Programme Support Assistant

CONSULTANT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Issued on: 21 June 2015

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:UN-HABITAT

DUTY STATION:Nairobi

FUNCTIONAL TITLE:Programme Support Assistant

DURATION:11 work months with possibility of extension

CLOSING DATE:28 June 2015

BACKGROUND

The UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery for Somalia (JPLG) has established an important platform for seizing the development moment and is also a programme that has translated many of the ambitions of the ‘One UN’ principles into tangible improvements in aid and wider development effectiveness.

It is against this background that JPLG, launched in 2008 for a period of five years, is to be continued for a second phase of five years running from 2013 through 2017 referred to as JPLG II. The Joint Programme, which has five partners including ILO, UNCDF, UNDP, UN-Habitat and UNICEF, is aligned with the UN Somali Assistance Strategy (UNSAS), 2010 – 2015 and contributes to at least five of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). JPLG II will build on the successes achieved during the past five years and will maintain the same focus of strengthening local government as a means of enhancing the delivery of services to citizens and restoring confidence and credibility in the state. It will also improve state-citizen relations by linking local governments to their constituent communities and will engage the private sector transparently and accountably.

The overall objective of JPGL II is to promote improvements in local governance quality that can contribute to peace consolidation, development and equitable service delivery. The programme outcomes are structured around three mutually reinforcing strategies:

• Supporting policy and legislative reforms for functional, fiscal and administrative decentralization that clarify and enhance the role of local government, its relationship to central government, and as a means to improve local service delivery,
• Improving local government capacity for equitable service delivery,
• Improving and expanding the delivery of sustainable services to citizens in an equitable, responsive and socially accountable manner and promoting local economic environment.

Responsibilities

Under the overall coordination of the JPLG Programme Manager and the supervision of the JPLG Programme Officer, the Local Individual Contractor will be responsible for the following:

Programme/ Project Management

• Provide assistance in preparations of documents related to preparation of quarterly reports and monitoring and evaluation of the programme activity
• Contribute in the preparation of contractual documentation for consultants by ensuring that selected candidates submit all required documentation and dispatched
• Provide assistance in preparations of documents related to agreements documents for Agreements of Cooperation and all other legal instruments applicable in the implementation of the programme and project activities
• Contribute in the procurement process working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in Nairobi and field offices in Somalia by placing requests for procurement and payments and follow up on progress reporting in a timely manner in case of potential delay
• Provide assistance in implementation of project/operational strategies and research for JPLG

Capacity Development

• Support in facilitating Conflict Management (CM), Gender Mainstreaming (GM ) and Local Leadership Management trainings in Somalia
• Assist in selecting local implementing partners/trainers/consultants to deliver trainings on Conflict Management (CM), Gender Mainstreaming (GM ) and Local Leadership Management in Somalia
• Support in the preparations, monitoring and implementation of Agreements of Cooperation with the selected training providers
• Prepare, support and conduct seminars and workshops, etc. under the capacity development component as guided by the AHSO and HSO and in collaboration with other UN-Habitat staff.
• Prepares recommendations and suggestions for improving the quality of training materials in line with the demands from the stakeholders;
• Develop and maintain a training database for all trainings conducted by JPLG Programme

Other duties

• Support other activities of UN-Habitat in Somalia including planning and development of the work plans and activity.
• Provide inputs to the formulation of project proposals and concept notes.
• Any other related tasks as assigned by AHSO and HSO.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism

Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery in delivering on UN-Habitat/JPLG mandate; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas.

Communication

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and Organizing

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Client Orientation

Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in progress and meets deadline for delivery of products or services to client

EDUCATION

University degree (BA. or equivalent) in development studies, international relations or any related fields is required

WORK EXPERIENCE

Experience in administrative procedures in support of project management or related fields for international organizations. Experience in communication as well as reporting is required. Candidates who have experience working in post-conflict countries is prefered.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

OTHER SKILLS

• Promote the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN-Habitat
• Willingness to travel to Somalia
• Results-oriented, flexible and problem-solving attitude
• Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Fully competent in report/project writing skills
• Able to identify and carry out duties and responsibilities with minimum supervision.

REMUNERATION
Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications should include:
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
• CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.
• The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
• Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:

1. Educational Background (incl. dates)
2. Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
3. Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
4. Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
5. Expectations regarding remuneration
   • Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
   Please also be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of the
   UN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster
   through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org
   All applications should be submitted to:
   UN-HABITAT Somalia Office
   P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
   Email: un-habitat.som@unhabitat.org

Deadline for applications: 28 June 2015

UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org