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COORDINATION OFFICER
Location :     MYANMAR
Application Deadline :    24-May-10
Additional Category    Management
Type of Contract :    FTA International
Languages Required :
    English  
Starting Date :
(date when the selected canditate is expected to start)    01-Jun-2010
Duration of Initial Contract :    One Year

Background

Myanmar is classified as a least developed country (LDC) with a GDP per capita of USD 300 per annum, ranking 138 out of 182 countries in the 2009 UNDP Human Development Index.  In addition, the country is the only LDC facing international economic sanctions, and there are various restrictions and limitations set on aid and UN agencies’ operational mandates in-country.  This is evident in the fact that, according to OECD, Myanmar in recent years has received less ODA than any of the 50 poorest countries.

In line with the overall UN Reform, the opportunities for increasing the impact of the UN through coordination are growing with the recent increased cooperation and collaboration.  UNCT Myanmar is currently embarking on a process of development of UN Strategic Framework for the period 2012 – 2015, in coordination with the Government and other humanitarian and development partners, including local and international NGOs, donors and members of the diplomatic community.  The UN Strategic Framework will identify the country’s humanitarian and socio-economic development needs and priorities and the role of the UN in addressing them in partnership with the Government and other stakeholders.  As such, the UN Strategic Framework will provide a basis for the formulation of respective UN Agencies’ programmes and projects for the aforementioned programming cycle.

Coordination in the context of Myanmar is particularly challenging given the differing mandates of the UN agencies, whereby some agencies- most notably UNDP- have mandatory restrictions on their operations in Myanmar.  RC/HC also supports the initiatives of the UN Secretary-General’s Good Offices, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, amongst others.  Cyclone Nargis saw an increase in the number of international NGOs operating in-country.  Donors also have different policies and restrictions on aid to Myanmar, while a large number of donors are based in Bangkok.  Regular consultations and information-sharing with the larger diplomatic community, both those based in Yangon and outside, are also an important element of the RC/HC’s coordination role, given the significant strategic roles played by non-donor countries in Myanmar (incl. ASEAN countries, Russia, China, India and Bangladesh).  All these factors make coordination more challenging.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the RC/HC, and working closely with other members of the Office of the RC/HC, the incumbent is expected to achieve the following functions / key results:

1.Coordinate initiatives of the RC/HC on behalf of the UNCT, set operational priorities, supervise and ensure follow-up and feedback,

    * Ensuring timely and quality preparation for UNCT meetings and events
    * Implementation of activities identified at UNCT meetings
    * Alerting the RC/HC of pending and important issues to be raised during the UNCT meetings
    * Coordination of the substantive preparations of the UNCT-related activities

2.Maintain positive working relations and manage feedback and information flows between and among: UN agency heads/focal points; units of the UN system directly under the RC/HC (UNIC, DSS, MIMU, RCC, etc.); and, UN HQs (incl. DOCO) and Regional Offices (incl. UNDG A-P), including actions on behalf of agencies without in-country representation focusing on the achievement of the following results:

    * Maintenance of the systematic information flow amongst all stakeholders
    * Coordination and management of UNCT-level information

3.Support activities of UNCT Sub-Group on Human Rights and provide secretariat support:

    * Provision of secretariat support to the Sub-Group on Human Rights
    * Implementation of activities identified at meetings of the Sub-Group on Human Rights
    * Liaison with the OHCHR Bangkok and provision of necessary information and support
    * Provision of support to the in-country missions of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

4.Ensure preparation and implementation of the RC Work Plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:

    * Coordination of the RC Work Plan, reports and proposals for funding preparation
    * Coordination of substantive preparations and support provided for UNCT retreat to review the annual workplan and other UNCT meetings
    * Monitor and report on funds under the DOCO, the Support to RC fund and other locally mobilized funds for the Office of the RC/HC

5.Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

    * Identification of sources of information related to coordination. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to country policy goals
    * Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice
    * Organization of trainings to UN staff on coordination issues

6.Support the RC/HC in his/her capacity as Designated Official (DO) in close cooperation with the Chief Security Advisor focusing on achievement of the following results:

    * Provision of secretariat support to the CMT (when activated) and coordinating the work of the Human Pandemic Influenza Focal Points, ensuring the regular update of the Human Pandemic Influenza Action Plan
    * Other ad-hoc support to the DO, as needed

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the success of the UN Country Team activities, strengthening of overall coordination capacity, implementation of the UN System reform.  In particular, the key results have an impact on the design and operation of UN activities, creation of strategic partnerships for UNCT Programming.

 

Competencies

Competencies and Critical Success Factors

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience from within and outside the UNCT
Encourages UN staff to share knowledge

Coordination Effectiveness

Ability to lead the design and implementation of UN programme activities, strengthening of strategic partnerships for join UN vision/strategy/framework
Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively and communicate sensitively across different constituencies

Management and Leadership

    * Focuses on impact and result for the client
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p;   * Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
    * Establishes priorities for self and other members of the RC Office, schedules activities to ensure optimum use of time and resources, monitors performance against development and other objectives and corrects deviations from the course
    * In providing advice to the RC, has the capacity to gather comprehensive information on complex problems or situations, evaluates information accurately and identifies key issues required to resolve problems
    * Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
    * Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills
    * Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
    * Manages conflict and stress, remaining composed and working as a mediator in crisis or antagonistic situations
    * Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
    * Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
    * Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior

Required Skills and Experience

Education :  Advanced university degree in social sciences, international relations, development studies, or related subjects.

Experience :

    * Minimum five years of relevant experience
    * Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task effectively and efficiently.
    * Excellent drafting skills and presentation/facilitation skills in English.
    * Cultural sensitivity, inter-personal skills and ability to work well under pressure in a demanding environment.
    * Knowledge of the UN and RC system

Language :

    * Fluency in English language.
    * Excellent drafting skills and presentation/facilitation skills in English.

http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?job_id=16565