Governance Specialist

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP Sudan seeks to apply field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range developmental area in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP global Strategic Plan.

The unfolding political events in Sudan are drawing attention and interests of regional and international community including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) which is expected to contribute to the development efforts in the country when circumstances are ideal. To better position itself for such eventuality, UNDP has outlined its priorities for the transitional period and beyond; the immediate, medium and long terms measures that might be necessary to support the country during the transitional period and beyond to ensure an orderly and peaceful transition to democratic governance. These priorities include  Election process; Constitution Making; Anti-corruption; Transitional Justice; Local Governance; Planning and Public Expenditure Management and Oversight; Human Rights; Security Sector Reform (SSR); RoL/legal reform; Peacebuilding and Reconciliation; Youth, CSOs and Gender Empowerment; Economic Reform/Economic Development (jointly with the IFIs).

 In the light of the above, UNDP seeks to recruit a Governance Specialist to support articulating and managing above priorities, as well as providing guidance on Public Sector and Governance reforms. He/she will be expected to foster institutional capacity and play an important role in providing technical support on Governance.  The incumbent will be responsible for strong coordination with UNDP HQ and the Regional Hub teams in areas of core Government functions, Resilience and Stabilization, inclusive participation and innovations across relevant developmental priorities in transitional contexts. He/she will provide intellectual and strategic leadership as well as technical guidance on Governance issues for UNDP in the country and represent UNDP in the wider governance community of practice, including the UN system, bilateral partners, and external experts.

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Resident Representative, and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (Programme), and in close collaboration with Head of Governance & stabilization Unit (GSU), the incumbent applies a conflict-sensitive and gender-sensitive lens throughout the work of the region. Special interest will be given to advancing the interests of women, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable and marginalized groups, consistent with UNDP Rules and Regulations.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Implementation of Programme strategies
• Creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy 
• Provision of top-quality policy advice services to the Government and facilitation of knowledge building and management
• High quality CO reporting against program interventions in line with strategic frameworks and outcomes  
• Support results-based management of GSU
• Development of the capacity of Programme staff on corporate policies and guidelines

1. Ensures implementation of Programme strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Thorough analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the country and preparation of substantive inputs to UNDP Sudan priorities and strategies within the UNDAF and country action plans as well as policy document.
• Identification of areas for support and interventions within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned.
• Promote identification and implementation of synergies within and across programmes.
• Ensures timely update of Atlas Results Tree based on inputs from project units and management
• Ensure that the Programme and its pillars deliver client-oriented, effective and efficient services to their partners

2. Ensures the creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy in cooperation with the Management Support and Business Development Teams   focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the specific thematic areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities.
• Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization.

3. Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to Programme country policy goals.
• Support to development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Organization of trainings for the projects staff on Programme issues.
• Provide policy recommendation to the GSU Programme, UNDP Sudan and Government counterparts on issues related to Governance and Rule of Law.

4. Ensures high quality of CO reporting against program interventions in line with strategic frameworks and outcomes focusing on achievement of the following results:

• As the focal point for reporting, ensure proper and timely reporting to donors and other parties on a semi-annual and annual basis or as required
• Support in ensuring timely and high-quality reporting to donors on implementation and outcome achievements based on submissions by projects following UNDP standard monitoring, reporting and evaluation processes and procedures
• Prepare regular updates and briefing notes on activities and progress in order to keep all stakeholders and other parties informed; 

5. Effective Results-Based Management of GSU focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support in the preparation, review or revision of Programme document and action plans and ensure alignment with the Country Programme Document and other strategic frameworks;
• Support in preparation of proposals and achievement of results and impact
• Support in monitoring and evaluation of Programme results and resources framework and assist in the preparation of GSU pillars’ project boards and the preparation of quarterly reports and reviews
• Contribute to GSU input to the Results Oriented Reporting (ROR) in collaboration with the PPU

6. Development of the capacity of Programme staff on corporate policies and guidelines, focusing on the achievement of the following results

• Maximize the use of Results Based Management tools through a targeted capacity development Programme;
• Provide specific training modules on RBM, monitoring and evaluation concepts, tools and techniques for project and Programme staff in coordination with office Learning Manager
• Coordinate Atlas training to ensure that Atlas is used as an effective financial and project management tool
• Develop staff capacities in resource mobilization and partnership management and promote the usage and practical application of respective toolkits provided by UNDP CO.

Core:

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work:Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow:Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction:Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform:Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement:Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

Technical/Functional

Strategic thinking/visioning :

Ability to analyze the organization’s value proposition and shape visionary/long term plans.  Use insight to identify target audiences and partners and to inform communication objectives, messages and solutions:Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and effect staff behavioral/ attitude change:Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Management and Leadership:

Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment:Level 5:Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Identify and Building Partnerships:

Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to UNDP’s mandate and strategic agenda:Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Coordination provider-recipient:

Ability to manage complex relationships through pathways of knowledge exchange, capacity development, funding relationships and strategic engagement:Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Education :

• Master's degree in Social Policy, Public Policy, Politics, Economics, Development Studies or any related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in either Public Sector (national or multilateral, including UN), private (academia, non-governmental sector, corporate), with increasing level of responsibility in the design and development of Government Policies and Programmes that include inter alia public Administration Reform, Decentralization, E-government, Parliamentary Development, Electoral Systems and Political processes, Institutional Development, state-citizen dialogue
• Good political judgment, strategic vision, strong planning and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent organizational and management skills, with ability to negotiate at decision-making level.
• Proven track record and leadership experience in the UN System related to Governance;
• Proven ability to mobilize support from a wide range of partners (public, private, academic, civil society, business community leaders);
• Proven experience in transition coordination and resource mobilization.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in both oral and written English. Working knowledge of Arabic language desirable.