POLICY SPECIALIST, CRISIS/POST CRISIS TRANSITION PLANNING AND COORDINATION

Under the leadership of the UNDG Chair, and with the guidance of the UNDG, the overall objective of the United Nations Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO) is to support the strategic priorities of the UNDG, and related coordination goals, and to meet DOCO’s responsibilities under the Management and Accountability (M&A) system, in furtherance of the QCPR framework. DOCO supports the UNDG at all levels to better support national partners in meeting the MDGs/IADGs and other critical national development priorities, specifically, the UNDG and its Advisory Group at Headquarters, Regional UNDG Teams, and RCs and UNCTs. In carrying out its responsibilities, DOCO works closely with other UN entities and stakeholders (including DPA, DPKO, DSS, WB, OCHA and the Policy Committee in case of crisis and post-crisis countries), and through various interagency mechanisms.   Within DOCO, the Headquarters Support Team (HST) is the HQ-facing coordination policy and practice team that provides the following four primary services in support of UNDG strategic priorities, in collaboration with the Field Support Team (FST): Highlight key operational coordination issues and lessons learned for discussion and decision by UNDG. Facilitate the use of interagency networks of expertise to support implementation of UNDG strategic priorities  and address coordination issues at the field level. Support the UNDG in formulating, managing and implementing ongoing global coordination work plans. Provide advice and support to the Director on the need for and take advantage of opportunities to leverage and to deepen UNDG leadership/influence in pursuit of development coordination objectives Under the general direction and overall guidance of the Acting Team Leader, Crisis/Post Crisis Transition Planning and Coordination Unit,  the Policy Specialist will be responsible for supporting the UNDG in developing policies, guidelines and tools to support the UNCTs and Regional UNDG Teams on crisis and post-crisis transition; providing policy coordination advice  on crisis and post-crisis transition planning and coordination; supporting the UNDG-ECHA Working Group on Transitions (WGT); and contributing to strengthening knowledge management efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of functions Policy coordination and support Collaboration with DOCO colleagues and other UN system and external partners Knowledge management and sharing Policy coordination and support Provide support to assigned elements of the work of the UNDG/ECHA Working Group on Transitions (WGT); on behalf of this UNDG working mechanism, provide policy advice and expertise; organize discussions; facilitate drafting of policy documents, briefs and background papers; facilitate the development of policy proposals, and perform related activities. Provide secretariat support to the UNDG-ECHA WGT, including by supporting the chair, assisting with agenda setting and substantive preparation of meetings as well as information sharing; help monitor the implementation of the UNDG-ECHA WGT Work Plan 2013-14 and follow up with the chair and WGT members as appropriate; support analytical work on possible restructuring of the WGT. With delegated authority of the Acting Team Leader, Crisis/Post Crisis Transition Planning and Coordination unit, participate, as appropriate, in policy fora on crisis/post-crisis transition planning and coordination within and outside the UN and follow-up to relevant Policy Committee issues. Provide guidance on developing strategies for transition planning. Also, promote familiarization and implementation of existing policies, UN system-wide coordination, and partnerships with external entities. Collaboration with DOCO colleagues and other UN system and external partners Support DOCO’s engagement with the UN/World Bank Trust Fund Steering Committee and the UN/World Bank Trust Fund Working Group. In accordance with the UNDG/World Bank agreement, support DOCO’s role as focal point for post-crisis responses and needs assessments and as UNDG focal point for inter-institutional communications at HQ level. Provide support to the Post-Conflict Needs Assessment (PCNA) Advisory Group. Participate in the Peacebuilding Contact Group and support DOCO’s engagement in the Senior Peacebuilding Group, including following issues related to the implementation of SG’s reports on peacebuilding. Ensure that UNDG input is consistently provided in a coherent manner on all relevant PBSO led policy development and activities as well as on the Civilian Capacities initiative, and liaise thereon with FST Regional Liaison Adviser Unit as relevant. Assist in the development of guidance for the operationalization of the Delivering as One Standard Operating Procedures (DaO SOPs) in order to ensure that the guidance is also tailored to transition settings. Participate in the development of training on SOPs in collaboration with DOCO colleagues/consultants with respect to transition elements therein. Knowledge management and sharing In cooperation with the FST, analyze and advise on the application of lessons learned and experiences into guidance and tools. Recommend and/or introduce innovations and best practices in DOCO based on emerging industry trends, best practices, mechanisms and tools. Share knowledge management concepts, practices and precepts, with groups/teams/task forces through active collaboration and interaction to reinforce their understanding and compliance with UNDG policy on issues related to crisis / post-crisis transition planning and coordination. Assist with other activities related to the work of the unit, as requested by the Acting Team Leader.  Impact of results   The ability of the Policy Specialist to provide timely, appropriate and efficient advice and support to UNDG, UNDG Regional Teams, DOCO colleagues, partners and other stakeholders contributes to the reinforcement of knowledge and application of best practices to improve performance and sustain achievements on development assistance in the area of crisis/post crisis transition planning and coordination, and promote the successful implementation of the UNDG strategic priorities and related coordination roles.

Competencies

Functional competencies Demonstrated ability to support and maintain inter-agency networks and partnership Good technical knowledge and understanding of both humanitarian and development cooperation  Keeps abreast of new developments in area of focus Good knowledge of UN reform Proven ability to coordinate and support formulation and development of policies, procedures and guidance at the regional and country levels Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of change processes Demonstrated ability to adapt best management practices to support the achievement of Unit/team goals Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of approaches to capacity-building, knowledge management and organizational learning Ability to contribute effectively in team-based setting, especially in the area of knowledge-sharing and learning Ability to write clearly and convincingly, adapting style and content to different audiences; speaks clearly and convincingly, demonstrating strong presentation and facilitation skills; Good technical writing skills Anticipates clients’ needs; demonstrates understanding of clients’ perspectives; solicits feedback on service provision and quality. Core Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favoritism Demonstrates and promotes the values of the UN in actions and decisions and acts in accordance with the standard of conduct for international civil servants Shows willingness to work without bias with all persons regardless of gender, nationality, religion or culture Contributes effectively to team-based activities, working collaboratively and sharing information openly; works effectively with colleagues inside the UN as well as its partners and other stakeholders to pursue common goals Facilitates and encourages open communication in the team, communicating effectively. Remains calm, composed and patient when facing conflict, manages conflict productively, focusing on mutually acceptable solutions

Required Skills and Experience

Education Advanced university degree in political, social, economic, business management or other related social science field is required. Experience At least 7 years of relevant experience in the area of crisis/post crisis transition planning and/or policy formulation and design, of which 3 years should preferably be in crisis/post-crisis countries and within the UN system or other international organizations. Extensive knowledge of UNDG and of UN-wide assessment, planning, programming, funding and monitoring processes.  Language requirements Fluency in written and spoken English For current PA/FTA holders – detail assignment is possible   FC 11300

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