Management Adviser Job Vacancy at UNOPS in South Africa

  Job Title: Senior Management Advisor

Vacancy code VA/2012/B5307/1028
Position title Senior Management Advisor
Department/office AFO, Johannesburg
Duty station Johannesburg,, South Africa
Contract type International ICA
Contract level IICA-4
Duration 8 months (on a retainer basis)
Application period 12-Aug-2012 to 21-Aug-2012
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Background Information - UNOPS

“UNOPS plays a critical role in providing management services for our life-saving, peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. I have seen many examples of how these activities help suffering people in troubled parts of the world.”
-Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

UNOPS employs more than 6000 personnel and on behalf of its partners creates thousands more work opportunities in local communities. With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, a network of five regional offices and a further 20 operations and project centres, UNOPS oversees activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.
Background information - AFO

Africa Regional Office
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Africa Regional Office supports UNOPS country offices in the region, providing financial oversight of projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources.

AFO helps ensure that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between projects across the entire region.
Background Information - Job-specific

Africa Regional office is seeking a Senior Management Adviser (Business Acquisition,) to work collaboratively with the Regional Director to improve the overall management capacities, financial management, asset management and business development. More Specifically, the Senior Management Advisor will assist the Regional Director with the following key responsibilities:
Functional Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Support the Region’s medium term strategic planning framework (Strategic Plan) review and outline of strategic priorities for the next strategy cycle.
Support the development of a Regional business development strategy and outreach framework;
Support the RD in the AFO restructuring and organizational effectiveness exercise.

I - The post of Senior Management Advisor at AFO is critical for:

Support to improve strategic alignment of AFO; support the UNOPS strategy MTR and provide guidance to support the new strategy 2014 - 2016;
Increased business acquisition and regional business growth;

II - Methodology and Deliverables:

The assignment will require the use of review of documentation and policy internal and external relevant to the business development, results management and perofmrance reporting. It will also require discussions with the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Directors, as well as members of selected senior management at HQ, in addition to country directors and selected project managers;

III - The incumbent is expected to deliver the following:


An inception report which will outline the overview of the following major deliverables and a proposed time frame;

· The major deliverables are as follows:

Report on the Structural effectiveness and considerations in the AFO region
Report on the Business development and donor coordination framework.
A proposed outline for the AFO region next strategic cycle outlook accompanied by a Results framework

.

Competencies

IV - Functional Competencies:

Results-Based Programme Development and Management - Makes use of a variety of resources within UNOPS to set performance standards, monitors progress and intervenes at an early stage to ensure results are in accordance with agreed-upon quality and timeframes and reports results.
Innovation Approaches Creates an environment that fosters innovation and innovative thinkin



Organizational Leadership and Direction - Actively contributes to the setting of organizational priorities in a consultative process. Responds to changes in the operational and policy environment. Coordinates with RD on key deliverables.
Client Orientation - Anticipates constraints in the delivery of services and identifies solutions or alternatives. Proactively identifies, develops and discusses solutions for internal and external clients, and persuades management to undertake new projects or services. Advises and develops strategic and operational solutions with clients that add value to AFO programmes and operations.

V - Core Competencies:

Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents.
Building support and political acumen.
Building and promoting effective teams.
Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication.
Creating an emotionally intelligent organization

Education/Experience/Language requirements

VI - Required Skills and Experience
Education:

Advanced university degree in Organizational Development, Management, Business Administration or other related social sciences.


Experience:

A minimum of 15 Experience of working with senior officials and managers and excellent communication skills.
Good working knowledge of management Advisory services

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-culturally with limited resources is a must
You'll need to be sympathetic to the needs of working in a post conflict environment and willing to work within the cultural norms many countries in Africa and with limited resources. You will be able to build good working relationships with a wide range of people at all levels and be able to work with others to priorities and achieve challenging goals.

Language:

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with an adequate working knowledge of French.

