Reference: G/AFR/0390
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Duration: 2 Years
Closing Date: 3 May 2011
Background
The Ugandan Local Government Association (ULGA) made a request through the Ministry of Local Government Uganda on behalf of the East African region seeking technical assistance to build the capacity of the EAC local government institutions to effectively coordinate a regional approach towards the implementation of the principles set out in the Aberdeen Agenda amongst others. The Aberdeen Agenda is a set of generic principles and core values relating to the promotion of local democracy in the Commonwealth Countries.
There is a tradition of local democracy and decentralisation in the East African region. However, there is the need for greater coordination, knowledge sharing and cooperation in the area of local democracy and governance as a way to strengthen peer to peer support and learning at the local level, whilst at the same time helping to raise the profile of the important role of local government at regional level among the formal regional institutions such as the East African Community.
Uganda, as the country in the region which has placed particular emphasis on decentralisation, is keen to play host to the initiative in view of their significant experience and their willingness to be a hub for the exchange of good practice and learning within the region. The East African Community (EAC), the emergent East African Local Government Association (EALGA), and others will also be important partners in this respect.
Purpose of the Project
The purpose of the project is to strengthen the capacity of local government institutions to coordinate a regional approach to implementation of the principles of the Aberdeen Agenda.
Scope of Work
The project will provide a long term expert who will be placed in the Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) for a period of two years. The project will be undertaken in partnership with the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), building on past collaborative work done in the region with CLGF. The project will be under the supervision of the Ministry of Local Government in Uganda. The expert will work in close partnership with ULGA, local and central government representatives, including Ministries and national local government associations, from across the East African Region.
As projects and recommendations start to be implemented, there will be a technical advisory group established, made up of officials from local and central governments in the region. This group will provide strategic guidance to the Expert and ensure that regional representation and balance is maintained.
During the implementation period it is expected that the expert will undertake the following activities, inter alia
- Undertake a review of the systems of local government in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda in order to benchmark countries against the Aberdeen Agenda Provide technical advice to national local government associations and East African Local Government Association, including policy exchange and sharing good practice
- Undertake and promote capacity building and advocacy activities which will help to contribute to strengthening local governance in the region
- Undertake feasibility study/consultation on the establishment of a policy exchange and knowledge sharing forum
Outputs (Deliverables)
- Four studies on the local government systems completed on the application of the Aberdeen principles (one in each country) and countries benchmarked against the principles
- Trained Local Government officials in current international practice
- Officials of National Local Government bodies, associations and EALGA trained in international local Government practices and trends
- Local government practice guidelines and training manuals produced and in use
- Policy exchange and knowledge sharing forum established and in use
Implementation Arrangements
The expert will work closely with Commonwealth Secretariat Advisers in delivering this technical assistance. The expert will be based in the Headquarters of the Uganda Local Government Association in Kampala for a period of two years and will report to the Secretary-General of UGLA. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of local Government in Uganda will have oversight responsibility.
Person Specification
- University qualification, preferably Masters/higher level
- Knowledge of public sector and local government ideally in East Africa and preparation and submission of funding bids to international development agencies would be an advantage
- Experience of dealing effectively with senior policy makers and politicians and ability to render policy advice at senior level
- Good analytical and writing skills and ability to comprehend information
- At least 10 to 15 years Senior Management experience in dealing with implementing public sector, local government reform and awareness of key innovations in local governance
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken
Contact for Applications: Mrs. Puja D Sharma, p.sharma@commonwealth.int, Phone: +44-207-747-6531
Note: This invitation is open to independent experts who are nationals of Commonwealth member countries.
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