Programme Analyst, Governance and Rule of Law (Junior Professional Officer)

The UNDP Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme:

The UNDP JPO Programme equips outstanding young leaders with the skills and experience required to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make a positive difference in the world. As a pathway into the world of development, the programme offers young professionals’ excellent exposure to multilateral cooperation and sustainable development while providing a valuable entry point into the UN system.

During their assignments, JPOs benefit from the guidance and on-the job mentoring by the UNDP governance Team Leader, the Deputy Resident Representative (Programme) as well as technical guidance and orientation from the Advisor, Transition and National Dialogue, and relevant Project Managers, notably Penal Chain Support project and Elections Support project.  S/he will receive significant on- the job capacity building in the design, strategic programme management and inter-agency strategic planning along with interactions with national partners in the technical field assigned.  This will include knowledge building and interactions with relevant UNDP’s headquarter, regional or country office teams.

UNDP Chad Democratic Governance and Rule of Law                               

With a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.401 in 2019, Chad ranks 187^th out of 189 countries and is one of the 10 least developed countries in the world. The country faces the threat of increased insecurity and terrorism for its proximity to logistical centers known to terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, and to instability in the sub-region and the Sahel. According to the 2020 Global Terrorism Index, Chad is the 34^th country most affected by terrorism out of 138 countries, due to the immediate and underlying effects of violent extremism and insecurity in neighboring countries, amongst others. The number of deaths attributed to Boko Haram increased by 25 per cent from 2018 to 2019. Renewed activity by Boko Haram in Nigeria and neighboring countries, including Cameroon, Chad and Niger, remains a substantial threat to the region. This is at the root of serious human rights violations, particularly sexual violence, of which women and girls are the greatest victims. Faced with the phenomenon of violent extremism and the country's post-conflict situation, the judicial system appears powerless and unable to provide an adequate response to effectively fight impunity.

At the 2018 National Inclusive Forum, special emphasis was placed on reforming the justice sector to make it efficient and thus meet the aspirations of the people. Thus, the constitution of May 4, 2018 enshrined a new unicameral jurisdiction with a strengthening and expansion of the powers of the Supreme Court. The country has, consistently since the 2003 General Assembly of Justice, expressed the will to reform and modernize the Justice system to enable it to fulfill its core functions of social cohesion and economic development. The Justice system, however, is contended with substantial challenges resulting in a lack of public knowledge and confidence in its functioning. A survey on Justice perception conducted in 2015 revealed little public knowledge of formal Justice, that the Justice system is a priority feature and little public trust is being placed in Justice. Since 2018, UNDP has been supporting the justice sector through the Project for the Strengthening of Penal Chain Institutions. The project is focused on strengthening the judiciary and other actors in the Middle Chari province, in addition to the Ministry of Justice through the Directorate of Legislation and Human Rights, the Directorate of Penitentiary Affairs and the coordination of the judicial police. The project explicitly propounds a systemic and sectoral approach with a major focus on capacity-building, not only of individuals, but also of organizations and institutions. Additionally, this systemic approach implies that the project will support several players including actors of the penal chain, local and regional authorities, the bar and civil society associations.

Following the brutal death of the Head of State, Marshal Idriss Deby Itno, and the establishment on 20 April 2021 of a Transitional Military Council (CMT), a prime minister was appointed by the CMT and a Government was formed by Mr. Pahimi Padacket Albert, composed of 40 members including a Minister of State in charge of national reconciliation and dialogue, on May 2, 2021. The president of the Transitional Military Council (CMT), Lieutenant General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno signed Decree No 27 on May 24, 2021 on the organization and functioning of the CMT.  A month after the installation of the CMT, the AU Peace and Security Council stressed the absolute necessity that the transition to democratic rule be completed within the 18-month deadline announced by the CMT from 20 April 2021.

The current situation in Chad is therefore characterized by numerous challenges (security, institutional, political, economic). It can also be a historic and unique opportunity and opportunity to implement reforms. In this context, it is essential that Chad's technical and financial partners, including the UNDP, support the process to help, by all possible means, the country to make this transition a success.  Following extensive consultations with, and at the request of the Ministry of National Reconciliation and Dialogue, UNDP is seeking to offer a package to accompany a transition process in Chad that is conducive to the strengthening of democratic institutions, political dialogue and reconciliation, as well as social cohesion.

UNDP’s support is shaped by a thorough understanding of the evolving context of Chad, also draws on lessons learned by UNDP in support of recent transition context in Africa such as in Sudan, Tunisia, South Sudan, Kenya, South Africa, the Gambia and Nigeria.  Identified priorities for the 18 months transition period include:

• National reconciliation and dialogue;
• Constitution making;
• Elections.
• Institutional reform, including public financial management reform, and strengthening of Governance, the Rule of Law, and more generally democratic institutions;

Beyond the strengthening of governance and democratic institutions, continued investment in development, economic revitalization and social cohesion are also important elements of stability in Chad, which will need to be concurrently supported by the international community during the transition period.

In addition to direct support to the transition process, the UNDP Country Office (CO) is currently designing or implementing other support packages that will indirectly impact the outcome of the transition process. This includes inter alia, support for: cross-border stabilisation in the Lake Chad region as a part of the Regional Stabilization Facility; the UN-Government Joint Programme on Screening, Prosecution, Reintegration and Rehabilitation of ex-Associates of Boko Haram; and  the Prevention of violent extremism at the Chad - Libya - Sudan borders; the Programme in support to local development and inclusive finance (PADLFIT)

The UNDP CO enjoys a trusting relationship with Government of Chad and regional organizations, and technical and financial partners. There is need to harness these opportunities and incentives to optimize and strengthen the work and impact of the UNDP CO in the areas of Governance and the Rule of Law.

