Programme Management Specialist (Aid Effectiveness - DAG Secretariat)

The Secretariat for the Development Assistance Group (DAG) was established to coordinate donor support to the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) process and, more recently the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is housed in UNDP and provides support to the work of the DAG Technical Working Groups (TWGs), DAG Executive Committee (Ex-com) and the DAG. It follows up on ongoing agenda as well as new initiatives that are launched by the DAG. The DAG Secretariat also builds partnerships and liaises closely with stakeholders, including Government, civil society, the private sector, the UN and donor agencies. It ensures smooth communication between stakeholders as well as promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Programme Management Specialist (Aid Effectiveness - DAG Secretariat) is under the overall guidance of the UNDP Resident Representative/UN Resident Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Strategic Advisor (Senior Economist). The Programme Management Specialist (Aid Effectiveness - DAG Secretariat), supervises and leads programme support staff and coordinates activities of the projects’ staff. The Programme Management Specialist works in close collaboration with the UNDP Operations and Programme Teams, relevant government departments, programme staff in other UN Agencies, other donor agencies and implementing partners, and civil society organizations, ensuring successful programme implementation. The Programme Management Specialist also liaises with UNDP HQs staff for resolving complex programme-related issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

Major Functional Activities 1. Advisory Support to the UNDP and the Development Assistance Group (DAG): • Provide advisory, analytical and technical support to UNDP and the Development Assistance Group (DAG) on the issues regarding aid coordination and effectiveness as well as strengthened development partnership; • Provide advisory support to the work of the Policy Advisory Unit (PAU) and areas of work as agreed by the UNDP and on issues related to aid management and effectiveness, including technical advice in strengthening strategic partnerships and resource mobilization; • Provide advisory support to the DAG in facilitating policy dialogue on a number of key overarching policy issues through the DAG monthly meetings and other DAG special discussions on topics agreed by the Government of Ethiopia; • In partnership with the Ministry of Finance Staff, act as a member of the joint secretariat for in-country dialogue structure. This includes advisory and technical support to the High Level Forum (HLF) Secretariat and Annual Progress Review (APR) Meetings of Growth and Transformation Programme (GTP); • Provide regular advisory briefings to UNDP on aid coordination, management and effectiveness in context of national processes; • Provide advisory support to OECD-DAC country-level activities, including country-case studies, evaluations, and survey, etc. 2. Advisory and Technical Support to MOFED • Advise the Ministry on the development and implementation of appropriate strategies and interventions for enhancing aid effectiveness and the strengthening of Government capacities for effective aid management; • Provide strategic advisory support to the Ministry on the implementation and possible development of the Ethiopia’s Aid Policy, including providing advice on the process and content in the development of an ODA manual, strengthening and rolling out of the Aid Management Platform (AMP); • Provide neutral and impartial technical advice to both the Government of Ethiopia and its Development Partners in the implementation of mechanisms and approaches for the promotion of mutual accountability in aid relations; • Provide advisory support to the MOFED in enhancing its capacity and leadership in OECD-DAC related activities; • Procure and coordinate the provision of other technical support as needed. 3. Programme Management Support for aid management and effectiveness portfolio: • Provide advisory and management support in programme implementation with specific focus on aid coordination, harmonization, alignment and effectiveness; • As Programme Management Specialist for the DAG Secretariat, meet project oversight and management responsibilities for the strengthening of the DAG Secretariat project and manage day-to-day functions of the DAG Secretariat, including leading the work planning process. • Supervise staff in the DAG Secretariat; • Provide advisory support to the Aid management and effectiveness programme portfolio. 4. Provide advisory support to UNDP Senior Management on aid effectiveness in the context of UN Delivering as One Reform • Analytical support the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in ensuring a strategic engagement of the UN and DAG; • Assist the contribution of UN agencies under Delivering as One to support the aid effectiveness agenda in Ethiopia. 5. Contribution to UNDP practices on Aid Effectiveness Matters: • Support the UNDP capacity and positioning in terms of aid effectiveness agenda; • Provides strategic advisory support to the UNDP on aid effectiveness issues; • Effective development partnership and incrementally higher level of aid effectiveness in country; • Higher level of understanding and deeper knowledge among Development Partners; (including UN agencies) of the aid architecture in Ethiopia.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability • Treats all people fairly without favoritism Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office • Greater knowledge in national aid coordination, harmonization and alignment agenda and knowledge in global aid environment and aid effectiveness agenda (including the Rome, Paris and Accra, etc.). • Knowledge of national development processes. • Ability to advocate and provide policy advice • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills Development and Operational Effectiveness • Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting • Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources • Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change Management and Leadership • Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback • Leads team effectively and shows conflict resolution skills • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills • Demonstrates strong management and networking skills in order to build strong relationships with clients and external actors • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Education: • At least a Master’s Degree in International Development, Development Studies, International Relations, or other relevant fields. Experience: • A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in development cooperation at national or international level; • In-depth understanding of global developments and best practices in the area of aid effectiveness, combined with demonstrated experience in supporting aid coordination and management at the programme country level; and • Prior work experience with UN agencies or other international organizations. Knowledge of the mandate and role of the UNDP in aid coordination and relevant experience in developing countries will be an asset.

Programme Management Specialist (Aid Effectiveness - DAG Secretariat)