TEAM LEADER AND REGIONAL LIAISON ADVISOR (RLA)
Location : New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Application Deadline : 06-Dec-12 Type of Contract : FTA International Post
Level : P-5 Languages Required :
Application Deadline : 06-Dec-12 Type of Contract : FTA International Post
Level : P-5 Languages Required :
English Duration of Initial Contract : 1
year
year
Background
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
countries), and through various interagency mechanisms.
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
countries), and through various interagency mechanisms.
The Field Support Team (FST) is composed of a
Regional Liaison Unit and a Knowledge Management and M&E Unit. As such the
FST is DOCO’s field facing coordination support and knowledge management team
that provides the following four primary services in coordination with
the Headquarters Support Team: (HST).
Regional Liaison Unit and a Knowledge Management and M&E Unit. As such the
FST is DOCO’s field facing coordination support and knowledge management team
that provides the following four primary services in coordination with
the Headquarters Support Team: (HST).
- Supports the Regional UNDG Teams and UNCTs to
implement the UNDG strategic priorities, the Management and Accountability
(M&A) system responsibilities and the agreed commitments on aid
effectiveness, including through tools related to UNDAF programming,
harmonization of business practices, change management, RC system,
crisis/post-conflict countries, and Delivering as One measures. - Serves as the primary interface for DOCO
communication with Regional UNDG Teams and UNCTs to ensure a clear, shared
understanding of UNDG strategic priorities and guidance, and of regional
and country coordination issues. - Gathers, analyzes, disseminates and
communicates information, lessons learned and best practices regarding
regional and country coordination to support the achievement of UNDG
strategic priorities and M&A System objectives. - Provides advice and support to the Director to
deepen engagement of senior UNDG leaders in key regional and country-level
issues and to identify opportunities to leverage UNDG/DOCO leadership
authority/influence in pursuit of development coordination objectives.
The RLA Team Leader, reports to the Deputy Director
DOCO, for general direction and guidance, and is responsible to coordinate the
strategic outputs and contributions of the Regional Liaison Unit.
DOCO, for general direction and guidance, and is responsible to coordinate the
strategic outputs and contributions of the Regional Liaison Unit.
While coordinating the Regional Liaison Team, the
Team Leader, in her/his functional role as Regional Liaison Advisor will
principally act alongside the Advisors of the Regional Liaison Unit. The RLA /
Team Leader serves as a the principal focal point for DOCO for regular
contact and communication with the Regional UNDG Teams and RCs on UNDG
strategic priorities under her/his direct supervision and provides support to
the respective assigned Regional UNDG Team(s), and as required to the Resident
Coordinators (RC) and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) in the geographic region(s)
assigned to her/him , on the implementation of UNDG strategic priorities and
the Management and Accountability (M & A) system and agreed
commitments on common country programming, aid effectiveness, business
operations, joint funding, support to Delivering as One, crisis/post-crisis
transition planning and coordination, and human rights.
Team Leader, in her/his functional role as Regional Liaison Advisor will
principally act alongside the Advisors of the Regional Liaison Unit. The RLA /
Team Leader serves as a the principal focal point for DOCO for regular
contact and communication with the Regional UNDG Teams and RCs on UNDG
strategic priorities under her/his direct supervision and provides support to
the respective assigned Regional UNDG Team(s), and as required to the Resident
Coordinators (RC) and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) in the geographic region(s)
assigned to her/him , on the implementation of UNDG strategic priorities and
the Management and Accountability (M & A) system and agreed
commitments on common country programming, aid effectiveness, business
operations, joint funding, support to Delivering as One, crisis/post-crisis
transition planning and coordination, and human rights.
The RLA Team Leader coordinates the outputs of the
Regional Liaison Unit and acts as the principal focal point for all
interactions between the Unit and DOCO senior management.
Regional Liaison Unit and acts as the principal focal point for all
interactions between the Unit and DOCO senior management.