Contract type, level and duration


Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International ICA - 4
Contract duration:90 days withing a period of 8 months (Retainer)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx

Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
UNOPS is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence

https://gprs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=1028

Deadline: 21st Aug 2012

Regional Practice Advisor Job Vacancy in South Africa at UNOPS

Job Title: Regional Practice Advisor Â- Physical Infrastructure and Project at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Johannesburg

Management, Johannesburg

Background Information - UNOPS

“UNOPS plays a critical role in providing management services for our life-saving, peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. I have seen many examples of how these activities help suffering people in troubled parts of the world.”

Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

UNOPS employs more than 6000 personnel and on behalf of its partners creates thousands more work opportunities in local communities. With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, a network of five regional offices and a further 20 operations and project centres, UNOPS oversees activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Background information - AFO

Africa Regional Office
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Africa Regional Office supports UNOPS country offices in the region, providing financial oversight of projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources.

AFO helps ensure that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between projects across the entire region.


Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services is the central resource for the United Nations system in civil works and physical infrastructure development. In 2010, UNOPS delivered almost $0.5bn of infrastructure works globally.

Infrastructure works ranged from small-scale, community based initiatives to multi-million dollar construction programmes and included roads, bridges, ports, airports, schools, hospitals, police stations, prisons, power stations, water and sewerage systems, court houses, emergency shelters, relief camp facilities and more.

Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, Africa Regional Office (AFO) supports operations in the region with project management, quality assurance, governance, and financial oversight of projects, procurement of goods, services and works and management of human resources. AFO supports UNOPS Operation Centres in South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya, and also Project Centres in Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Sudan,

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director AFO, the Regional Practice Advisor - Physical Infrastructure and Project Management (RPA-PI/PM) will perform a dual role focusing on maximizing value to clients, and limiting exposure to risks by providing support and guidance on best practice in physical infrastructure and project management. The incumbent will have a secondary reporting line to the Global Practice Lead – Physical Infrastructure (GPL- PI) and the Global Practice Lead – Project Management (GPL – PM) . Specifically, the RPA-PI/PM will provide advice, guidance and support to the Regional Practice Group (RPG), Regional Operations Group (ROG), Operations Centres (OC), Project Centres (PC) and Johannesburg Cluster.

The RPA-PI/PM will work in close collaboration with the Management and Implementation Support Practices, Programme/Project Managers and operational personnel in the various units across the Region and shall serve as liaison between the Regional Office, OC/PC/Cluster(s) and the Physical Infrastructure Practice and Project Management Practice in HQ. .

S/he will be expected to contribute to the Physical Infrastructure Practice and Project Management Practice from the regional level, capturing best practice, liaising with and developing policy recommendations with the Practice Leads, and contributing to the PI and PM Community of Practice and the Knowledge Management.
The RPA-PI/PM will be responsible to support adoption of Regional Offices (ROs), Operations Centers (OCs) and Project Centers (PCs), in UNOPS physical infrastructure and project management methodology, standards, frameworks and systems, as well as providing induction training for new Project Managers to enhance the administration and implementation capacities of the various units.

Functional Responsibilities

I - Technical Advice and Quality

The RPA PI/PM will be responsible for providing advice and a quality assurance framework within UNOPS Physical Infrastructure practice
He/she will the regional technical advisor and focal point for the implementation of Physical Infrastructure
He/she will be expected to advice in detail on technical specifications, Bills of Quantities, bidding documentation, engineering drawings, construction methodologies, construction planning and programming and assessment of contractors’ technical capacity to deliver
The RPA PI/PM will provide advice in support of UNOPS engagements in Physical Infrastructure and should expect to make assessment missions at short notice when required to any of UNOPS areas of operationsUNOPS is fully committed to the Paris Agenda on national capacity building and the RPA PI/PM will play a crucial role in advising UNOPS Project Managers on measures to strengthen national capacity building with a focus on implementation capacity

