UNDP , Chief Technical Specialist (Parliament)

UNDP Mozambique has an ongoing cooperation with the Parliament to ensure that it becomes more effective in its main responsibilities as the main legislative body of the country with a special emphasis on its executive oversight function. The priority areas of cooperation have been the following: developing and strengthening the fiscal oversight function; supporting and training MPs in budget analysis and oversight; ensuring access of MPs to relevant financial oversight systems; supporting the conducting of oversight missions; organization of seminars and trainings on the role of the Parliament in the preparation and implementation of national development programmes; organizing learning sessions for MPs and the media on thematic areas of interest and developing and implementing plans for the revitalization of the Parliament’s communication strategy etc. The current programme will be completed in December 2011, and the new UNDAF/CPD will start in 2012. The CTA is required to provide continuing technical support for the Parliament and national and provincial levels. The project is being housed by the office of the Secretary-General of the Parliament. Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative (Programme), the Senior Parliamentary Advisor (SPA), who will be based at the Parliament, will report to the Deputy Resident Representative (Programme) and liaise with the Secretary-General and relevant Members of the Parliament on the day-to-day project implementation matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide top-notch expertise and advice to the Parliament of Mozambique and UNDP in the development of policy, regulations, methodologies, tools and working instruments. Provide technical support and advice to the Secretary General of the Parliament as the Project Manager. Provision of analysis of the governance, political, and socio-economic situation of the country. Identification of strategic and innovative areas of cooperation with interested development partners. Key contributions to knowledge management and communities of practice in the wider governance sector. Skills transfer and capacity development for the Parliament at national and provincial levels via the Secretary General’s office through trainings, briefing and study sessions, etc. Ensure that the Parliament produces periodic progress reports (quarterly, semi-annual and annual), as well as narrative and financial reports to be submitted to the Annual Meetings. Ensure that the 2007-2011 parliament support project is evaluated by March 2011. Design, develop and implement the Parliamentary support programme, based on the findings and recommendations of the final evaluation of the proceeding project. Effective application of the Results-Based Management (RBM) tools, establishment of management targets and monitoring and achievement of results. Strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the project including producing and revising quarterly work plans, outputs, and related budgets. Effective monitoring, measuring the impact of the project and evaluation. Constant monitoring and analysis of the emerging country context, timely adjustment of the project. Effective follow-up to the findings and recommendations of the previous project evaluation, as well as the audit and audit recommendations. Team work with the staff in the Secretary-General’s office of the Parliament, UNDP colleagues, and key stakeholders. • Provision of strategic advice in the formulation, implementation, and revision of the project work plans and related budgets. Expert advice in the formulation of the new UNDAF and the UNDP country programme. Report to UNDP, on a quarterly basis, on progress and results achieved by project activities, as well as on difficulties encountered. Mainstreaming cross-cutting issues such as HIV/AIDS, human rights, and gender into the existing Parliament project, as well as the new one. Institutionalise and maintain donor intelligence, strategic partnership and resource mobilization of which the objectives will focus on the following: Development and implementation of partnerships for achieving effective resource mobilization to achieve programme outcomes. Establishment and coordination of partnerships with UN agencies, international financial institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, government institutions, organized private sector, CSOs and other stakeholders. Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and identification of opportunities for cost-sharing. Ensure a smooth flow of information and exchange between UNDP Country Office, the existing donor and the Project. Undertakes advocacy and information, education and communication (IEC), focusing on: Facilitation of the process of creating and raising the level of awareness on pertinent issues related to parliamentary support. Determining appropriate media of reaching out to the public and design strategies for reaching the targets. Promotion of South-South collaboration in support for exchange of information and experience with other countries. Advice to UNDP on significant policy measures undertaken by the Government of Mozambique and the Parliament in the field and its likely impact. Undertake any other tasks as requested by the UNDP Country Office.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP. Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability. Functional Competencies: Technical knowledge Demonstrates a good understanding of the role and the challenges of the Parliament generally, as well as specifically in Mozambique. Exhibits a good knowledge of institutional development issues. Development and Operational Effectiveness: Ability to lead and contribute to strategic planning, change processes, results-based management, work planning, and reporting. Ability to formulate and manage budgets, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations. Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies. Ability to mobilise resources and undertake cost-recovery. Ability to implement new systems and effect behavioural change. Knowledge Management and Learning: Promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture Have good knowledge on UNDP programme and operational issues Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills Management and Leadership: Builds strong relationships with stakeholders and clients, focuses on impact and results for clients, and respond positively to feedback. Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment Excellent interpersonal skills Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills Demonstrates capacity to communicate effectively; resource management; capacity to plan and organize programmes effectively Demonstrates resourcefulness, initiative and mature judgment Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities. Patience to work under pressure and maintains positive outlook and humour.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced University degree (PhD a distinct advantage) in public administration, law, political science or related social science discipline Experience: Significant experience (7 years) in government (e.g. as an elected member, senior staff member or programme director of a national parliament or legislature, project manager, etc.) in the area of parliamentary development. Experience with similar assignments in similar developing countries, preferably in Sub Saharan - Africa. In-depth understanding of parliamentary processes and procedure. Hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. Excellent computer skills and ability to use information technology as a tool and resource. Previous work experience with UN/UNDP as added advantage. Demonstrated experience in designing and facilitating professional skills development training. Language Requirements: Fluency in written and oral English. Working knowledge of Portuguese will be an added advantage.

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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.

Chief Technical Specialist (Parliament)