The RLA Team Leader and all Advisors of Unit will
be assigned geographically to support one or more Regional UNDG Team(s), and
may be required to cover other region(s) as necessary.
be assigned geographically to support one or more Regional UNDG Team(s), and
may be required to cover other region(s) as necessary.
Duties and Responsibilities
Management of the Regional Liaison Unit:
- Establish the Unit work plan; determine
priorities, timelines and results, including individual performance
objectives ensuring alignment with FST and DOCO work plans. Oversee
progress in the implementation to ensure delivery of results according to
standards and objectives. Take timely decision to ensure objectives are
met. - Supervise the RLA team promoting
team-building/approaches/synergy, build staff capacity and encourage
excellence in performance. - Determine the resources required (financial,
human, etc) and provide input in the budget preparation process with DOCO
Senior Management. Manage allotments for optimum use and to ensure
compliance with organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures
and of integrity and transparency. Identify and recruit technical
resources, consultants and other services, establish the TOR and oversee
and supervise delivery of quality results. - Represent the Unit in all Management oversight
and decision support structures set up by DOCO Senior Management to
facilitate the governance of the Office - Responsible for the day-to-day management
delegated by the DOCO Director of the Capacity Gap Initiative for Crisis
& Transition Countries (part of the Country Coordination Fund / UN
CCF) – including the following tasks in coordination with the DOCO
Business Service Centre: preparation of allotment decisions to DOCO
Director, narrative reporting to donors, supporting the DOCO Director in
their role as co-chair of the Capacity Gap Deployment Steering Committee,
establishing and maintaining an M&E system of the Initiative and any
other related activities and tasks pertaining to proper project / fund
management.
Liaison, collaboration, coordination and advisory
support:
support:
- Reinforce understanding of UNDG strategic
priorities with the Regional UNDG Team and UNCTs through active
collaboration, partnerships and alliance building to facilitate dialogue
and shared understanding of and commitments to the UNDG strategic
priorities and other key developments by stakeholders. - Identify guidelines, tools, and/or
resource person(s) and share with regional staff to assist them to
effectively implement UNDG strategic priorities. Coordinate and facilitate
follow-up access to subject matter experts and/or tools, in collaboration
with the HST and its expert networks, the Knowledge Management unit and
other UN entities. - In consultation with the Regional UNDG Team,
participate at the technical level in Secretariat-led,
country-specific mechanisms involving crisis countries and participate in
related missions, keeping abreast of rapidly evolving policy issues,
provide clear and timely feedback to the HST/ Crisis/Post-Crisis
Transition Planning and Coordination Unit on issues to be addressed
through global mechanisms, and ensure the effective provision of critical,
timely support and assistance to crisis/post crisis transition countries
facing immediate, broad scale, and/or intensive coordination requirements
and challenges; prepare country-specific briefs for the Director and UNDG
Chair, as required, including Policy Committee deliberations on
country-specific issues. - Ensure the assigned Regional UNDG Team
receives required second line trouble shooting support In accordance with
the M&A system, and as requested by Regional UNDG Team, provide direct
assistance to UNCTs.
Capacity building and contribution to knowledge
management:
management:
- Collaborate with Regional UNDG Team(s) to
determine the support that FST can provide to actively and effectively
assist the UNDG Team(s) to build and sustain expertise. - Coordinate requests for advice from RC
office staff, UNCTs and Regional UNDG Team(s) to ensure consistent
application of UNDG guidelines and tools. Provide technical assistance to
regional workshops, UNCT retreats and other country level events to
reinforce mainstreaming and implementation of UNDG reform measures and to
strengthen their capacities for UNDAF preparation and implementation,
post-crisis transition/integrated missions planning preparation and
implementation. - In consultation with Regional UNDG
Teams, coordinate the Regional Liaison Unit review and,
prioritization of requests for allocation of DOCO managed financial
resources to support region-specific initiatives or activities to enhance
field capabilities in UNDAF preparation and implementation, harmonization
of business practices, or crisis and/or transition planning and
coordination, and human rights. - Collaborate with regional staff to contribute
to planning and designing workshops, strategic retreats, annual/mid-term
reviews and/or events to enhance field capacities, refine systemic
learning and operationalize UNDG strategic priorities in programming and
harmonization of business practices and operations, crisis/post-crisis
transition planning and coordination. - Consult with Regional UNDG Team(s) to identify
and address UNCT/RC issues and capacity gaps; review and prioritize
requests from the UNCTs for allocation of SRC and CCF funds. - Provide advice to the Regional UNDG Team(s)
and support the deployment of experts from the UNDG Expert Rosters in
response to requests from the Regional UNDG for assistance to UNCTs to
fill any capacity gaps experienced by their team, and obtain feedback on
experts for internal use. - Coordinate within the RLA Team, in
consolidating and disseminating best practices and lessons learned across
regions, in collaboration with the Knowledge Management Unit and HST. - Lead the Regional Liaison Unit’s provision of
advice and collaborate with HST to refine and strengthen corporate
policies to improve development outcomes and performance based on best
practices and lessons learned.