II - Advisory Services Knowledge Management and Capacity Building



Advise project staff on the application, interpretation and adoption of corporate policy, guidance and best practice.
Provide expertise and support in implementation of, PI standards and frameworks, procurement and contract modality selection and management, Quality Control, OH&S, Prince2, UNOPS PM methodology etc.;
Facilitate continuous improvement and quality management through monitoring and prioritizing improvement opportunities;
Communicate physical infrastructure and project management practice decisions and community updates;
Enable functional alignment through networking with other Practices.
Contribute to development of guidance material and tools, and document best practice;
Identify opportunities for optimizing interfaces with users, partners and clients;
Contribute to design and implementation of internal certification schemes;
Be a surge capacity for special initiatives of the Practice Leads;
Advise on preparation of plans for projects and OC/PC/Clusters;
Provide advisory support to the Deputy Regional Director, OC Directors, PC Managers and Portfolio Managers on UNOPS physical infrastructure standards, procurement planning, contract modality selection and management; UNOPS business case, engagement risks, management models, selecting the appropriate methodology for a given engagement and managing start up and closure, Provide advisory support to Project/Team Managers (P/TM) on templates and tools, engagement formulation, approval and closure with focus on risks, management oversight, budget/finance, costing, etc.;

III - Support and development services

Where required provide support to Developers/ Programme /Project/ Team Managers in the preparation of work plans, project documents, project proposals;
Be prepared to travel to other regions, OC/PC/Cluster(s) to assist in project development/ negotiations with PIP’s and clients where and when requested;
Work with PIP’s and P/TM’s to establish measurable long/short term targets and monitor progress to measure performance;In close consultation and coordination with the Regional and Deputy Regional Director, OC Directors, Project Center Managers advise on effective use and delivery of Direct Support Costs, and of resources against the Administrative Budget

IV - Physical Infrastructure and Project Management and Practices Support

Serve as focal point for corporate instructions that impact the PI and PM practitioners. Liaising with corporate on approaches and clarifying best practice;
Actively coordinate and contribute to the Physical Infrastructure Practice and Project Management Practice by capturing case studies, best practice and client profiles;
Contribute to the COPs, make recommendations on policy and tools to the Practice Leads;
Provide necessary advice and support during the “formulation phase” of new initiatives with focus on quality assurance and quality control of project documents, costing and cost implications, implementation plan, milestones and benchmark indicators and adherence to UNOPS project approval processes and procedures;
Support quality development and institutionalization of all project documentation;
Support Developers, OC/PC/Cluster(s) to focus on maximizing value for clients while negotiating the most cost-effective and mutually beneficial terms for UNOPS services by providing institutional knowledge of fees and project services with clients; Undertake missions to project implementation facilities to report progress and identify and solve operational problems.

V - Organizational Work Ethics

Model leadership behavior of professional and personal ethics, transparency and openness;
Provide verbal and written periodic reports where required across a range of activities; Actively interact with clients at appropriate levels to solicit feedback and gauge client satisfaction.



Competencies

Demonstrated extensive experience in the construction industry in the management of both large and small scale infrastructure projects
Demonstrated ability to apply business acumen and UNOPS project management methodology toward projects that align and support regional and corporate strategies;
Ability to recognize potential implementation requirements and support OC/PC/Cluster(s) and PM’s to capitalize on these;
Capacity for persuasive communication, consensus building and obtaining commitments from clients/partners and UNOPS personnel;
Ability to train and develop staff;
Ability to lead, build and sustain effective work relationship with subordinates and peers to achieve common goals;
Familiarity with UNOPS physical infrastructure, project management, , procurement, HR and finance policies and procedures will be considered advantageous;
Excellent communications skills and computer literacy;
Ability to effectively manage and work in a multicultural environment;Strong analytical and planning skills, ability to build a positive and strong team spirit with staff



Education

Advanced University degree or technical certification/license in an infrastructure related field such as engineering, architecture, construction management or similar. A first-level university degree in combination with significant and relevant qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.



Certifications

Certified in recognized project management methodology, preferably in Prince2 or PMP Knowledge of progamme management methodology (e.g. MSP) is desirable



Experience

At least 7 years progressively responsible technical experience in project development and management and physical infrastructure, in either public or private sector organizations at an international level.
Minimum 3 years field experience implementing projects and support in developing or conflict/post-conflict countries Prior experience with the UN is highly desirable



Languages

Fluency in English and French is essential; knowledge of another UN language, is an asset Strong writing skills



Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment (Rotational)
Contract level: P4
Contract duration: One year renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

To Apply:

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
http://www.unops.org/english/whoweneed/contract-types/Pages/United-Nations-staff-contracts.aspx



Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.


