UNDP Liberia

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO UNDP /SC/2007/014 UNDP

Post Title : Project Coordinator: Formulating National Capacity Development Strategy and Action Plan
Organization : UNDP
Post Level : National PP
Duty Station : Monrovia
Duration : 12 months (renewable based on performance and funding)
Remuneration: Post offers an attractive salary
Date of Issue : 4 February, 2008
Closing Date : 19 February, 2008

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

Background:
The Government of Liberia has recently finalized an Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy (IPRS) as a framework policy document to guide socioeconomic development activities from mid 2006 through mid 2008. The IPRS will be followed by the formulation of a four-year MDG-based Poverty Reduction Strategy to be implemented over the period 2008-2012. At the same time the Government has signed a project document for the preparation of a national vision that will set out a national strategic agenda to be implemented over a twenty-year period. Effective implementation of these framework policy initiatives depends crucially on the availability of the requisite capacity in all branches of the state and at various levels. Failure to develop capacity across the branches of the state may undermine the efforts of Government to carry out a reconstruction of the country, stimulate economic growth and enhance human development. The 2006 Human Development Report for Liberia also identifies the need for human development in Liberia .

While the main goal is to develop sustainable human capacity in Liberia , capacity development needs to occur simultaneously across three interrelated levels of capacity development: human, institutional and enabling environment, taking into account the fact that human capacity needs to be anchored in a sound institutional and policy environment. To ensure a well functioning whole, efforts are underway to address capacity development not only at the national-level public sector, but also in sub-national institutions, as well as among the private sector.

A number of interventions have been made in the last few years to strengthen capacity of state institutions to effectively carry out their mandates. These interventions, with the support of development partners, include, among others, Civil Service Reform, Judicial Reform, Anti-Corruption Strategy, Code of Conduct for Public Officials, Decentralization, Legislative Capacity Building, and emergency capacity building initiatives such as the Liberia Emergency Capacity Building Support (LECBS) project, the Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN), Senior Executive Service (SES) and the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program (GEMAP).

Project Objectives:

The overall goal of the project is to formulate a 10-year national capacity development strategy and action plan. Specifically, the objectives are to design and conduct a capacity assessment; formulate capacity development strategies; and draft and finalize the national capacity development strategy and action plan.

The project will focus on the public sector, but look at interactions with the private sector and civil society. The project will focus on the national level, but look at the interactions with the local levels. The capacity assessment and the capacity development strategies are expected to focus on a selected number of priority areas, as outlined in the IRPS: (1) Enhancing national security, (2) Revitalizing the national economy, (3) Strengthening governance and the rule of law, and (4) Rehabilitating infrastructure and delivering basic services.

Project Approach :

The team will identify key focus areas within each IPRS priority area (based on the objectives within each in the IRPS). Across each focus area, several functional capacities will be assessed in order to identify the capacity assets and needs associated with each. Among the functional capacities to be assessed are: engagement of stakeholders, assessment of the situation and the creation of a vision, formulation of policy and strategies, budgeting and implementation; and monitoring and evaluation. Across these functional capacities, the following core issues will be addressed: leadership, knowledge services and learning, institutional reform, and accountability measures. The assessment will be carried out at the three levels of human, institutional and enabling environment.

dditional perspectives will be gathered from a variety of stakeholders: partners, donors, private sector and civil society. These perspectives. Along with the results of the self-assessment, will be analyzed for insights by IPRS pillar as well as cross-pillar. These insights will lead to the formulation of the 10-year national capacity development strategy and action plan, which will be developed through a series of consultations and workshops

Working Arrangements

This coordinator will reside in the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs (MPEA) and report to the designated Deputy Minister.

Description of Responsibilities

The Project Coordinator, in liaison with the National Capacity Development Strategy Committee (NCDSC) and the Capacity Development Adviser, will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and administration of the project. The project coordinator's duties are to:

•  Prepare a detailed work plan for the project

•  Draft terms of reference for consultants and meetings (in consultation with the NCDSC and the Capacity Development Adviser)

•  Identify and engage the national experts and institutions (in consultation with the NCDSC and Capacity Development Adviser)

•  Organize and support workshops and meetings, as required during the project; produce workshop/meeting reports

•  Prepare project reports, for review by the Capacity Development Adviser

Undertake project-related duties

Assignment Deliverables

The key deliverables to be produced as result of this project include:

•  Detailed project workplan

•  Terms of reference for consultants and key meetings

•  Meeting/workshop reports

•  Periodic project reports

•  Knowledge transfer to Government counterparts

10-Year National Capacity Development Strategy and Action Plan. A document that details the capacity development vision for the nation across all levels and sectors, and that incorporates various capacity development initiatives. The document also includes articulation of activities and associated indicators

Competencies :

•  Excellent written and oral English, with good report-writing skills

•  Knowledge of capacity assessment methodologies and capacity development strategies

•  Knowledge of relief to development transition and post-conflict environment

•  Mature personality, capable of handling sensitive situations, and ability to establish professional rapports within Government and amongst Liberia 's key development partners

•  Proven ability in organizing senior level engagements and meetings

•  Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines

•  Team player and self-starter

Proven flexibility and dedication, with a disciplined work ethics

Qualifications

•  Advanced degree (at least Masters degree) in international relations; economics; political sciences; development or related discipline

•  A minimum of 5 years working experience in capacity development

•  A demonstrated ability in coordinating similar projects, and liaising and cooperating with all project personnel including government officials, civil society organizations and private sector

Computer literacy is vital

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