Background
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Following independence, Madagascar suffered from recurrent crises that negatively impacted the economy, weakened the sociocultural fabric, and led to extreme poverty. The last crisis, triggered by an unconstitutional change of power, resulted in the country’s suspension from all international fora. Largely due to its cyclical crises the country has not reached any SDG. The weakness of democratic governance and rule of law is widely considered to be among the root causes of such recurrent crises.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is tasked with encouraging change and providing countries with the knowledge, experience, and resources to allow their populations to access better living conditions. In the UNDP Strategic Plan 2022-2025, Governance is one of the six signature solutions to support countries in the three areas of change: structural transformation, leaving no one behind, and resilience. Strengthening good governance is UNSDCF's Strategic Priority #1 in Madagascar and this priority is strongly reflected in the UNDP’s Country Document Programme (CPD) for 2021-2023.

The CPD comprises 3 portfolios. The first of which is about democratic governance and the rule of law composed of 3 outputs, including (i) Electoral actors are strengthened to promote an inclusive and stable political system, (ii) Parliament, justice system actors and LCC institutions are equipped to promote the rule of law, accountability, and access to justice, (iii) The government is equipped to strengthen the strategic framework and the operational mechanism of Decentralization.

Position Purpose:
The Governance Specialist will allow the Country Office to achieve the key results of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and that of UNDP’s Country Programme Document (CPD) and to maintain UNDP’s position as a lead agency in the field of governance..
Duties and Responsibilities

The main expected results are the following:

  • The country office’s governance projects and its national partners regularly receive guidance and technical support,
  • The CO governance programme remains strategic and in line with the country’s needs and priorities,
  • UNDP’s profile and activities in the field of governance are sustained and properly communicated including through contributing to UNDP’s coordination role in thematic aid coordination groups and at UN System level,
  • National and international staff as well as consultants in the field of governance are guided and supervised in their technical work,
  • Resource mobilisation and programme development opportunities in the field of governance are identified and pursued,regular analysis of the governance situation of the country is carried out and advice is provided to UNDP senior management and national partners

1.)  Implementation of the CO governance programme  strategies

  • Provide technical advice to strengthen the capacity of the Government and national institutions including civil society and media to improve the governance situation of the country,
  • Provide technical supervision to design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects in the field of governance ensuring that products and activities are strategic and in line with country needs,
  • Provide technical supervision to national and international staff as well as consultants within the governance thematic

2.)  Creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy

  • Provide ongoing support and strategic advice to UNDP Madagascar Country Office,
  • Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with national and international partners,
  • Identify resource mobilization opportunities and pursue them including through conception and development of concept notes and project proposals,
  • Participate in coordination mechanisms and in thematic groups on governance with UN agencies and partners and contribute to strengthen and steer them,

3.) Provision of top quality policy advice services to the CO’s Senior Management  and facilitation of knowledge building and   management

  • Draft regular analysis and briefings on the political context and suggesting entry points for UNDP engagement,
  • Participate in training and capacity building sessions for Country Office staff and national counterparts in the field of governance, contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice, identify good practices and lessons learned,
  • Perform any other function as requested by the CO’s management.
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results:LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively:LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously:LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility:LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination:LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner:LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies :
Portofolio management
Ability to select, prioritize and control the organizations programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment
Result based management
Ability to select, prioritize and control the organizations programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment
Communication
  • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Governance
Core Government Functions
Resource mobilization
Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs programmes/projects/initiatives with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements
Required Skills and Experience
Requirements:
Progressive experience in strategic advice, programming, or programme management in the field of governance, including direct work experience in country-specific settings, particularly those in crisis-affected, post-crisis or fragile situations.
Education:
Master's degree in Social Policy, Public Policy, Politics, Economics, Development Studies or a related area.
Experience:
  • Minimum 7 years of professional experience in strategic advice, programming, or programme management in the field of governance, including direct work experience in country-specific settings, particularly those in crisis-affected, post-crisis or fragile situations.
  • Specific experience in supporting elections, justice reform, environmental governance and decentralization would be a must.
  • Experience in programmes and projects management

Languages requirments:

  • Fluency in oral and written French and English.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Disclaimer
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.
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