Research Officer

RESEARCH OFFICER.

A medium sized consulting firm is looking for research officer to work in project.

Requirements.

A bachelor degree in Law, political science or social science.

Master degree an added advantage.

Over 5 years experience in research or research related job.

Attractive remuneration will be given to successful candidate.

send your CVs to francis@rimis.net before 30th April 2009. Please quote rimis.net in your reference.

RESEARCH OFFICER (RE-ADVERTISED)

Location : Nairobi, with frequent travel to Somalia (possible relocation to Somalia when, KENYA Application Expires)

Deadline :31-Mar-09

Type of Contract :Service Contract Post Level :SC-9 (Service Contract)

Languages Required : English

Duration of Initial Contract :One year

Expected Duration of Assignment :One year (with possibility of extension)

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of and reporting directly to the Senior Economist, UNDP Somalia, the Research Officer will be responsible for the following:

• Performing background research (qualitative and quantitative) on project activities.
• Provision of support and strategic advice on key project interventions, which includes overseeing the research processes of the national and sub-national Human Development Reports and MDG reports.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The Research Officer will provide strategic advice to all project interventions after conducting extensive research on a variety of crucial issues.

 The incumbent will: 

• Present thoroughly researched information for background research; implementation of the projects; preparation of project documents’ drafts, work plans, budgets, progress reports, policy briefs, position papers and proposals on implementation arrangements.
• Compile the researched material in a systematic way and prepare background briefs/briefing notes as and when required.
• Provide effective support to management of the programme (and projects).
• Provide guidance to consultants/executing agencies on routine implementation of the projects and monitor quality of work of consultants.
• Work with the Human Development Report (HDR) research institutions and the HDR team on the preparation of research products relevant to the national and sub-national Human Development Reports. In particular, she/he will liaise with the research institutions to ensure they conduct relevant and timely research, interviews and focus group discussions.
• Support assessment on MDGs and HDRs.
• Organize national and sub-national consultative meetings or workshops on the HDR, MDGs or other issues, as may be required.
• Support the Senior Economist on national needs’ assessments and MDG-based planning and management.
• Advise on quality of publications produced on behalf of or by local administrations in Somalia.
• Review the background and thematic papers that have already been commissioned and assess them in view of the research results.
• Compile, analyze and synthesize information for the Senior Economist.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Senior Economist.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Highly developed qualitative and quantitative research skills;
• Strong analytical skills, and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
• Computer literate; must be able to use the Internet and other research tools effectively.
• Identifies priority activities and assignments;
• Teamwork - excellent interpersonal, organizational and management skills and ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams.  

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Builds strong relationships with partners, focusing on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Able to manage complex problems proactively and effectively, including responses to field based emergencies;
• Ability to operate effectively in a changing and complex environment, and to produce results under stress;
• Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills;
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills;
• Remain calm, in control and relatively good humoured even under pressure;
• Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Strong analytical capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in Economics or related development field.

Experience: 

• Minimum 2 years of relevant post masters work experience, preferably with at least three years’ experience in a crisis or post-conflict country.
• Prior knowledge and experience in research and research methodology.
• Knowledge of local conditions and developments in Somalia; previous working experience in Somalia is desirable
• Knowledge of UN operational procedures and common UN programming tools is desirable.

Language requirements:

• Excellent English writing and oral skills.
• Knowledge of Somali language is desirable but is not a requirement 

Apply Now

CONSULTANT: EXPERT ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MANAGEMENT CYCLE

Location : Kigali, RWANDA Application Deadline :08-Apr-09 Additional CategoryDemocratic Governance Type of Contract :SSA Post Level :SSA Languages Required :
English   Starting Date :
(date when the selected canditate is expected to start)01-Jun-2009 Duration of Initial Contract :45 working days between June-December Expected Duration of Assignment :45 working days

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Background

In Rwanda Districts elaborate districts plans, which sometimes feed into national planning and policy development. This happens in a rather ad-hoc way and there are no formal instruments used for planning. Moreover, they are not written in a common format and style. In addition, existing districts plans are, at best, annual, thus omitting the possibility of multi-annual district planning. As can be expected, districts plans are not always linked to the budget in any meaningful way. The districts that developed the District Development Plans are very few and there are no formal instruments used for planning.

