Policy Advisor - Governance & Capacity Building (Re-advertisement)

Zimbabwe is undergoing an important transition phase after a decade of political and economic crisis. The formation of an Inclusive Government in February 2009 after the signing of a Global Political Agreement (GPA) by ZANU-PF and the two MDC formations has provided a conducive environment for dialogue towards economic recovery, and national healing, reconciliation and integration. The implementation of the GPA particularly on key issues of political governance and human rights present an opportunity to re-engage with development partners and subsequently addressing challenges facing the country. Consequently, the role of the United Nations particularly UNDP to support the country has become increasingly more important, as both the Government of Zimbabwe and its development partners are looking to the United Nations under its Resident Coordinator System to play the vital role of coordinating and channeling support to the country for its recovery. This task requires optimal capacity for the Government and the UN system to be able to play a leadership role in the implementation of the reforms and the recovery agenda. UNDP in collaboration with UN agencies and other partners is keen to pursue a holistic approach to addressing the challenges in the transitional phase. Although there is significant progress toward relative stability, there is need to invest in comprehensive governance reforms and capacity building initiatives to sustain the gains. Important processes underway as part of the implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA), as well as part of the recovery and return of stability process, include the planning process moving the country from the Short Term Economic Recovery Plan (STERP) to the Medium Term Plan (MTP), Parliamentary Reforms, judicial reforms, Constitution Making, National Healing through creation of the organ responsible under office of the president (OPC), establishment of key oversight and accountability institutions including the Electoral, Media, anti corruption and Human Rights Commissions. All these reforms are good attempts to improve service delivery, citizen participation, good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights. The country has experienced significant human capital drain compounded by economic challenges and hyper inflation; consequently there are weaknesses in the delivery of almost all public services. The UN and UNDP through the Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Frame (ZUNDAF) have been supporting Zimbabwe with the implementation of the the different reforms to implement the GPA and boost the efforts of the inclusive government. There are however significant capacity challenges. As the lead agency in the areas of Governance and Capacity Development, UNDP is increasingly called upon, by the government and other partners to provide effective policy advisory and technical services in these areas. The UNDP CO would therefore require the services of a high level Policy Advisor, who has tested experience in coordination of governance theme groups/clusters involving all stake holders especially government counterparts to contribute to the strategic and innovative thinking in the areas of governance and capacity development in order to anchor the recovery process on a more solid ground. The candidate should have proven experience for having worked in crisis and post crisis countries and supported transition and recovery activities. Under the supervision of the RC/RR, in close collaboration with the CD and integrated in the UNDP program team; the governance and capacity building advisor provides substantive support and analysis to the UNCT and UNDP senior management on matters of policy and advocacy in the area of governance and capacity building. He/she is responsible for coordination of high quality technical and advisory support to the government of Zimbabwe that represents the UN position and coherent with national priorities. He/she will monitor government trends and capacity development initiatives and ensure relevant linkages to UN and UNDP programs. The governance and capacity building advisor provides analysis for formulation of strategies and briefs to UNCT and UNDP senior management and may lead and support experts, international and national consultants as necessary. He/she networks with UN colleagues, government officials, development partners and CSO.

