Expert on Good Governance

Georgia has made significant progress in terms of political, economic and social development over the last decade. Bold institutional reforms, robust GDP growth (GDP per-capita increased from $US 2,613 in 2010 to $US 3,605 in 2013; 3.754 in 2015 http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/517361475740368277/Georgia-Snapshot-Oct2016FINAL.pdf) and expansion of targeted social assistance (TSA) schemes resulted in significant reduction of poverty and especially extreme poverty of Georgia’s population. The changes were reflected by rising human development index from 0.710 in 2005 to 0.769 in 2015 (2016 Human Development Report, UNDP, available at: http://hdr.undp.org/).

Moreover, peaceful transfer of power through parliamentary elections in 2012 signalled a new era of consolidated democracy and made Georgia a rare exception in the region. This was further reinforced by transparent and credible presidential, local self-governance and parliamentary elections in 2013-2017 along with improved scores in democracy, media and civil society development as demonstrated by various international indices (Freedom House, Freedom House 2013 Report; National Democratic Institute (NDI), NDI Public Perceptions Surveys, 2013-2014; Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) project; The Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) project 1996-2013; IREX media sustainability index and IREX media sustainability index 2014; Civil Society Organizations (CSO) sustainability index Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Sustainability index by USAID, 2012-2013).

The country has achieved significant progress in terms of enhancing legislative and institutional framework for local self-governance reform and decentralization. The key achievements in these areas include the adoption of the new code of Local Self-Governance, further amendments concerning citizen participation as well as the enhancement of decentralization demonstrated by the transfer of selected competences to municipalities and fiscal decentralization allowing municipalities to retain a portion of the local income tax in addition to property tax collected by municipalities.

However, despite impressive progress in specific sectors and areas, Georgia faces an unfinished development agenda common among the middle-income countries. Unemployment, poverty and inequality remain key policy challenges, reflecting an unfinished transition to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The economic gains have not been evenly distributed across the country and there is a strong asymmetry between rural and urban areas as well as large disparities across the regions. The rural areas are much less developed compared to urban areas and have higher poverty rates than urban areas.

There are also significant differences in the delivery of public services in rural and urban areas.  While the results of the two consecutive surveys examining citizen satisfaction with service delivery demonstrate improvements in the provision of a large spectrum of services from 2013 to 2017, a number of issues still remain unaddressed.

Limitations with availability and affordability of essential public services further constrain development prospects in Georgian regions and call for an integrated and holistic approach with engagement of central and local governments as well as civil society organizations, private sector and local communities. However, the capacities of both - duty bearers and rights holders - remain particularly low to face and address these challenges.

The level of decentralization of competencies and resources is still quite limited. At the same time, the capacities of the local authorities to design and deliver development oriented, evidence-based, inclusive, participatory and gender-sensitive services remain insufficient.

This is further compounded by the lack of participation culture and the limited capacities of CSOs and citizens to engage in policy making and drive up the change from below. Various studies demonstrate that citizens have very limited knowledge and understanding of LSG reform, participation tools and mechanisms and are not aware of their own rights.

Overall, the prevailing challenges at the local level, including poverty, unemployment, inequality, social exclusion call for integrated efforts by the duty bearers at one hand and the rights holders at the other hand. A decentralized, participatory and accountable governance system, coupled with competent local authorities, strong civil society and private sector, and motivated citizens create the environment that incentivizes inclusive development processes at the local level.

In response to key systemic challenges around the local self-governance and regional development agenda, UNDP, UNDP with support of the Government of Denmark launched a new project Fostering Decentralization and Good Governance at the Local Level in Georgia (DGG) project in March of 2018.

The overarching goal of the project is to advance decentralization and good governance at the local level through promoting nation-wide policy reform, strengthening institutional and human capacities of national and local authorities, improving local service delivery and enhancing citizen participation in local policy making.

The project activities are planned in a way to contribute to four project outcomes:

Output 1: Improved policy and institutional framework to foster decentralization and promote good governance principles at the local level

The proposed project will facilitate further enhancement of policy and legislative framework to foster decentralization and establish good governance principles at the local level. Particular emphasis will be made to support the MRDI and other line Ministries in implementing the Decentralization strategy and action plan, currently being elaborated with support of UNDP and expected to be finalized in the end of 2018.

