UNDP Liberia

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO. UNDP/SC/2006/029

Date of Issue: 7 November 2007
Closing Date: 14 November 2007

Post Title: National Policy Analyst (Pro-Poor Policy)
Post Level: NPPP (Equivalent of Level A)
Duty Station: Monrovia/Liberia
Duration: One year
Bureau/Office: UNDP/SPU
Start Date: 1 December 2006

This vacancy is open to applicants of either sex. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates.

BACKGROUND

The onset of the democratically elected administration in Liberia has given fresh impetus to consolidated pro-poor policy and service delivery as the centrepiece of Liberia’s reconstruction and development agenda. Following the recently expired Results-Focused Transition Framework (RFTF) in March 2006, an interim poverty reduction strategy paper (iPRSP) has been drafted setting out clear, pro-poor policy directions and priorities to guide development efforts up to June 2008. Transition to a full, MDG-based poverty reduction strategy is envisioned for July 2008. The coordination of the PRSP implementation will be tasked primarily to the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Committee (LRDC) and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs (MPEA) to ensure that benchmarks are achieved and progress made towards Liberia’s reconstruction and development. As these processes evolve, substantial technical support will continue to be required. In this regard and to bolster ongoing technical support to the national development process, the services of a National Policy Analyst are required to provide support in areas outlined below.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the overall guidance of the Economic Advisor and the direct supervision of the National Economist, the National Policy Analyst ensures efficient and effective support to pro-poor service delivery and national reconstruction and development process.

The Analyst works in close collaboration with the Country Office (CO) Programmes, Operations, and project staff, Government, development partners and civil society as required for advancing national poverty reduction policy and programme implementation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Summary of Key Functions

• Strategic support to the national consultations and participatory mechanisms for the PRS process
• Technical and analytical support to the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Committee
• Facilitation of aid coordination and strategic partnerships for poverty reduction
• Support to the implementation of strategic capacity building initiatives

Specific Tasks

1. Provide support to the preparation and implementation of the national Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), with particular emphasis on participatory mechanisms and stakeholder consultations.
2. Provide technical support to the working groups and advisory teams engaged in the preparation of the full PRS and its mainstreaming into the purview of key development actors.
3. Facilitate the engagement of the national Legislature and non-state actors in PRS formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation as well as developing tools and methodologies for engaging stakeholders in the PRS process.
4. Serve as a liaison with the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Committee (LRDC) and its pillars (including Security, Basic Services and Infrastructure, Economic Revitalisation and Governance), providing technical support to ensure implementation of national programmes to achieve pro-poor outcomes.
5. Work with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, the LRDC and other sector Ministries, Departments and Agencies to strengthen aid coordination structures, tools and mechanisms for monitoring pro-poor outcomes of Liberia’s reconstruction and development agenda.
6. Facilitate the design and implementation of sub-national poverty reduction plans while providing the requisite assistance to county management to contextualize and implement their poverty reduction plans within the context of the overall national PRS.
7. Foster strategic, multi-stakeholder partnerships and develop appropriate tools and frameworks for effective pro-poor policy dialogue.
8. Assist the CO in providing support to capacity building initiatives, such as the Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN), Liberia Emergency Capacity Building Support Project (LECBS) and Senior Executive Service (SES) programmes etc.
9. Support the CO in facilitating SPU technical missions.
10. Perform other duties as required by the Country Office through the Strategy and Policy Unit.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Advanced degree in Economics, development studies, international relations or other related social sciences, with good research background in post-crisis reconstruction and development.
2. 2 -3 years experience in post-crisis development work
3. Familiarity with UN system
4. Excellent written and oral English
5. Proven multi-cultural experience and ability to relate effectively with Government, Donors, Civil Society and other development partners.
6. Working knowledge of the French language will be an advantage
7. Ability to work with and respect people of different national and cultural backgrounds
8. Excellence computer and word processing skills; MS Office, Adobe, MS Publisher

COMPETENCIES

* Skills: Analytical capacity, communications and writing excellence, collaborative and technological capability
* Attitudes: Goal, team and people oriented, exhibit professional ethics, pro-active, diplomatic and team and people oriented

Email application to this vacancy should be sent to vacancies.lr@undp.org. Please insert Vacancy Announcement Number in the Subject of the email or written application. Applications without the Vacancy Announcement Number or with the incorrect Vacancy Announcement Number will not be accepted. Attach photocopies of qualifications (i.e. technical certificates and academicals) and a one-page cover letter indicating your interest and suitability for the position.

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for a written test followed by an interview.

Please forward all written applications to:

Deputy Resident Representative (Operations)
Attention: HR Unit
United Nations Development Programme
Simpson Apartment, Mamba Point
Monrovia, Liberia

cc: All UN Agencies and UNDP Programmes/Projects and All Counties

 

Note: All applications/queries must be addressed to: vacancies.lr@undp.org
Also you can download the P11 Form here