• The Ministry of Local Government, Good Governance, Community Development and Social Affairs (MINALOC) with the assistance of the United Nations Development Capital Development Fund Programme (UNCDF), is implementing the Development Community Project in the districts of Gicumbi and Rulido (PADC-GR). The PADC-GR commenced in 2004 and is funded until the end of 2009.
• The Project pilots in two districts a system of decentralized planning and financing of local development. The following features characterized such system:
• Transparent, accountable and predictable fiscal transfers;
• Appropriate and simple procedures, techniques and organizational arrangements for municipality-level public expenditure management, including participatory needs assessment and strategic planning, investment programming, annual budgeting, project procurement and implementation, operation and maintenance of investments, local asset management, accounting and reporting, and monitoring and evaluation;
• Strong central government and civil society structures to support and supervise the districts service delivery, through legal controls, performance monitoring and social auditing;
• A capacity development program for all the key stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Principal Responsibilities

• Under the guidance and direction of the MINALOC with technical support of UNCDF, the expert will be responsible for (1) preparing a comprehensive decentralised planning and financing system for PEM that will be harmonised with the central planning and financing system and (2) train the Local Administration staff.

Specific Tasks

• Specific responsibilities of the expert will include:

In relation to the Planning and Budgeting step:

• Review documentation related to PEM and assist the project in the definition of the PEM cycle.
• Develop a participatory planning system for PEM, clearly identifying major steps in the planning cycle
• Define and clarify the following areas of institutional set up for the planning system and their roles:
• Procedures for the participatory planning and prioritisation of programmes and projects,
• Procedures for appraisal of projects;
• Procedures for approval of plans and budgets; 
• Monitoring and evaluation procedures;
• Develop a planning schedule that should fit with the national planning and budgeting cycle
• Develop an operational manual for the planning system containing a) to e) and the features of the system above.

In relation to the Implementation stage:

• Develop implementation guidelines and procurement rules regulations;

In relation to the Monitoring and Evaluation step, develop/ define the following:

• Guidelines for project monitoring;
• Project expenditure accounting rules;
• Project evaluation and auditing guidelines
• Guidelines for operations and maintenance of completed projects and,
• Conduct a workshop to validate and disseminate the results.
• Oversee the reproduction and dissemination of such material.
• Train the local administration (districts of Gicumbi and Rulindo) staff and the project staff to the comprehensive decentralised planning and financing system for PEM.

Methodology

Under the overall leadership of the MINALOC:

• Review the existing planning, financing, monitoring and evaluation systems and identify gaps and opportunities for a participatory planning system to be developed in the context of decentralised governance and PEM.
• Review recommendations contained in previous evaluations of donor supported planning efforts at national and decentralised levels.
• Consider in particular the lessons learnt from donor support to the implementation of national and decentralised capacity building for planning, financing and M&E systems.
• Consult various stakeholders and solicit their views on the status of PEM piloting with regard to systems development for planning, financing and M&E in the country.
• Ensure full involvement and consultation with donor partners for supporting system development for PEM in planning, financing and M&E.
• Catalogue the findings in the form of a PEM planning system strategic framework, critically analysed and recommendations made

Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; research, analytical and writing abilities and
• the ability to work in teams, especially those covering various disciplines.
• Effective organizational and administrative skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education :

• Master or PhD in Public Administration or related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years of work experience in an international development context, including a minimum of eight years of conducting higher level research and technical assistance in Public Expenditure Management (PEM).
• Substantive experience in PEM. Previous work experience with the UN and familiarity with the UN system desirable.
• Excellent knowledge of the PEM cycle and its application at decentralized levels.