Deadline: 31st August 2012

Internship Vacancies in South Africa at UNDP

  Job Title: Internship in gender, private sector and capacity development,

 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

INTERNSHIP IN GENDER, PRIVATE SECTOR AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Location : Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA Application Deadline : 31-Aug-12 Additional Category Management Type of Contract : Internship Post Level : Intern Languages Required :

English Duration of Initial Contract : Three months Expected Duration of Assignment : Six months

Background

The UNDP Regional Service centre in Johannesburg is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to serve as interns in the the following areas:

Capacity development;
Gender;
Private Sector.

In line with the corporate UNDP regionalization initiative,UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) has created two Regional Service Centres (RSCs); one in Dakar and the other in Johannesburg, to help enhance organizational effectiveness by bringing substance closer to the field.The RSCs combine the policy advisory function with the management of regional projects. This will help ensure consistency and coherence in service provision to country offices.

The RSC provide policy advice and technical backstopping in the practice areas and cross-cutting themes identified in the UNDP Strategic Plan, namely:

Poverty eradication and achievement of internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs;
Democratic governance;
Crisis prevention and recovery;
Environment and sustainable development;
Gender equality and the empowerment of women;
Capacity building and development;
Combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases; and
Knowledge management.

The RSC also manages regional programmes, which provide support to regional institutions and countries in the subregion.

Capacity Development:

Capacity Development (CD) is the “how” of making development work better and is at the heart of UNDP’s

mandate and functions. The Strategic Plan 2008-2011 highlights capacity development as the core contribution of UNDP to development; it cuts across all other practices and thematic areas, with a clear conceptual framework and a set of concrete tools and methodologies, but also as a way of thinking about and approaching development.

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment:

Gender equality and women’s empowerment are anintegrated dimension of UNDP’s four main areas of work,

namely poverty reduction, democratic governance,crisis prevention and recovery and the environment and

sustainable development. Special attention is paid to work on gender-based violence and the equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, especially in the context of HIV and AIDS.In accordance with the UNDP gender equality strategy,the team supports governments and CSOs to achieve

inclusive development based on the MDGs.

Private Sector Team:

Focuses on increased capacity of regional organizations,governments,and other stakeholders to support inclusive market development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities
Gender Team:

Research and compile a list of documentation informing on women economic and property rights and access to finance and justice pertaining to African countries.

Identify good practices,lessons learnt,country strategies and policies enabling or constraining women economic and property rights and access to finance and justice.

Prepare and draft rerport using the rsearch findings.

Private Sector Team

Conduct research on private sector and inclusive market developmnet

Assist in writing the Inclusive Finance Handbook

Provide inputs to the African Private sector development community

Capacity Development Team:

Conduct research on Capacity Development specific issues

Report writing,publishing of the Capacity Development newsletter.

NB:Applicants must submit the following required documents

Updated CV/Resume

A letter of endorsement from his/her university confirming curremt enrollment and graduation date

A copy of his/her transcript

A letter of endorsemnt from a senior faculty member

A brief paper setting out the reasons why he/she is seeking an internship with UNDP

Competencies

Research skills
Communication skills
Administrative skills
Team Player
Analytical Skills
Writing skills

Required Skills and Experience
Interns are selected on a competitive basis. The following minimum qualifications are required:

Enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme in a development related field such as economics, public or business administration, or environmental studies. Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments are eligible.
Demonstrated interest in the field of development.
An interest in global mobility; adaptability to varied physical and other environments; a desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds.
Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose.

Language skills:

Written and spoken proficiency in English. Fluency in other UN languages is an asset.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

To Apply:

http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=30781

Deadline: 31st August 2012

Jobs at UNDP South Africa - Economics Advisor Job Vacancy in Johannesburg

  Job Title: Economics Advisor

Johannesburg

Closing Date: Friday, 13 July 2012

ECONOMICS ADVISOR
Location : Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA Application Deadline : 13-Jul-12 Additional Category Management Type of Contract : FTA International Post Level : P-5 Languages Required :

English Starting Date :