Monitoring and evaluation support:
- In collaboration with the Monitoring and
Evaluation Specialist, ensure UNDG–approved tools and indicators are
applied at the regional and country levels to continuously monitor and
measure progress in implementing UNDG policies and guidelines.
External relations:
- Ensure regional awareness and use of UNDG
policies, guidelines and tools among relevant parties at the regional and
country levels and assist in interpreting/applying standard information to
differing country circumstances. - In coordination with HST identify
opportunities and issues at the regional and country levels for engaging
senior UNDG leaders to achieve UNDG strategic priorities and lead on
recommending courses of action to the DOCO Senior Management.
Competencies
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
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;
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; - Takes initiative and seeks opportunities to
initiate action. - Actively produces and disseminates new
knowledge; creates/contributes to mechanisms to collect and share
knowledge; - Actively seeks learning opportunities;
demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development
Proposes
innovative ideas and new solutions to work
innovative ideas and new solutions to work
Functional Competencies:
- Proven experience in leading
multi-disciplinary teams and experience in supervision of clerical and
non-clerical personnel. - Demonstrated ability to create and build
networks, partnerships and alliances - Good understanding of UNDG strategic
priorities, especially from field-based perspective - Good understanding of DOCO’s substantive
areas of focus, with a solid knowledge and understanding in at least
one of these areas (ie. common country programming, business operations,
crisis/post-crisis transition planning and coordination, Delivering as One
and/or human rights) - Very good understanding of development
operations coordination issues, tools and challenges, especially in
programmatic areas. - Good understanding of the UN common
system and the UN reform, in particular, the roles of the UNDG and DOCO,
and key stakeholders, especially at the regional and country levels - Anticipates and understands internal and
external issues and opportunities that may impact on the organization - Demonstrated ability to promote organizational
agenda - Demonstrated ability to provide change advice
and develop strategies to enable staff/office to deal with change
effectively - Demonstrated ability to identify needs and
develop strategies for capacity-building, especially at field-based level - Ability to contribute effectively in
team-based setting, especially in the area of knowledge-sharing and
learning; leverage the different experiences and expertise of team members
to achieve better outcomes - Keeps abreast of new developments in areas of
focus - Ability to speak and write clearly and
convincingly, adapting style and content to different audiences - Strong writing skills.
- Proven ability to advise and develop strategic
and operational solutions with clients; anticipates constraints in the
delivery of services and identifies solutions - Proven effectiveness in disseminating and
promoting use of sound methodologies and tools to assist organizational
units in carrying out results-based monitoring and evaluation
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advance university degree in international
relations, public or business management or other social sciences and
related field is required.
Experience:
- At least 10 years relevant experience,
including three years in an advisory or technical capacity with the UN
system, Agencies, Funds or Programs at the country or regional level.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in oral and written English is
required. Proficiency in another UN working language, as may be required
for a given region, would be an asset.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity
in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups,
indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to
apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups,
indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to
apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Closing Date: Thursday, 06 December 2012