All enquiries should be forwarded to:

Nicoletta Feruglio                                                        Ulrik Kristensen  
Regional Local Development Specialist                Regional Portfolio Manager
nicoletta.feruglio@undp.org                                      Ulrik.kristensen@undp.org 

The CVs should be forwarded to:

Quenintin Antoine
Programme Officer/UNCDF/Kigali-Rwanda
quentin.antoine@undp.org

PLANNING AND PROPOSALS SPECIALIST

Location : Juba, SUDAN Application Deadline :10-Apr-09 Additional CategoryMillennium Development Goals Type of Contract :ALD International Post Level :ALD-3 Languages Required :
English   Starting Date :
(date when the selected canditate is expected to start)30-Apr-2009 Duration of Initial Contract :One year

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Background

The selected candidate will be recruited through UNDP to work as a Proposals Officer in the Technical Secretariat of the Sudan Recovery Fund – Southern Sudan (SRF-SS).

 

In summary, the Technical Secretariat is responsible for:

1. preparing key policy, planning and prioritization documents for use by the Steering Committee, working groups and end-users; 
2. undertaking programme and project appraisals and providing recommendations for funding allocations to the Steering Committee;
3. undertaking monitoring reviews;
4. providing regular narrative reporting of progress of SRF-SS-funded programmes and projects; and
5. fulfilling the secretariat function to the Steering Committee.

The Technical Secretariat (TS) will be based within Government (likely within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MoFEP) in Juba), and will include secondments from Government of Southern Sudan ministries and commissions, including MoFEP and the Southern Sudan Reconstruction and Development Fund (SSRDF). The Head of the SRF -TS is recruited by UNDP.

 

The Planning / Proposals Specialist is responsible for coordinating with the government counterparts and the UNCT on the planning and appraisal of SRF-related programmes and projects implemented by participating UN Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations with funding under the SRF-SS. S/he will work under the direction of the Head - SRF TS and will be expected to liaise closely with other TS  colleagues in carrying out the designated duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Planning  and Proposals Specialist will be responsible for the following duties, under the supervision of the Head - SRF TS. In all activities, the Planning / Proposals Officer will work closely with seconded staff from Government Counterparts, to ensure skill transfer and capacity development:

• Liaise with and contribute to potential implementing agencies, participating UN Organizations and Non-governmental Organizations) regarding the preparation and updating of a planning framework for prioritized and coordinated interventions regarding recovery in Southern Sudan; 
•  Facilitate data and information compilation related to strategic planning responses to evolving situation in Southern Sudan, ensuring that such information is easily retrievable;
• Develop concept papers, reports and other documentation for the Steering Committee on overall planning, prioritization and review including capacity building issues;
• Assist the Head SRF TS organise workshops and meetings on strategic coordination and joint programming initiatives to be funded under the SRF-SS;
• Review, with input from the Monitoring Officer, the status of programmes and projects funded under the SRF-SS, assessing the relevance of and linkages amongst outputs to date, quantifying the target beneficiaries being reached including geographic and demographic distribution, ascertaining the implications of and trend in key constraints being faced, projecting the likely outcome and impact of interventions if current trends continue, and flagging new or emerging needs and opportunities for possible UNCT intervention particularly under joint programming;
• Maintain an updated database of donor funding flows and outstanding commitments to the SRF-SS;
• Produce “Funding Gap” analysis on region, sector, programme and project level;
• Assist the Head SRF-TS, in the preparation of reports and papers as required;
• Lead the process of documenting results-based best practices for all programme outputs and make available experiences to internal and external actors;
• Advise the Head SRF TS on appropriate Terms of Reference for any evaluation of the SRF-SS or any of its funded programmes or projects;
• Ensure that proposal pro-forma is responsive to the information needs of the Technical Secretariat and the Steering Committee in making decisions on suitability for funding;
• Advise and assist the Head SRF TS in establishing and maintaining an appropriate  logging system and database for all incoming proposals;
• Ensure that any guidelines and key reference documents are correctly drafted and user-friendly, and are updated, maintained and circulated as required;
• Assist the Head - SRF TS with any workshops on the SRF-SS proposals process and prepare, in consultation with the Head SRF -TS the procedures to be agreed and adopted by the working groups for assessing proposals
• Coordinate closely with and advise Participating UN Organizations and Non-governmental Organizations for the purpose of obtaining quality proposals, operating a “help-desk” as needed and clarifying procedures as requested;    Coordinate with the four thematic working groups on an agreed plan of review meetings (monthly / bi-monthly), to link into the planned schedule of SC meetings;
• Prepare, in consultation with the Head, Technical Secretariat, the procedures to be agreed and adopted by the working groups for assessing proposals;
• Receive and log incoming proposals, establish and maintain appropriate files and archives (both electronic including back-up, and hardcopy) for all communications relating to each proposal;
• Expedite the flow of proposal documents to members of each working group in a timely manner, so that they may be able to prepare for working group review meetings;
• Contribute to the vetting and reviewing of proposals with individual working groups as appropriate so as to ensure compliance with the scope, criteria and methods set out in the TOR of the Fund;
• Ensure requests for proposals for financing through the SRF-SS are consistent with the TOR of the Fund, and that there is consistency and transparency across proposals from all sources;
• Prepare summary minutes of each working group review meeting, noting decisions taken regarding proposals in front of the meeting, reasons for the decisions, next actions, and the outcome of any follow-up actions from before; 
• Inform each proposer of the status of their proposal (cleared to go forward to SC; returned with comments), and any actions required of the proposer;
• Review follow-up actions including revisions and re-submissions by proposers, and inform the individual working groups accordingly;
• Prepare a TS Clearance Sheet for those proposals that have been cleared by working groups and are in compliance with SRF-SS rules and regulations, and submit this to the Head- SRF TS;
• Maintain a status sheet of all proposals in chronological and thematic order – received / awaiting WG review / returned with comments / revised and awaiting TS or WG review / cleared for Steering Committee(SC) consideration / approved by SC for funding;
• Assist the Head - SRF TS, with the organization of the Steering Committee’s meetings, particularly with the preparation and circulation of proposal Clearance Sheets, and summary of responses to previous proposals returned with comments by either a working group or the Steering Committee itself;
• Expedite any follow-up required with the working groups, proposers, participating UN Organizations, and NGOs and their partners, on decisions taken by the Steering Committee;
• Assist the Head - SRF TS in the preparation of reports as required;
• Liaise regularly with key stakeholders as necessary to perform the above tasks; this may include field travel to facilitate increased coordination, information sharing and standardization.
• Perform other TS-related duties as assigned from time to time by the Head- SRF TS.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Good working knowledge of and exposure to rehabilitation and development issues; conceptual and analytical capacity to analyze programmatic and budgetary;
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to use sound judgment in applying technical expertise to reviewing proposals; ability to resolve complex issues/problems;
• Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement;
• Ability to work under extreme pressure; good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to UN humanitarian  protection and  knowledge of the institutions of the UN system;
• Demonstrated ability to complete studies and to formulate conclusions/ recommendations;
• Ability to relate key issues including gender, environment, governance, to political, economic, social and human rights programmes in affected country/region.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning – Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field.
• Communications – Very good communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey concepts and recommendations to staff at various levels in stakeholder organizations, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style.
• Planning & Organizing – Ability to coordinate the work of others, in this case the working groups, work to tight deadlines and handle concurrent projects/activities.
• Technology Awareness – Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internal databases, Internet, etc.
• Teamwork – Very good interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:       

• Masters Degree in public administration, economics, management, political or social science, or in a technical (e.g. engineering, earth sciences, etc.) or other relevant field; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and working experience in a related area.

Experience:

• Minimum of  five  years of relevant professional experience, three years of which must be in the field of rehabilitation or development affairs and at least two years must be in crisis-affected or post-conflict countries.
• Knowledge of the UN common system and understanding of agency mandates.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of different national or cultural backgrounds.
• Experience in working with UN agencies, multilaterals, donors, NGOs and CSOs.
• Working experience in Africa, particularly in Sudan, would be an asset

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in oral and written English is essential; knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.

Note:

Previous applicants who submitted their application need not to apply.