(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Aug-2012

Duration of Initial Contract : 1 Year

Background

Encompassing 46 countries, RBA is UNDP’s largest Regional Bureau. To help the Africa region overcome its development challenges, UNDP’s strategic goal in Africa is to develop the region’s capacity to promote pro-poor growth and accountability (CD-PGA), as a strategy for accelerating its progress towards achieving the MDGs and other development goals. Achieving this strategic goal requires a refocusing of UNDP’s resources in the region on capacity development, and strengthening its own internal capacity in critical substantive and managerial areas. To this end, RBA established a Strategic Advisory Unit to enhance the positioning of UNDP/RBA on substantive policy developments and to inform and support upstream policy advice in country offices to advance national efforts to promote human development and progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.

The SAU provides cross-disciplinary analytical and advisory support to the implementation of UNDP/RBA’s Capacity Development for Pro-poor Growth and Accountability (CD-PGA) strategy, in line with corporate priorities related to the MDGs, climate change, governance, gender equality and women’s empowerment and the Africa wide poverty eradication efforts. The SAU provides substantive inputs and quality assurance to the Bureau’s economists, governance, gender and climate change programmes. It develops knowledge products and maintain knowledge networks and strengthen partnerships with pan African and regional institutions and with other relevant policy and research centers outside the region. It supports and complements the policy and analytical work of other bureaus and practices within UNDP – in particular the Bureau for Development Policy (BDP) and the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR) – to help ensure African priorities and perspectives are reflected in relevant substantive areas.

The Economics Advisor monitors economic policy developments and advises RBA and other member of the UNDP team and its partners on policy issues. He/she contributes to UNDP’s policy dialogue with Government and donors within NEPAD. The Economics Advisor works in close collaboration with UNDP HQs staff, particularly the Policy Advisors at the corporate level and in the ASROs, and Government officials, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring high level of UNDP programmes policy impact

Duties and Responsibilities
Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of key functions:

Advice to UNDP management on economic and development issues
Advice to Government counterparts and facilitation of knowledge building on economic and development issues
Building of strategic partnerships and implementation of resource mobilization strategy
Advocacy and promotion of UNDP’s mandate and mission

1. Provides advice and support to UNDP management, programmes and projects focusing on achievement of the following results:

Compilation, analysis and interpretation of economic and statistical data, thorough research of the economic and development issues in the country and production of relevant reports aimed at promoting equitable economic growth and human development.
Provision of top quality analysis and substantive inputs to CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP and other strategic documents.
Provision of authoritative advice on possible areas for UNDP support and adjustment of on-going programmes to ensure that UNDP programmes are in line with national policies and priorities.
Selection of strategic research topics, surveys and/or case studies.
Production and launch of economic reports, including National Human Development Reports. Formulation and facilitation of UNDP inputs and CO support to national poverty reduction efforts in the context of PRSP and poverty monitoring, including of the MDGs.
Direct participation in sub-regional, regional and inter-agency initiatives related to development issues.

2. Provides advice to Government counterparts and facilitation of knowledge building focusing on achievement of the following results:

Facilitation of policy dialogue on economic issues with the Government, donors, civil society, private sector; contributions o development of policies as relevant.
Provision of policy options, particularly from pro-poor perspectives, on macroeconomic and development issues to governments and other development actors.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned.
Assessment of the country’s macro-economic policies and their impact on poverty reduction , growth, equity, etc.
Training and capacity building support for UNDP staff and Government officials on economic issues.

3. Participates in the building of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities.
Research and analysis of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation.
Production of periodic updates and briefs on country development situation to be used by stakeholders, CO and HQ.
Undertaking of selected studies/research on emerging development concerns that feed into government/development partners processes.

4. Advocacy and promotion of awareness of UNDP’s mandate and mission focusing on achievement of the following results:

Policy advocacy for the Millennium Development Goals, Human Development and pro-poor and equitable economic growth by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings.
Production of high quality research papers for UNDP presentation at international workshops and conferences.
Support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
Management of events and publications on economic issues, including annual Global Human Development Reports launches in the country, advocacy of the main Reports findings among relevant Governmental agencies, civil society organizations and donors.

Competencies
Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda: analysis and creation of messages and strategies

Contributes to the elaboration of advocacy strategies by identifying and prioritizing audiences and communication means.
Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses.

