Development of The South Sudan Local Government Gender Policy

Organizational Context The signing of the 2005 Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement(CPA) between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People Liberation Movement(SPLM) , led to the conceiving of the Local Government Recovery Programme (LGRP) by the Local Government Board of the Government of Republic of South Sudan (RoSS) to restore local government systems. LGRP is based on the Local Government Framework, developed by a group of core officials of the Civil Authority of New Sudan, which provided a basis for the Local Government Act 2009. LGRP is designed to support the South Sudan Local Government in the implementation of the Local Government Act by focusing on the; formulation and implementation of policies on core administrative functions and cross-cutting issues such as gender equity, strengthening the institutional capacity of the local governments to perform its mandated functions (through training of local government officers, forums of County Commissioners and infrastructure support), indentifying and implementing sustainable local government financial systems, supporting the LG to establish and use proper procedure and systems to provide basic services to citizens. LGRP has deepened its technical support to the States and Counties across South Sudan working in close partnership with the Local Government Board (LGB), and the ten State Ministries of Local Government and Law Enforcement (SMoLG & LE). LGRP trained and equipped 20 state Gender Focal Point persons(18 females+2 males) as TOTs on Planning, Budgeting, and gender mainstreaming into the local governance systems of SS, developed training modules/handbooks for Gender and the Local Government Gender Framework and mainstreaming gender into State planning and budgeting. With the declaration of independence on 9th July 2011, the Republic of South Sudan is undergoing dramatic transformation in its national policies, legislative framework and the system of governance. It is in view of the above, that UNDP has been requested by the South Sudan Local Government Board (LGB) to support the development of the first South Sudan Local Government Gender Policy (LGGP). This is in line with the Government commitment to achieving the targets of the MDGs, particularly goal number 3, which emphasizes the promotion of gender equality through the existence of institutional, policy and legal mechanisms to enhance the attainment of gender parity, protection and promotion of services for women. The policy will responds to the constitutional imperative of substantive equality for all and the removal of all forms of unfair discrimination that prevent the full participation of women. The policy among others will: guide the local government in developing appropriate policies and programmes; provide strategic interventions to facilitate gender policy implementation in the State and County level, Payam and Boma Level; promote the integration of gender equity and equality, and women's empowerment in local government development programmes and service delivery; articulate local government's response to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment, in line with South Sudan Development Plan (SSDP); entrench gender analysis as a fundamental requirement for local government planning, programme development and implementation; provide a common approach in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of interventions at the sphere of local government; alert stakeholders of local government about the gender implications of their work; contribute to the development of State and County management performance systems by introducing gender-sensitive indicators.

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions and Key Results Expected Summary of key functions: Review of the Current Draft Local Government Gender Framework Development of South Sudan Local Government Gender Policy Technical and advisory support to the South Sudan Local Government Board (LGB) Provide substantive and technical direction to the use of the use of Local Government Gender Policy Hold a first induction workshop for TOT on the use of the policy Objective The main objective of the assignment is to develop the South Sudan Local Government Gender Policy for the Local Government to create an enabling environment for all levels of governments and local government stakeholders in South Sudan to implement programmes aimed at achieving gender equality and women's empowerment. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Team Leader, Poverty Reduction and MDG and direct supervision of the Project Manager LGRP and Gender Analyst , the consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks: Review the current draft Local Government Gender Framework to identify gaps and strength for developing the Local Government Gender Policy Framework for the Republic of South Sudan. Conduct research and desk revier of existing national policies, rules, and regulations, circulars, manuals, and study findings related to Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting, decentralization system and Local Government in South Sudan. Arrange and facilitate Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and workshops with stakeholders, to identify the policy, problem definition, policy objectives and options, policy implementation and policy evaluation and maintenance Develop the Local Government Gender Policy (LGGP) for South Sudan Local Government based on the findings of the interview, FGD, workshop, literature review highlighting the key problems and key recommendations for increased involvement, power and authority of women in the local development and decision-making process. Conduct the intitial ToT workshop for a selected group of senior Local Government Officers (DGs and Gender Focal Persons) based on the developed policy. The training also intends to test or evaluate the policy, which shall be revised based on the lessons learned/feedback from the workshop. Provide interim and final reports, including recommendations on the implementation of the policy by stakeholders. Impact of Results: The key impact of the post will be the achievement of project results as per the agreed project document and work plan. It will also ensure that the project’s activities are fully co-ordinated with other programmatic interventions within the UNDP Programme.

Competencies

Competencies and Critical Success Factors Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards. Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Functional Competencies: Substantial previous experience in design and development of national policies. Demonstrated experience in managing training on Local Government in post conflict countries. Understanding and experience of Local Government in the context of post conflict situation is essential. Sound understanding of issues related to development in post-crisis situations. Demonstrated strong management, coordination and facilitation skills. Strong communication skills in English (oral and written). Results oriented, flexible and problem solving skills. Knowledge of UNDP systems an advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master’s Degree in International Development, Development Studies, Public Administration, Gender Studies or related discipline. Experience: Minimum of 7 years' of practical working experience with Local Government System in a post conflict setting like South Sudan. Proven track record of Policy advocacy related to gender/ women's issues Sound knowledge on local governance and decentralization Required knowledge and skill to accumulate learning of best practices and to disseminate the learning to stakeholders Skill in strategic report writing. Experience to work with Government Officials/ NGOs and Local Government representatives in Sudan. Ability to interact with governmental agencies, good interpersonal skills and organizational proficiency. Experience with UNDP or other UN Agencies on security sector would be an advantage. Language: Fluency in English (comprehension, written, and spoken Excellent communication and drafting skills in English, both orally and in writing. Application Procedure: Interested candidates should apply by sending their Letter of Interest and CV (preferably United Nations Personal History Form (P.11 Form)) to: bids.juba@undp.org or drop a sealed envelope marked; ATT: Procurement Unit, with the title of the position at UNDP Office in Juba by latest 10 September 2011. The available starting date and fees of the assignment which is subject to negotiation if applicable should be clearly stated in the Letter of Interest.

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.

Development of The South Sudan Local Government Gender Policy