UNDP Liberia

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO UNDP/SSA/2007/010

Post Title : Management Advisor Institutional Reform and Change / Process
Post Level : Special Service Agreement (SSA – equivalent of NPPP –C)
Duty Station : Ministry of Finance (Resource Management Unit) (RMU) Monrovia/Liberia
Duration of contract : Initially six months (with possible renewal)
Starting Date : 1 October 2007
Date of Issue : 23 August 2007
Closing Date : 10 September 2007

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

Background:

Liberia has undergone profound changes over the past one and a half years. A country long known for civil and political strife is slowly but surely recovering under a democratically elected government headed by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The collaborative work between a Government that is committed to change and the multi-donor, Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program (GEMAP) has made this possible. There is clear Government leadership and ownership of the reform program which is characterized by transparency and accountability on issues of economic governance and sound fiscal management.

As envisaged in GEMAP, a Resource Management Unit (RMU) is being established in the Ministry of Finance to support improvements in public financial management systems and procedures. The World Bank through the RMU is providing for specialized Technical Assistance in areas that have been prioritized by Ministry of Finance. The RMU shall have nine international and two local experts in the fields of expenditure and revenue management, legal, concessions, information technology and change management.

The Government of Liberia is committed to application of appropriate fiduciary standards and reforming the related business processes. The RMU team of experts is expected to facilitate this process.

Objective:

The Advisor would have an overview of the systemic functioning of the MOF and provide the road map for institutional changes. The focus would be on assessing processes, skill gaps, resource utilization and improving the culture of professional and business practices. The task would be to assure that the overall efforts of the RMU team members cohere in a strategic fashion to ensure coordination and consistency of efforts.

Scope of Work:

Under the supervision of the Task Manager for the RMU Grant and the Minister of Finance, The Institutional Reform and Change/Process Management Advisor shall carry out services, which shall include but not necessarily be limited to the following tasks: 

• Assist the Administration Department in developing and implementing internal controls, policies, and procedures;
• Assist in financial and administrative planning within the Ministry of Finance;
• Evaluate and consult with relevant Deputy Ministers regarding redesign of the business processes in the Ministry of Finance, thereby improving service delivery and organizational efficiency;
• Provide to relevant Deputy Ministers expert advice on programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of their Departments including:
• preparing and analyzing of Ministry of Finance/departmental budgets;
• assigning, evaluating, and monitoring performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on Ministry of Finance budget/program performance;
• preparing guidelines and formats for results-based operational planning in Ministry of Finance; and
• evaluating staff performance against operational plans
• Assess the demands and capacity of service delivery in the Ministry of Finance and identify bottlenecks in the process flow;

• Design and implement performance indicators for each process flow and periodically conduct measurements against these objectives;
• Develop a records retention plan to assist in the archiving and storage of documents;
• Assist in formulating & implementing an emergency preparedness plan;
• Conduct a staffing review which would involve designing and evaluating jobs to optimize staffing model, assessing needed competencies, changes in skill mix and training requirements;
• Provide expert advice and assistance to senior management for the development of a client centered performance management system;
• Coordinating within Ministry of Finance to determine the scope of change, implementation plan and outcome monitoring for the change management measures;
• The advisor will ensure smooth adjustment of the MOF staff to the new business processes through internal change readiness surveys, participatory workshops etc.
• Prepare and implement a communication strategy to ensure broad-based support for reform / change process;
• Promote learning and knowledge sharing through training and ensure knowledge transfer to the identified change agents within the Ministry of Finance.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Public Administration, Management studies or equivalent and accreditation with internationally recognized professional associations.
• Additional degree in strategic management / planning is a definite advantage.
• Minimum of 10 – 15 years experience in institutional reform and change management and administration of the public sector, particularly in the areas of organizational diagnosis, structural reform, and / or process reengineering.
• Experience in working in a post-conflict environment would clearly be preferred.
• Prior operating experience in strategic planning / design with emphasis on public sector reform in developing countries.
• A clearly identified capability, supported by previous client references, to impart real knowledge and understanding of modern systems and solutions

•  Ability to work independently and as a team member in an international environment

•  Ability to envisage possibilities, think logically and creatively, challenge tradition, and translate fresh ideas into innovative policy and practical programs of activity

• Proficiency in application of web technologies for knowledge systems; standard computer software (word-processing, excel, databases, power point and internet).
• Solid cross cultural and interpersonal skills
• Excellent analytical, research and report writing skills

Must be a Liberian

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