TECHNICAL SPECIALIST (LEGAL SECTOR REFORM)

Background

UNDP Tanzania supports the Legal Sector Reform project in Zanzibar in response to the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s priorities, as outlined in the key strategic documents (Vision 2020, MKUZA II and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Strategic Plan) priorities. It is also based on the UN Programmatic framework the United Nations Development Assistance Programme (UNDAP) outcome 1.2 ‘Select Public Sector Reforms in Zanzibar are developed and accelerated’. Since September 2011, The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar in collaboration with UNDP engaged in preparatory activities for a broad-based legal sector reform under an initiation plan signed between UNDP and the Zanzibar Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA). This was followed by the signing of a full project document which is currently under implementation. The project aims to support the MoJCA in developing, coordinating and implementing legal sector reform measures. The project seeks to address urgent short-term capacity needs of MoJCA and other legal sector institutions as well as support the Government pursue critical reform priorities, the intervention is designed to catalyze the implementation of legal sector reform. The current series of the project activities are designed as strategic entry points into the broader effort to reform the legal sector in Zanzibar in collaboration with other partners. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director (Programme) and reporting to the Deputy Principal Secretary-MoJCA, the incumbent provides effective and efficient management of the project through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of project activities. The Technical Specialist applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. He/she is responsible and accountable to the Project Board (Legal Sector Reform Steering Committee) for the project results. The Technical Specialist works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other project teams in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Technical Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director (Programme) and in close cooperation with the Programme Specialist (Democratic Governance) and the National Project Coordinator, will ensure the provision of development services and products of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying Human Rights Based Approach.   More specifically: Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Project outputs and products leading to the achievement of expected results; Within the strategic framework concerted with the national counterparts, prepare work-plans reflecting the scope of activities, timing, sequencing, cost and other inputs for the implementation of the Project activities;  Be responsible for the implementation of the Project work plan according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as for the overall management of the Project in accordance to prevailing UNDP rules, regulations and procedures; Liaise with the national counterparts, donors and the UNDP office to ensure that Project results are achieved and Project resources are managed efficiently and effectively;  Present work-plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the Project Board and UNDP Country Office; Ensure the effective management of human resources pertaining to the Project, including, consultants and short-term experts; build, lead and motivate a solid team of professionals; validate terms of reference for international and national consultants; Manage efficiently the financial resources of the Project, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting; Continuously record and maintain relevant Project activities, issues, risks, etc in the UNDP Atlas Project Management Module (software platform); Lead and coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, study tours and related activities relevant to the implementation of the Project;  Identify key performance indicators as well as develop and maintain a monitoring system to ensure effective information sharing, provision of feedback and elaboration of top quality progress reports; Ensure high quality information and visibility of the Project activities to the mass media and stakeholders; Support the Programme Specialist (Democratic Governance) and CO Programme section in general in programme development, formulation and strategic processes and in maintaining effective dialogue and coordination with National Project Coordinator, representatives of Government, Civil Society and relevant donor representatives; Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation of the Project as required. Impact of Results The key results of the post will contribute to the UN’s efforts to better reforming the legal sector and systems of in Zanzibar.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Ensures that the project is consistent with UN/UNDP values; Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility; Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions. Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning Shares knowledge and experience; Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on programme and capacity development activities; Promotes a supportive environment to enhance partnerships, leverages resources and build support for UNDP’s strategic initiatives; Collaborates with regional, national and local partners to create and apply knowledge and concepts that will help partners achieve UNDP’s development objectives within the country and regional context; Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills. Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise: Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines; Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff; Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit; Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop himself/herself professionally; Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures.  Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools; Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments. Development and Operational Effectiveness: Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of Programme, managing data, reporting; Ability to provide input to business processes, re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems; Ability to engage with various partners and stakeholders at different levels, to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government and represent UNDP in national and regional fora; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents; Capacity to implement the strategic vision and programmatic goals as laid down in the Project Document; Proven performance in organizing and coordinating major initiatives, events or challenging inter-organizational activities; Adapts flexibly to changing situations, overcomes obstacles and recovers quickly from set-backs. Leadership and Self-Management: Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback; Ability to achieve results and meet strict deadlines in an effective manner, maintaining a high quality standard throughout; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively; Demonstrated ability to manage a team and to foster team spirit and synergy; Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, and plan as well as transfer knowledge and skills; Good interpersonal skills with experience of networking with partners at all levels.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Masters Degree in Law, Political Science, International Development, Development Studies or any other related discipline, additional qualifications in law related field would be of an added advantage.  Experience: Must possess five years of professional experience in, legal sector reforms, public sector reforms, international development, policy development, national planning, resource mobilization, and capacity development; Proven experience in the project management including design, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation with strong project reporting skills of development assistance projects and/or working in a relevant position to this post; Experience working with or in international and donor organizations with implementation of participatory programmes and reporting on donor funded projects; Excellent communication and advocacy skills; Demonstrated experience as strategic thinker, communicator and motivator; Extensive experience in managing a multidisciplinary team; Excellent computer skills. Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Kiswahili is essential.

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