
- Identify opportunities to enhance team-work within the project and with other UNDP assisted projects to capitalize on the specific advantages of multi-disciplinary support.
Advocacy, Networking and Marketing – Component Management:
- Manage the project supported human resources for achieving results in line with the outputs and activities outlined in the project document and annual work plan for the “support to IDLG” component.
- Support preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports for the “support to IDLG” component and correspondingly organization of monthly, quarterly and annual progress reviews.
- Be responsible for management of “support to IDLG” component and for coordination with IDLG for implementation of ASGP activities.
- Create or establish a positive and appreciative atmosphere for team-based work in the project and be an advocate for the work of UNDP in the practice area.
- Disseminate the information on best practices and be active member of the UNDP global and regional networks.
- Expand outreach of the UNDP to national government, local authorities, non-government and international development organizations.
Gender Mainstreaming:
- Lead the process of rolling out Capacity Assessment tool for gender mainstreaming in IDLG and its sub-national governance entities.
- Conceptualize, develop and implement a project specific gender mainstreaming strategy, underpinning support to national development priorities, the UNDP or any other framework for UNCT priorities and the country’s gender equality priorities.
- Identify existing and missing capacities, resources and partnerships necessary to implement the gender mainstreaming strategy of the project.
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning:
- Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
- In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
- Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
- Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting
- Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects
- Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations
Management and Leadership:
- 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
- Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills
- UNDP Certification programme Prince2.
Education:
- Master degree in international development or public administration or management or other relevant social sciences or equivalent.
Experience:
- 7 years of relevant work experience in development in a governmental or multilateral organization.
- Experience of working in a multi-cultural setting as well as in post conflict reconstruction situation. Experience of Afghanistan is desirable.
- Proven experience in partnership building and networking.
- Experience of providing advisory services in the area of capacity development
- Experience of governance and public sector management in general and public sector capacity development in particular, at both national and sub-national level in developing countries.
- Sound understanding and capability to empower and develop the capacity of national counterparts.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).
Language Requirements:
Strong written and spoken skill of English language.
Interested and qualified international candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at http://www.undp.org.af/Jobs/index.htm and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at http://www.undp.org.af/Jobs/index.htm in the relevant field of the on-line application
Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date (31 May 2012) will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications who are short-listed will be contacted.
For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af
Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within 3 weeks of the offer of appointment.
Internal candidates who have served a minimum of 12 months in the current assignment are invited to apply.
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply