Local Governance Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience to sustain development results. UNDP has been present in Malawi since 1964. Working closely with the Government of Malawi, civil society and the private sector, UNDP' s work aims to contribute to economic growth, sustainable environmental management, and democratic governance and accountability in Malawi. UNDP’s Country Programme Document is closely aligned to the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS III) and supports Malawi’s aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. UNDP ‘s programme is designed to address the interlinked issues of poverty, inequality and vulnerability to shocks and is managed within two portfolios: Responsive Institutions and Citizen Engagement which works towards strengthening effective, accountable and inclusive governance that promotes civic engagement, respect for human rights, rule of law, peace and democracy. It also works towards strengthening data generation and analysis. Resilience and Sustainable Growth which focusses on enhancing economic innovation, inclusive business, job creation, and renewable energy access. It also works towards helping Malawi adapt to climate change and build resilience to disasters.

Context

UNDP’s work contributes to the aim of the UN Development Assistance Framework to address root causes of poor governance in Malawi, through supporting governance institutions at all levels to harmonize legal and organizations frameworks, strengthen data systems for enhanced accountability, strengthen gender and human rights frameworks, civic engagement and participation and early warning systems. Pillar 1 of the UNDP Governance Portfolio strategic framework focuses on Effective, Accountable and Responsive Institutions and target critical MDAs at both central and decentralized levels that provide essential service delivery to the citizens. Efficient and effective public service delivery inevitably lies centrally as a both a driver and conduit for development. The Country’s Vision places heightened demand for the achievement of a well performing public service that facilitates the achievement of the aspirations of Malawi 2063 at both central and decentralized levels of government. Under the overall guidance Programme Analyst for Public Sector Management and Accountable Governance and the supervision of the Governance Portfolio Manager, the Local Governance Officer will be responsible for providing technical and programmatic support in the Local Governance and Public Sector Reforms thematic areas. The Local Governance Officer will support efforts in the strategic planning and the identification of new programme opportunities within these thematic areas while ensuring consistency with UNDAF/ CPD priorities and creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities. The incumbent will contribute to the promotion and observation of the UNDP Gender Equality Strategy particularly with regard to the mainstreaming of HIV and gender equality in all programmes and projects under her/his management. The Local Governance Officer will support the implementation of all district-focused interventions and will work closely with the District Councils and respective line Ministries. She/he will also work closely with UNDP´s programme staff, the operations team, programme staff in other UN Agencies and Government officials as well as civil society ensuring successful implementation of interventions of Pillar 1 Governance interventions. He/she will be dynamic, creative, and willing to work as part of an international team.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Analyst for Public Sector Management and Accountable Governance or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Local Governance Officer will: Support the implementation and day-to-day oversight of UNDP Malawi’s local governance and public sector reform programming. Provide technical and coordination support to UNDP initiatives related to decentralization, local governance and public sector reforms in target districts. Provide technical leadership, advice and support on programme strategies, design, and implementation of local governance and public sector reform programming within UNDP and in partnership with UN, government and development partners. Advise on policy issues that emerge related to local governance and public sector reform programming. Provide advisory support to ensure that the larger policy framework is conducive to decentralization, local governance, public sector innovation and reform, and local economic development. Provide advice and technical support to specialists working on local governance and public sector reform. Liaise and coordinate activities with UNDP partners, including donors, UNDP R/HQ and other UN Agencies. Identify strategic areas for increased support to local governance and public sector reforms. Identify and develop new knowledge products, tools and processes to better employ comparative advantages of UNDP in Malawi. Support in political-economic analysis and research, preparation of substantive inputs to programmatic interventions. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day) Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.