Building Strategic Partnerships: Identifying and building partnerships

Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to UNDP’s mandate and strategic agenda;
Sensitizes UN Partners, donors and other international organizations to the UNDP’s strategic agenda, identifying areas for joint efforts;
Develops positive ties with civil society to build/strengthen UNDP’s mandate;
Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners;
Displays initiative, sets challenging outputs for him/herself and willingly accepts new work assignments

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Developing tools and mechanisms

Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches;
Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms;
Develops and/or participates in the development of tools and mechanisms, including identifying new approaches to promote individual and organizational learning and knowledge sharing using formal and informal methodologies.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the subject-matter

Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;
Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff;
Continues to seeks new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit;
Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;
Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments.

Creating Visibility for UNDP/Supporting UNDP’s Capacity to Advocate: Developing promotional projects and organizational messages

Identifies and develops activities to enhance the visibility of UNDP;
Develops promotional activities based on monitoring/evaluation information identifying areas requiring higher visibility
Reviews documents and materials intended for use within and outside the organization in order to ensure consistency and validity of messages;
Creates and cultivates networks of partners to promote UNDP’s image;
Conducts assessments of activities to improve impact and effectiveness.

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals: Analysis and creation of messages and strategies

Performed analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses;
Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for global advocacy work and adapts it for use at country level.

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise: Developing innovative and creative approaches

Leverages different experiences and expertise of team members to achieve better and more innovative outcomes;
Leverages multi disciplinary, institutional knowledge and experience of other countries and regions to promote UNDP’s development agenda;
Participates in dialogue about conceptual innovation at the country and regional levels.

Client Orientation: Contributing to positive outcomes for the client

Anticipates client needs;
Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider;
Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective.

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in Economics.

Experience:

10 years of relevant experience at the national or international level;
Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis;
Some experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects ;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems and advanced programmes for statistical analysis of data.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English;
Knowledge of French is an added advantage.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.


To Apply:

http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=31076

Deadline: 13th July 2012

Executive Assistant Jobs in South Africa at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Johannesburg

  Job Title: Executive Assistant
Closing Date: Wednesday, 30 May 2012


Background Information - UNOPS

“UNOPS plays a critical role in providing management services for our life-saving, peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. I have seen many examples of how these activities help suffering people in troubled parts of the world.”

Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

UNOPS employs around 3,500 personnel annually and on behalf of its partners creates thousands more work opportunities in local communities. With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, a network of five regional offices and a further 20 operations and project centres, UNOPS oversees activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Background info - BU AFO

Africa Regional Office
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Africa Regional Office supports UNOPS country offices in the region, providing financial oversight of projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources.

AFO helps ensure that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between projects across the entire region.


Background Information - Job-specific

The position is based in Johannesburg, and the incumbent will support the 2 most senior managers of Africa Office (AFO). The Executive Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy and Regional Directors to provide support, ensuring an environment of professionalism and teamwork at all times, and setting exemplary standards of conduct for the office team.

Functional Responsibilities


Efficient and discreet management of the Directors’ schedules
Organization of regular and ad-hoc meetings; preparation of minutes and summaries of actions to be taken; tracking of progress on planned issues; follow-up with focal points.
Organization of special AFO Regional events, such as workshops, luncheons, receptions for governments, UN agencies, governmental/non-governmental organizations and other partners;
Establishment of an effective network and exchange of information with internal partners and important business clients;

Screening of all incoming communications, filter outgoing correspondence for supervisor’s signature, clearance and further action by other staff; wherever possible;

Adherence to appropriate protocol and correspondence guidelines by the office team when communicating with Government and other external partners;

Establishment and maintenance of all hard copy and electronic files, reference materials and confidential records as required, and evaluation of information for retention or disposal;

Coordination of the information flow in the office and dissemination of corporate and interoffice communication to staff as required.

Drafting of routine correspondence, interoffice circulars, general briefing notes, documents, reports, and minutes of meetings when requested, translations when required.

Preparation of spreadsheets, database files, presentation slides and tables ensuring appropriate style and accuracy of information.

