UNDP Justice and Security Joint Programme Manager Job Vacancy in Monrovia, Liberia

Post Level : P-5
Languages Required :English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 16-Mar-2012
Duration of Initial Contract : One year (Renewable)

Background
In September 2010, Liberia was formally placed on the Agenda of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission based on a request from the Government of Liberia (GoL) in May 2010 to the UN Secretary General. In its letter of request, the GoL identified three areas: justice, security, and reconciliation as key priorities for peacebuilding and sustainable development . In particular, the GoL stressed the dire need for provision of justice and security at a more decentralized level and to foster reconciliation at the sub-national levels. In partnership with the United Nations, a three-year Liberia Peacebuilding Programme (LPP) has been developed to address the GoL priorities.

The outcome areas covered by the programme include:
• Strengthening the rule of law (Enhanced access to justice and community security through five regional hubs).
• Supporting security sector reform (Functions of Justice and Security institutions supported previously by UNMIL interventions fully maintained).
• Promoting National Reconciliation (Conflict sensitive regions are capacitated to address potential risks of relapse into violence and support peaceful conflict resolution s).

• In order to ensure the successful implementation of the GoL priorities and the LPP in general and various activities of the Justice and Security components, a Justice and Security Programme Manager is being sought. 
• The Programme Manager when recruited will be responsible to the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) or her designee. 
• The Justice and Security Programme Manager will liaise and work with the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Justice and Security related to the LPP to prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the Minister of Justice and SRSG. Copies of these reports will also be submitted to the JSC through the Peacebuilding Office (PBO.)
• Further, the Programme Manager will liaise with the Office of the Chief Justice or his designee on judiciary matters related to the Justice and Security component of the LPP.
• The Justice and Security Programme Manager will also support the implementation of programme activities of the LPP, as set out in the costed action plan, joint programmes and annual work plans as may be developed. 
• S/he will have supervisory responsibilities over each of the Regional Hub Managers.
• The Justice and Security Programme Manager will also work closely with the PBO and project teams (including UN Recipient agencies and Government institutions and implementing partners) in all aspects of the programme and will help support and conduct monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the LPP and assist in developing progress reports for the JSC, the MDTF, PBSO and the PBC.

Duties and Responsibilities
In all key functions, the International Programme Manager collaborates closely with a National Programme Manager. For the benefit of sustainability, the two posts mirror each other during the first 12 months, with a view to the National Programme Manager taking on the full responsibility once the international counterpart completes his/her assignment.

Leadership and Oversight of Liberia Peace Building Programme (LPP) Justice and Security Components:
• Advises the Government of Liberia (GoL), in consultation with the Technical Advisory Group on Justice and Security (JS TAG), in strategic planning, management, implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation of the LPP justice and security components as defined in the LPP programme document. The Programme Manager is expected to maintain close coordination with national and international partners and ensure mindfulness of cross-cutting issues – with particular attention given to gender issues, conflict sensitivity, and human rights -based approaches (HRBA);
• Coordinates the production and dissemination of consolidated reports on the justice and security components of the LPP based on progress reports prepared by participating GoL, UN, and other participating organizations;
• Establishes, in collaboration with the GoL, UN, and other participating organizations, systems for project planning and implementation;
• Advises the Deputy Minister of Justice, in his/her function as JS TAG chair. This involves overseeing technical support to the various programme components as needed;
• Advises the GoL, in consultation with the JS TAG, to develop a risk management strategy for the justice and security components of the LPP;
• Advises the GoL, in consultation with the JS TAG, to develop strategic partnerships for overall effectiveness of the Regional Justice and Security Hubs. In particular, ensures that JS TAG meetings are used efficiently and effectively in support of the regular and sustainable operation of Regional Justice and Security Hubs;
• Maintains regular communications link to the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary on judicial matters. The Programme Manager reports directly to the Minister of Justice on issues related to security as well as other issues requiring the attention of the Minister of Justice; and to the Chief Justice on issues related to judiciary;
• The Programme Manager, with support from the UNMIL SSR Advisor and the Liberia Peacebuilding Office (PBO), will maintain firm relationships with the two branches of Government, in particular with the Minister of Justice and the Chief Justice.