Against this backdrop, Chad is seeking a suitable candidate for the position of Governance and Rule of law Analyst.

As a member of the Governance Team, the Governance and Rule of Law Analyst will be specifically involved and be entrusted with the following tasks and responsibilities related to:

•            Programme Planning, Design and Management

•            Policy Advice and Technical Assistance

•            Resource Mobilization

•            Oversight, M&E and Reporting

•            Knowledge Management

Responsibility 1 – Programme Planning and Design Management

Assist the Team Leader, Governance Unit, to establish effective working relations with the Government of Chad, Civil Society organizations, political parties, academic institutions, UN agencies and entities and donors/development partners.

Contribute to Governance and Rule of law programming and project design during the political and institutional and transition, including in the areas of support to constitution making, the organization of democratic elections, strengthening of democratic institutions (notably in relation to access to justice, police and corrections arrangements) and advancement of joint delivery of rule of law assistance among UN partners as well as with national and international.

Support the Team Leader, Governance Unit, in conducting regular programmatic reviews including strategic guidance on activity planning, implementation strategies and future programme orientation, providing technical advice on Governance and Rule of Law programme related issues.

Provide support in advancing thematic coordination including by identifying programmatic entry points by ensuring consistency and complementary in relation of other UNDP programmes.

Ensure the integration of cross-cutting (e.g Gender, Human Rights) issues into the design, planning and implementation of all programme activities.

Responsibility 2 – Policy Advise and Technical Assistance

Assist the Team Leader, Governance Unit and relevant Project Managers in providing policy advice and technical and capacity building support to peacebuilding, conflict prevention and conflict management, and Justice and law enforcement institutions on an ongoing basis and as may be required.

Support the Team Leader, Governance Unit, and relevant Project Managers in strengthening of working relation and to ensure coordination and cooperation across the governance and Rule of Law sectors.

Contribute substantially to UNDP facilitation of the National Reconciliation efforts and support to the Ministry of Justice, with policy options based on the models presented by the body of work established by the United Nations in general and the United Nations Development Programme in particular related to Governance and Rule of Law, Human Rights, Peacebuilding, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Management.

Responsibility 3 – Resource Mobilization

Support and assist the country office in resource mobilization efforts including by contributing to the development of a strategy in this area and as needed targeted funding proposals.

Ensure proper information’s sharing, coordination and cooperation with other development and humanitarian actors including, UN agencies, and donors supporting financially, notably the EU, the Netherlands, and Canada.

Responsibility 4 – Oversight, M&E and Reporting

Support results-based management of the portfolio (annual and quarterly workplans, monitoring and evaluation, recruitment and procurement plans, and donor reporting).

Contribute to the development of a comprehensive M&E framework to measure the performance of Governance and Rule of Law institutions.

Contribute to the formulation and quality assurance of narrative reports for Rule of Law, Peacebuilding, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Management related projects and programmes.

Responsibility 5 – Knowledge Management

Facilitate collection, recording and dissemination of international best practices as well as lessons learned in relation to supporting change management and the political and institutional transition in Chad.

Key competencies - Core

• Innovation - Ability to make new and useful ideas work
• Leadership - Ability to persuade others to follow
• People Management - Ability to improve performance and satisfaction
• Communication - Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
• Delivery -  Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Corporate Competencies

• Demonstrate integrity by modelling the UN values and high ethical standards;
• Demonstrate excellent understanding of post-conflict contexts and institutional development;
• 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 favouritism;
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills;
• Demonstrate strong motivation for learning.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects and programmes;
• Promotes a knowledge-sharing and learning culture in the office;
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of development issues;
• Background in justice, law and applied working knowledge of rule of law a strong advantage
• Ability to provide and advocate for policy advise;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more UNDP practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
• Sound knowledge of UNDP/UN policies and programmes in crises and post-crises situations.

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Ability to work under pressure and strict deadlines;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Communicates effectively with staff at all levels of the organization;
• Demonstrate excellent political/conflict analysis;
• Acts with tact and diplomacy and to be able to convey difficult issues and positions to senior counter parts and officials.

Key competencies - Technical/Functional

• Knowledge of Rule of law, Justice, political, peacebuilding, conflict management and Security concepts and principles and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations
• Justice sector development including access to justice and human rights institutions
• Knowledge of international Human Rights standards and principles and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations
• Knowledge of peacebuilding and conflict management concepts, principles and policies and the ability to apply in strategic and/or practical situations

Education

Advanced university degree (masters or above) in Law, Political Science, or related fields.

Working experience

• Two years of progressive work experience (with maximum of 4 years) in programme management.
• Two years of progressive work experience (with maximum of 4 years) in rule of law, human rights and justice sector reform peacebuilding and conflict management or related issues.
• Experience of working in conflict/post conflict settings constitutes a major advantage.
• Legal or political background a strong asset.
• Good planning, facilitation, communication skills with a ability to transfer knowledge and skills in complex institutional environment.
• Proven ability to work effectively with people at all levels of an organization, maximizing coordination and cooperation.
• Sound analytical skills in political, legal, social, cultural and other relevant issues.
• Full-time consulting experience and formal volunteer work through the United Nations Volunteer Programme may be counted at a rate of 100% of the time service, provided it is relevant to the position.

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written French and English, with excellent drafting skills in both languages necessary.

Nationality

Note: This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is addressed exclusively to nationals of the Netherlands and nationals of developing countries from the Nedworc list: https://www.nedworcfoundation.nl/pdf/List%20of%20eligible%20countries%20%20November%202018.pdf. 

Please read the all the eligibility criteria carefully before considering applying. For detailed criteria see the website of Nedworc Foundation:

https://nedworcfoundation.nl/junior-professional-officers-programme/

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

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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