Management of the Deputy Regional Director/Regional Director’s missions and representation schedule, as well as related travel arrangements.
Preparation of high quality briefing materials for the Deputy Regional and Regional Directors for appointments, meetings, missions.

Work as a back up to the Administrative Associate

Competencies


Integrity
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Creativity and innovation
Commitment to continuous Learning
Accountability
Planning and Organizing
Results orientation
Communications skills
Teamwork skills
Client orientation
Technological awareness

Education

High school diploma is required. Specialized secretarial training or office management a significant asset

Experience

5 to 7 years of progressively responsible secretarial, administrative, programme experience is required at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2003 and/or newer versions), experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Languages


Fluency in written and oral English required. Knowledge of French is significant asset.


Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Contract level: G6
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability
To Apply:

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
http://www.unops.org/english/whoweneed/contract-types/Pages/United-Nations-staff-contracts.aspx



Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
Deadline:30th May 2012

UNOPS South Africa Jobs - ORASECOM Water Information System Specialist Job Vacancy

Vacancy code: VA/2012/ICA/71598/ORASECOM-WIS

Job title: ORASECOM Water Information System, WIS: Enhancements and training

Post level: Senior Specialist, I-ICA 3

Duty station
Home office of the consultant, including frequent interactions with the ORASECOM Secretariat in Centurion, South Africa.
Missions to line agencies and other data custodians in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa, as required.
Duration
Retainer contract April 2012 to December 2012, 100 person days

Project context

The Orange-Senqu River Basin is one of the larger river basins in southern Africa. The river system is regulated by some 30 large dams and includes several larger inter- and intra-basin transfers. Extensive water utilisation for urban, industrial and agricultural purposes has significantly reduced natural flow, to the extent that the current flow reaching the river mouth is in the order of half of the natural flow.
Future river basin management in the Orange-Senqu River Basin has to balance these competing water uses, and deal with increasing rates of human-induced change and the mounting concerns about the causes and consequences of this change. Differences in legal frameworks, historical backgrounds and technical capabilities of the four riparian States Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa add to the complexity.
The four riparian States are strongly committed to a joint, basin-wide approach to addressing threats to the shared water resources. This led to the Agreement on the Establishment of the Orange-Senqu River Commission in 2000 (ORASECOM Agreement).
As a fairly young organisation, ORASECOM’s mandate and governance arrangements are evolving. Consensus was reached among the riparian States that one of the primary mechanisms for ORASECOM’s technical advice will be the development of a basin-wide Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Plan. While the scope of the IWRM Plan and the process of its development remain to be further clarified, the perspective emerges that the IWRM Plan shall provide the cooperation framework for the management and development of water and related resources, focusing firstly on trans-boundary issues. However, the riparian States also recognise that some actions may arise from shorter term or more narrowly focused studies.
The Orange-Senqu River Basin Environment Programme (also the ORASECOM Programme), agreed at the ORASECOM Council Meeting in April 2007, brought the various ICP supporting ORASECOM under one umbrella. The Programme includes six thematic areas:
• Institutional and organisational strengthening;
• Capacity building on shared watercourse management;
• Information System;
• Communication and awareness building;
• Trans-boundary projects and studies; and
• Conservation and environmental strategies and policies.