Planning, Management, and Monitoring
• Oversees the planning of all JSJP interventions of the LPP through managing submission of programme and progress reports of GoL and UN implementing partners. This includes the timely preparation of detailed Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and budgets for all programme activities;
• Liaises with implementing partners on infrastructure works, capacity building and community outreach activities, as detailed in the Costed Action Plan;
• Ensures that lead UN agencies are delivering on LPP projects as set out in the Costed Action Plan and that they observe their staffing and financial commitments as set forth in the Programme document;
• Oversees performance tracking and management of implementing partners to ensure quality assurance and timely delivery of outputs;
• Ensures delivery of the programme activities. Towards this end, the Programme Manager periodically reviews results to achieve intended outcomes in accordance with a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan to be developed in collaboration with the LPP M&E Specialist located within the PBO; and
• Provides regular and timely monitoring of progress on programme implementation issues pertaining to the Hubs, including identification of potential risks to Hub operations. The Programme Manager is expected to apply problem solving skills where needed; and
• Liaises with relevant partners, focal points and the PBO for continuous monitoring and assessment as per the Monitoring and Evaluation framework established in the LPP. This is carried out in close coordination with the future position of an M&E Specialist to be based in the PBO.

Coordination and Development of Strategic Partnerships
• Coordinates and collaborates with the PBO, implementing partners and UN Agencies to facilitate building linkages amongst the various justice and security projects as well as between the Justice and Security Joint Programme and the activities under the National Reconciliation Programme. Hereunder, the Programme Manager is expected to facilitate the harmonization of approaches, aimed at promoting common interests and achievement of overall results and impacts;
• Provides technical support and guidance to the JS TAG where applicable;
• Provides technical advice to the JS TAG to ensure quality assurance in execution of the Justice and Security Joint Programme;
• Advises the PBO, other national partners, UN and PBC in resource mobilization efforts on behalf of the Joint Programme;
• Liaises with UNMIL’s Peacebuilding Advisor around the management and implementation of PBF funded activities.

IMPACT OF RESULTS:
The key results have an impact on the Liberia Peace Building Programme through:
• Enhanced and effective justice and security service delivery throughout the country, thereby contributing to the planned goal of decentralization.
• Improved confidence in justice and security sector institutions by local communities.
• Reduced incidence of violence and greater reliance on Liberian justice and security sector professionals to provide effective services.
• Reduced levels of human rights abuses within the security sector.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies
• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values
• Demonstrates integrity by respecting the GoL’s vision, values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the LPP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism
• Projects a confident leadership style that encourages team spirit and cooperation.

Functional Competencies

Development and Operational Effectiveness:
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects
• Ability to be creative, flexible and proactive in order to provide continuous support to UN and GoL staff and partners in a challenging working environment.
• Solid knowledge of financial resources and human resources management , contract and asset management , procurement, information and communication technology, and general administration.
• Ability to lead a course of business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side), and to motivate staff behavioral and attitudinal changes.

Management and Leadership:
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Demonstrates openness to change and the ability to manage complex programmatic activities.
• Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
• Presents proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Professionalism:
• Demonstrated ability in managing and coordinating large scale multi-stakeholder projects and activities
• Aility to work independently with minimal supervision and to maintain flexibility.

Planning and Organizing:
• Demonstrated effective organizational skills and ability to handle technical work in an efficient and timely manner
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate tasks to meet deadlines.

Knowledge Management and Learning:
• Promotes knowledge management among justice and security professionals that promotes constructive assessment and builds on lessons learned for roll-out of Regional Justice and Security Hubs beyond the pilot phase.
• Ensures that UNMIL’s D/SRSG R&G and the Minister of Justice are adequately briefed at all times on developments and emerging challenges relevant to JSJP management and implementation progress.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
• Advanced university degree (minimum of a MA or MSc) in Management, Public Administration, Regional Planning or related field, including professional training in programme or project management .

Experience:
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional work experience in the development fields of project management and coordination, with a solid understanding of public administration, preferably in a justice and security context;
• Strong understanding of inter-governmental working relationships and the UN system;
• Demonstrated senior leadership capacity of complex projects to ensure delivery of results from the start-up phase through delivery and results monitoring;
• Experience with multi-partner coordination involving government and international partners, at national and sub-national levels;
• Experience in building partnerships with local community groups, civil society, local government, traditional leaders, etc.;
• Experience in start-up and implementation of large scale projects targeting service delivery;
• Proven technical skills, including, communications, reporting, monitoring and problem-solving; and
• Experience in use of computer applications in preparation of technical reports.

Language:
• Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required

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.

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Closing Date: Monday, 27 February 2012