Output 2: Enhanced institutional and human capacities of national and local authorities

In light of ongoing LSG reform and further decentralization measures, the project will support municipalities to strengthen their institutional and human capacities to be able to manage competences and resources transferred from the center. Moreover, in line with the Civil Service Reform, the project will provide coordinated support to Civil Service Bureau, MRDI and other state institutions to ensure effective implementation of the new Law on the Civil Service in Georgia (expected to enter into force in 2017) and specifically the aspects related to the civil servants at the local level.

Output 3: Municipal service delivery improved

As the recent Citizens’ Satisfaction survey (UNDP RLD, 2017) revealed, municipal service provision remains one of the major fields to be focused on. It is also a critical factor in stimulating local economic development. Therefore, the project will provide support to raise the standards of municipal service delivery, promote innovation and knowledge sharing among municipalities as well as build the trust and accountability with local community through introducing performance management systems complemented with the Best Practice Programme.

Output 4: Right holders empowered to engage in local policy making and claim their rights

The project will facilitate citizen participation by raising awareness of LSG reform, good governance principles, participation tools and mechanism to equip the right holders with relevant knowledge and skills to engage them in local policy making and claim their rights accordingly. Besides, the project will design special initiatives for CSOs to develop innovative ways for citizen participation in local policy making. Particular focus will be made on engaging women, youth and ethnic minorities to hear their voices and mainstream their needs and priorities into local decision making.

The overall budget of the project is USD 4,000.00.

The Project will operate in three regions: Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Imereti.

Under the supervision and in close coordination with the DGG Project Manager, Project Expert is expected to plan, coordinate and monitor implementation of the project component, related to good governance, including, but not limited to:

• Coordinate implementation of the Decentralization Strategy/Action Plan
• Provide technical expertise to MRDI/Parliament//State institutions/Regional and municipal administrations on good governance principles at the local level
• Coordinate activities related to municipal engagement in OGP initiative, establishment of integrity strengthening systems and e-governance at the local level
• Coordinate the process of upgrading the methodology for Municipal Development Documents (MDDs) and existing MDDs, and coordinate support to municipalities to apply new guidelines, develop and implement MDD action plans
• Design and implement new initiatives related to enhancing transparency, acceptability, responsiveness, participation and other good governance principles at the local level
• Coordinate establishment and strengthening of the Gender Institutional Mechanisms at the local level 
• Coordinate Women Councilors forum and capacity development support for women councilors and women holding managerial positions at the local level
• Coordinate establishment of gender budgeting at the local level
• Contribute to the development of the project annual work plans, progress reports and other project materials.
• Collect the data on respective activities according to the M&E system and report to the Project Manager
• Ensure consistency of the project activities with the project work plan;
• Ensure provision of the top-quality expertise and consultancy services to national, regional and local authorities on Good Governance principles and issues;
• Establish and maintain effective cooperation with national and local counterparts and other stakeholders;
• Ensure effective coordination of the workshops, seminars, trainings and other relevant events for the implementation of the project activities;
• Prepare RFQs/RFPs, ToRs and other relevant documents for contracting the companies and recruiting experts/consultants for the implementation of the relevant project activities;
• Perform other duties assigned by the project manager.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Understanding of the mandate and the role of UNDP would be an asset;
• 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:

• Possesses knowledge and understanding of national policy context, local self-governance and public administration system.
• Strong and proven research and analytical skills;
• Proven ability to deliver quality output working under tight deadlines;
• Proven ability to coordinate with others and to work as part of a team;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.

Leadership and Self-Management skills:

• Builds strong relationships with the project staff members and partner agencies; focuses on impact and results for the project partners and responds positively to feedback;
• Cooperates with project staff members and partner agencies effectively and demonstrates strong conflict resolution skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy, positivity and a constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong influencing and facilitation skills;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change, new ideas and ability to manage ambiguity;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates ability to transfer knowledge and competencies;
• Is able to work independently and hurdle competing priorities.

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science or other related field.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in project coordination with international agency/government institution/NGO;
• At least 3 years of experience of designing activities/initiatives related to enhancing good governance principles at the central or local level;
• Experience of cooperating with Government agencies, international and local NGOs, private sector and community groups;
• Sound knowledge of good governance principles and approaches
• Demonstrated understanding of national policy context related to Decentralization, regional and local development, public administration and local self-governance;
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point etc.).

Language requirements:

• Excellent Georgian and English language skills (both written and oral).

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

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UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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