PNUD Côte d’Ivoire recrute un Spécialiste en Transition

In response to increased requests from UN field presences for transition related support, UNDP (United Nations Development Program), DPKO/DFS (Department of Peacekeeping Operations/Division of Field Service) and DPA (Division of Political Affairs) are implementing the joint project « UN Transitions in Mission Settings ». The project seeks to ensure that UN transition processes at headquarters and in the field is more efficient with reduced transaction costs and more effective through better support to host countries, thereby supporting the sustainability of peacebuilding achievements

UNDP, DPKO/DFS and DPA have adopted a four-pronged approach to achieve this objective:

• Provide direct transition planning support to field presences engaged in a transition process;
• Conduct trainings and facilitate lessons learning across UN presences undergoing or planning for transitions including through regional trainings to increase planning skills and other capacities related to transitions;
• Lead guidance development based on lessons learned in collaboration with various partners across the UN family; and
• Engage in dialogue with Member States, both host nations as well as donors and peacekeeping contributors, on the challenges and experiences encountered in UN transitions.

The engagement of UNDP in particular and the UNCT in general in the transition planning process is critical for the continued UN support in key peacebuilding areas. The experience from previous transitions, however have shown that additional planning capacity in the UNDP Country Office is needed. The deployment of a Transition Specialist to support the UNDP Country Office and the UN Joint Analytical and Planning Capacity is a critical part of achieving the first objective of the project.

• Providing guidance and support to the Country Office and the Joint Analytical and Planning Capacity in the transition planning process for the UN system;
• Designing of the UNDP Transition Plan;
• Reporting on implementation and propose revision of the UNDP Guidance.

Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative and in close collaboration with the other CO entities as well as in close collaboration and coordination with the Joint Analytical and Planning Capacity, and UNDP, DPKO/DFS and DPA Headquarters, the incumbent’s objective will be to improve integrated transition planning on the ground. To this end, his/her main duties and responsibilities include:

Providing guidance and support to the Country Office and the Joint Analytical and Planning Capacity in the transition planning process for the UN system:

• To support and facilitate strategic and pro-active engagement by the Country Office in the transition planning process;
• To provide guidance to the Country Office on the transition process;
• To represent UNDP in the Joint Analytical and Planning Capacity and actively support and engage in the joint UN transition planning process.
• To participate in the development of joint UN transition planning products;
• To provide advice to the Mission, and members of the UNCT on entity specific transition planning products;
• To facilitate and support joint UN lessons learned activities associated with the transition process;
• To contribute to knowledge sharing (notably through training) amongst UN staff on issues relating to the UN Reform Agenda and post-crisis transition;
• To draw upon other UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to provide contributions to the transition planning process;
• To facilitate, at the request of the Country Director, consultations with the Government and donors on transition related issues;
• In close collaboration with the Mission and other relevant stakeholders ensure appropriate linkages are made to other ongoing initiatives – e.g. the New Deal, the preparation of the national budget, I-PRSPs or donor strategies;
• At the request of the Resident Representative, represent UNDP in various national and UN meeting.

Designing of the UNDP Transition Plan

To lead the development of the UNDP Transition Plan in the Country Office in coordination with other UNCT members and in alignment with UN strategic planning priorities and as outlined in the UNDP Guidance on transitions in UN mission settings.

This will include but not be limited to:

• A context analysis;
• A preliminary organizational analysis
• Outline of the transition process including: mission /government structures, internal coordination structures, timelines, plans and assessments;
• The UNDP post transition portfolio, based on needs and risk assessment and comparative advantage analysis
• Suggested offices (re-) configuration (including regional presence);
• Support requirements: admin/logistics/human resources (for transition process and for post transition portfolio);
• Outline of fundraising strategy;
• Outline of communication strategy;
• Outline of partnerships strategy for post transition portfolio);
• Outline of fundraising strategy;
• Outline of communication strategy;
•   Outline of partnerships strategy.

Reporting on implementation and propose revision of the UNDP Guidance:

• In close liaison with UNDP, DPKO/DFS and DPA HQ prepare and submit quarterly reports as well as a consolidated annual report on the implementation of the UNDP Guidance and the progress of the transition planning process;
• Based on the lessons from the implementation of the UNDP guidance propose revisions to the guidance. The proposed revisions should be submitted biannually.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on strengthening the capacity of the UNDP Country Office and the UN Joint Analytical and Planning Capacity or its equivalent in support of the integrated UN transition planning process.

• Strong competencies in the area of transition planning in post-conflict contexts;
• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
• In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices inside and outside UNDP;
• Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, RBM and reporting;
• Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
• 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 ability to manage complexities;
• Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Core Competencies:

• Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents;
• Building support and political acumen;
• Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation;
• Building and promoting effective teams;
• Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication;
• Creating an emotionally intelligent organization;
• Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards;
• Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning;
• Promoting learning and  knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
• Fair and transparent  decision making; calculated risk-taking.

• Masters level university degree or higher, in development economics, political science, international development and/or management and coordination.

Experience:

• At least seven years work experience in development, political and/or transitional operations, four years of which work experience in the field, ideally in a post-conflict setting is desirable;
• Professional experiences in most of these areas: justice sector reform, access to justice, gender justice, capacity building, security sector reform and related issues.

Language:

• Excellent knowledge of French and English, including writing and oral skills.