Pacific Island Countries (PICs) still face significant challenges in achieving meaningful participatory democratic governance that is responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens, including the poor and marginalised, and that promotes sustainable development.  The challenges range from political instability, lack of financial and human resources capacity, including weak policy and regulatory frameworks. Participatory decision making is severely limited, with women and young people under-represented in formal political structures across the region. 

In recognition of the central importance of parliaments to good governance, inclusive development and public accountability, the UNDP Pacific Office under the governance outputs in the Asia Pacific Regional Programme (APRP) has been working with Pacific parliaments for many years to strengthen their capacities to undertake their core functions of oversight, lawmaking and representation.

The UNDP PO is currently implementing the following parliament projects:

• Fiji Parliament Support Project Phase 2, 2017 – 2019 funded by Governments of Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
• Regional parliamentary programme, 2014 - 2017 for 15 PICTs funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
• Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), 2016 – 2018 focused on the 5 Pacific Island legislature funded by Government of New Zealand;
• Strengthening Legislatures in the Pacific (SLIP) Project, 2018 – 2020 focused on 6 Pacific Island legislature funded by Government of Japan.

Under the supervision of the Parliamentary Specialist / Portfolio Lead, the Project Officer provides programme support services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The allocation of time for the various functions will be agreed with the supervisor. The position is be based in Suva, Fiji.

Support efficient and effective coordination, implementation and monitoring of project results and activities, for work relating to project activities.

• Coordinate technical inputs relating to project activities implemented with project technical experts, implementing partners, and other project stakeholders;
• Prepare first drafts of progress reports, Terms of Reference (TORs), concept notes and other technical documentations for further review by Parliamentary Specialists;
• Assist Parliamentary Specialists to perform tasks related to project activities efficiently and effectively;
• Support and coordinate the implementation of project activities with implementing partners and relevant stakeholders;
• Participate, collate and provide inputs in preparation project workplans and project evaluations.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Parliamentary Specialists or as a proactive necessary contribution to the success of the project.

Provide support and assistance to the Project team in the management of Project initiatives/ activities:

• Research, compile, analyze, summarize and present information for Project concepts, and prepare Project budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements, MOUs, contracts and other relevant documentation.
• Assist in the initiation of a project, entering such a project into Atlas.
• Assist in the follow-up on performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation/review/comments of/on reports.
• Assist in the preparation of Project work-plan and results-based reporting.

Support implementation of project visibility and knowledge management activities: 

• Support to the systematic capacity building of Implementing Partners and staff and counterparts through introduction of innovation and best practices, access to knowledge and expertise and promotion of their application to project implementation;
• Support the PM in capturing and disseminations of lessons learnt during project implementation;
• Actively engage and promote teamwork, information sharing and collaboration within the project team and between project partners;
• Provide inputs to presentations, visibility activities, advocacy, and other project-related materials, etc.

Enhanced learning and professional development.

• Enrolling and completing online learning courses.
• Participate in Project workshops, trainings and capacity development initiatives/ activities.

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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