Area Based Programme Specialist

Mid Senior Elections & Governance

Overview

Lead area-based programming interventions in Northern Malaita

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Economic Development or related field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working with developing countries in economic development, community development, or sustainable development is required.
• At least five years of progressively responsible programme/project management is required.
• Experience dealing with different stakeholders with strong communication and presentation abilities is required.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is desired.
• Basic knowledge of Pidgin would be an asset.
• Experience in using data to inform decisions, strategies and execution is desired.
• Experience in Area-based development programming or similar large-scale complex programming is desired.

Contract

This is a IPSA-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Personnel Services Agreement. It is normally internationally recruited only. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IPSA-10 contracts.

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The Solomon Islands, made up of 992 islands in the southwestern Pacific, is a lower-middle-income country with a young and growing population. The country has made economic strides, reducing poverty from 33% in 2010 to 23.5% in 2019. However, it remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and natural disasters, which impact its primary industries, including round log exports, fishing, and palm oil production. The government’s focus is on driving economic development, improving infrastructure, and decentralizing governance to foster unity and growth.

Malaita Province is the most populous region, with a population of 172,740, and has received significant investments, especially in the northern and central areas, including the development of Bina Harbour and improved connectivity through roads and bridges. The province’s governance structure relies on Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Constituency Funds, which enable local communities to prioritize and manage development projects. WDCs are essential for identifying community needs, overseeing local projects, and ensuring that decision-making reflects local aspirations. Constituency Funds, managed by Members of Parliament (MPs) and Constituency Committees (CCs), are used for financing projects that support infrastructure and social services within the constituencies.

The interaction between WDCs and Constituency Funds is critical for decentralized governance in the Solomon Islands. While this system empowers local communities, it faces challenges such as limited capacity, transparency issues, and potential political interference in the allocation of resources. The goal is to ensure that development projects align with the priorities of local populations, enhance accountability, and promote sustainable development in Malaita and across the country. The Solomon Islands aims to build more resilient and self-sufficient communities through this decentralised framework.

The Area-Based Programming initiative is a strategic UNDP intervention aimed at improving economic growth, resilience, and livelihoods in the Northern Malaita region of the Solomon Islands. This project focuses on building the capacity of local governance structures, primarily the WDCs and Constituency Committees (CCs), to ensure that development is locally led, evidence-based, and aligned with the needs of the community.

The position is based in the UNDP Solomon Islands office, under the new Area-Based Programming initiative focusing on Northern Malaita. This initiative is part of a broader UNDP effort to support the government of the Solomon Islands in addressing regional development challenges through an integrated, data-driven approach. The position will directly contribute to the Area-Based Programming, which is designed to enhance local governance, economic development, and social cohesion by strengthening the capacities of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Constituency Committees (CCs) in Northern Malaita. This role will be integral to the program, working alongside national and local counterparts, including government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Specialist will be responsible for leading and overseeing all the above-mentioned work under the supervision and guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative. The Programme Specialist will liaise with the Head of the Inclusive Governance and Economic Growth Unit and the head of the Resilience and Climate Change Unit to update progress and seek guidance, as required.

Working under the supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, the Programme Specialist will;

• Lead the planning and implementation of area-based programming interventions. This involves overseeing the integration of local data, stakeholder needs, and strategic objectives into the program’s design. Ensure the program interventions comply with UNDP policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Coordinate and facilitate stakeholder engagement by serving as the primary liaison among provincial and central government bodies, Ward Development Committees (WDCs), Constituency Funds Committees (CCs), UNDP, and other development partners and ensuring regular communication to keep stakeholders informed, engaged, and aligned with the program's goals. The Programme Specialist is expected to coordinate actively and regularly with the Heads of the Inclusive Governance and Economic Growth Unit and the Resilience and Climate Change Unit to ensure coordinated interventions.
• Oversee data collection and analysis for decision-making by supervising and supporting the data collection process across the selected wards. Ensure that the gathered data is relevant, accurate, and comprehensive.
• Supervise and manager performances of the Data Analysis Specialist to ensure that data analysis effectively identifies key interventions and promotes evidence-based decisions.
• Work closely with the WDCs and CCs to ensure the development interventions are tailored to the specific needs, challenges, opportunities of the Northern Malaita region and are evidence-driven.
• Lead efforts in resource mobilization to secure funding and support for the continuation and scaling of the area-based program beyond the initial six-month intervention. Engage with national and international donors, government agencies, and private sector partners to identify and pursue funding opportunities. Develop proposals and leverage existing relationships.
• Contribute to knowledge management and information sharing in the UNDP country office.

• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary forthe efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

  Competencies

  Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy

• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management

• Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
• Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
• Results-based Management: Ability to manage the implementation of strategies programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
• Resource Management: Allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with business needs and priorities and principles of accountability and integrity.

Digital

• Storytelling: Ability to empathise with people's perceptions, motivations, feelings and mental models and craft narratives to build an emotive argument for change accordingly. Ability to present data, insights or information in compelling ways to mobilise resources, talent or action. Ability to choose media and channels that is fit for purpose to reach specific target audiences.

Partnership Management

• Multi- stakeholder engagement and funding: Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platforms.

  Required Skills and Experience

  Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economic Development, Agriculture/Rural Development, Community Development, Sustainable Development or related field is required. Or

• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

  Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years (with a master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with a bachelor’s degree) of professional experience working with developing countries on one or more of the following: economic development, agriculture/rural development, community development, or sustainable development is required.

• At least five years of progressively responsible programme/project management is required.
• Experience dealing with different stakeholders with strong communication and presentation abilities, is required.
• Experience in donor report writing is required.
• Previous working experience in the Solomon Islands and/or other Pacific Island Countries and understanding of the cultural and socio-economic context and development challenges in the Solomon Islands or similar context are assets.
• Experience in an international setting with the UN or international organizations is an asset.
• Experience in using data to inform decisions, strategies and execution is desired.
• Experience in working with local and/or national governments is desired.
• Experience in Area-based development programming or similar large-scale complex programming in developing countries is desired.

Required languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is desired.
• Basic knowledge of Pidgin would be an asset.

Travel:

• Frequent travels to other islands

  Disclaimer

  Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

  Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

  UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

  Applicant information about UNDP rosters

  Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

  Non-discrimination

  UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

  UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.undp.org