Duties and Responsibilities

Consolidate UN contribution into national dialogue in the area of governance/capacity building and provide policy advice to the UNCT on key issues of governance/political reforms and capacity building needs of the country to achieve the following results: As the Rights/Interests Cluster and the Governance theme Group advisor from the UN provide a substantive leadership in articulating and consolidating the UN voice on Democratic Governance issues in national policy dialogue and effective participation and strengthen UN in policy dialogues between the Government and Development Partners on matters of governance within the framework of key national processes like the implementation of the various reforms related to the GPA, the MTP and the MDG Action Plan. Provision of timely advice to the UNRC on policy and programming issues related to the governance areas in the preparation and implementation of the ZUNDAF. This includes enhanced impact and relevance of UN programmes for the national governance and capacity building agenda. Technical and policy advice to the Rights/Interests Cluster and the Governance theme Group, under the guidance of the RC/RR Act as the UN Focal Point in Government and Development Partners’ working groups at Cluster and theme group level, and provide substantive inputs to discussions and decisions in other related teams Support to the UNDAF annual review process and relevant technical advice towards the consolidation of progress reports Provide strategic advisory and technical assistance to the national stake holders on governance and capacity building related reforms to achieve the following results: High-level policy advice and technical assistance to Government and partners to support the implementation of the on-going reforms. Effective liaison with key stakeholders in the Rights and Interests Cluster and the Governance theme Group and other partners to identify critical linkages between governance reforms, capacity building initiatives and processes in other sectors Senior level policy advice to government on programmes and processes that facilitate dialogue between Government and social partners and other stakeholders. Facilitate effective partnership and knowledge building of national counterparts in the area of Democratic Governance especially on reforms related to conflict prevention and peace building parliament, judicially, constitutional review, accountability and transparency institutions and electoral processes Provides strategic/policy advisory services in accordance with UNDP‘s corporate mandate and approach to support UNDP management and program in the area of Governance Reforms and capacity building to achieve the following results: A relevant and strategically cohesive Governance program within the framework of the ZUNDAF that is responsive to national priorities; Broad, substantive guidance to the country office and national counterparts in the area of deepening democracy, anti-corruption, ongoing reforms related to conflict prevention and peace building parliament, judicially, constitutional review, accountability and transparency institutions and electoral processes. Effective integration of capacity development throughout UNDP’s work with a focus on Governance and MDGs including promulgation of effective policies and strategies that would create synergies between poverty alleviation and governance reforms and capacity building initiatives in collaboration with other experts Promotion of national ownership and the development of national capacities; fostering of policies and partnerships for enhanced programmatic results and recommend strategic options in addressing capacity requirements and challenges to improve governance in the country. Liaise with development partners, capacity building providers and civil society on strategic issues on governance reform agenda and provide advice on approaches and methodology for cooperation. Impact on gender equality by collaborating with gender and governance Unit, to the design, provide and coordinate substantive technical inputs to national policies and strategies on Governance and capacity building initiatives and programs. Compilation, analysis and interpretation of data, thorough research of the policy development issues in the country; and preparation of technical and strategic position papers, presentations, advisory notes and briefing notes that would strengthen CO interventions Ensure knowledge building with national stake holders, UN agencies and other partners focusing on achieving the following results: Technical support to research activities, and participation in such activities as required. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned in the area of Democratic Governance; Participation in relevant knowledge networks, and application of practices and lessons learned that are relevant to Zimbabwe Contribute to knowledge management for UNDP in the program area of Democratic Governance and capacity building; Contribution to knowledge development for the UN core team of in-country experts who provide policy/technical advisory services. Contribution to knowledge development for the national stakeholders and other partners as required In close consultation with the UNDP and UN Country Team, the governance and capacity building advisor shall provide strategic guidance and substantive input that ensures governance and Capacity Development issues are constantly taken into account in formulating and implementing the ZUNDAF 2012-2015 and other planning instruments to achieve the following results: Work plans and other inputs on governance and Capacity Development interventions for the various ZUNDAF Thematic groups and other planning instruments. To coordinate the participation of UNDP in the implementation of the recommendations from the Capacity development needs assessment (ZCDNA) and other Capacity Development initiatives being pursued in collaboration with partners. A thorough follow- up on the implementation of the key results emanating from Capacity Development assessments which UNDP is a party. Coordination of all governance and capacity building activities for different partners which UNDP is partnering, including design and implementation. Advisory notes to the RC/RR, briefs and regular updates on governance and capacity development trends in Zimbabwe.

Competencies

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 Treats all people fairly without favoritism Functional Competencies: Technical Expertise Specialist knowledge in the area of Governance, preferably with in-depth expertise in one or several areas relating to parliamentary development, electoral processes, legal and judicial reforms, institution building, public administration reform, decentralization and Local Governance, human rights, capacity development, civic education and anti-corruption and conflict prevention and management. Theoretical and practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development and governance and capacity development issues Strong understanding of political dynamics in government, civil society and the donor community in developing countries. Ability to provide sound advice in a complex political environment Knowledge Management and Learning: Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development Ability to provide top quality policy advice services on governance issues In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues Development and Operational Effectiveness: Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting Ability to go beyond established procedures and models, propose new approaches which expand the range of programs Ability to work with minimal supervision Ability to lead formulation and evaluation of development programs and projects Ability to apply theory to the specific country context, carry out high-quality research Management and Leadership: Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Demonstrates strong writing, facilitation, and presentation skills Builds strong relationships and networks with clients and external actors Negotiation skills: capacity to work with diverse partners including Government, donors and civil society; Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Holder of an advanced degree from an accredited university in social sciences, International Development, Public Policy, Law, Political Science, Public Administration or related discipline, preferably a Masters or PhD level. Experience: Successful candidate should have worked for a period not less than 15 years in the areas of Governance and Capacity Development with proven experience on policy research and analysis in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization, minimum 5 years in a developing country context Familiarity with Governance reforms and pro-democracy and good governance issues in Sub-Saharan Africa a strong advantage Experience in post conflict situations with sound knowledge on UNDP capacity development methodology will be an added advantage. Experience providing management advisory services in a multi-cultural environment Hands-on experience in the design, implementation, and/or monitoring and evaluation of development projects Experience working with Human Rights Institutions or working with Electoral/Parliamentary assistance will be an advantage Knowledge and familiarity with the UN System and the mandates of UN Agencies will be an advantage Evidence of research and publications in the broad area of governance will be an advantage Excellent writing, facilitation and presentation skills Experience in the use of computers and office software packages Language Requirements: Fluency in English

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.

Policy Advisor - Governance & Capacity Building (Re-advertisement)