Project brief

During preparation of the UNDP-GEF funded Project a preliminary Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) of the basin was developed.ORASECOM adopted this document in April 2008. The preliminary TDA charted the main environmental threats to the basin and ascertained their root causes.
The Project is currently finalises the TDA by addressing a number of knowledge gaps. The final TDA will serve as the scientific basis to proceed to National Action Plans (NAPs) in the four riparian States and a related basin-wide Strategic Action Programme (SAP). A participatory process has been designed for the development of the NAPs and the SAP.
In addition, the Project implements four research and demonstration projects:
• A research project on environmental flows, covering methodological issues and setting environmental flow requirements for the non-perennial Fish River catchment (in Namibia), as well as the mouth of the Orange-Senqu River (shared by Namibia and South Africa);
• A demonstration project on water demand and quality management in the irrigation sector, cooperating with the Noordoever-Vioolsdrift Joint Irrigation Authority (Namibia and South Africa) as well as commercial farmers in the perimeter; and
• Two demonstration projects on community based rangeland management, in Botswana and Lesotho.
The four year Project started in December 2009.
ORASECOM Water Information System
The role and responsibilities of ORASECOM relating to data and information management are laid out in the Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses in the Southern African Development Community (SADC Protocol, 2000) and the ORASECOM Agreement.
The SADC Protocol states that “Parties shall exchange available information and data regarding the hydrological, hydro geological, water quality, meteorological and environmental condition of shared watercourses.”
The ORASECOM Agreement includes three tasks related to data and information management:
• Exchange of data and information: Art 7.4 obliges the Parties to the Agreement to “exchange available information and data regarding the hydrological, hydro-geological, water quality, meteorological and environmental condition of the River System.”
• Standardisation of river monitoring: Art 5.2.5 advises the Parties to work towards “the standardised form of collecting, processing and disseminating data or information with regards to all aspects of the River System.”
• Notification of projects: Art 7.5 obliges: “a Party planning any project, programme or activity with regard to the River System which may have a significant adverse effect upon any one or more of the other Parties, or which may adversely affect such River System, shall forthwith notify the Council and provide all available data and information with regard thereto.”
As would be expected, line agencies in the riparian States as well as other institutions acquire and manage a large range of data and information relevant to water resources management in the Orange-Senqu River Basin. These data include hydrology-meteorology, hydrogeology, and water quality. Whereas some important data custodians in the riparian States have been identified, knowledge of where datasets may be held is mostly fragmented and not easily accessible.
During 2011 the UNDP-GEF Project supported ORASECOM in establishing a Water Information System (wisp.orasecom.org). It provides the following functions:
• Repository and cataloguing to ensure integrity of data and information acquired and produced by ORASECOM and the projects associated with it.
• Web-based search and discovery of data to enable discovery of ORASECOM data and information.
• Data exchange and sharing with appropriate users, including download of ORASECOM data and information for different user groups, while respecting third party data ownership rights.
• Web based provision of data products to the general public, e.g. visualisation of selected data in thematic maps.
• Profiles of the data custodians in the riparian States and links to their websites to facilitate data and information discovery and sharing.
• Under a GIZ executed project under ORASECOM a single integrated water resource network model (IWRMP) has been established for the entire Basin. All IWRMP data have now been systematically stored. It is now possible for the four riparian States to access raw data for the IWRMP and run the models themselves.

Tasks

The following enhancements, a facility for regional selection, and WIS presentations and training have been identified during the review and evaluation processes that occurred in the first phase of the Water Information System project.
Enhancements List A – 5 person days, to be delivered in April 2012
1. Show mouse cursor over table rows.
2. Make panel column widths fixed and independent of content.
3. The active links on the country flags is not working.
4. Order of the countries must be alphabetical.
5. Place labels under the login key and the help light bulb.
6. Show the size of the download file in the search results.
7. Make the plain URL a link on the search results.
8. 8Remove folder details in search results.
9. The “Clear All” button should also clear the themes and date search.
10. The opening page in the search screen should be empty.
11. Home page needs one more paragraph.
12. Update the ORASECOM logo and make link to www.orasecom.org.
13. The logon screen requires a cancel button.
14. Change news to items of interest.
15. The date search needs a calendar image.
16. Put an Outlook button for an event.
Enhancements List B – 10 person days, to be delivered in April and May 2012
1. Date search is not working properly.
2. Activate a scroller on the left hand themes panel.
3. Filter search to items that you are allowed to see.
4. Dedicated page for related sites. Must be linked to organisation’s URLs in database.
5. The ORASECOM Live page is not working properly.
6. Add the scenarios page.
7. The same themes are required for documents, data and studies.
8. Keywords do not wrap.
9. A contact us button and screen is required.
10. A URL link on the map is not working properly.
Enhancements List C – 15 person days, to be delivered in May and June 2012
1. A background monitoring and reporting facility is needed to track and report web site usage statistics – the search keywords and actual downloads in particular.
2. A more sophisticated search algorithm is required that is able to score the match of an item to the search criteria.
Enhancements List D – 10 person days, to be delivered in June and July 2012
1. A You-Tube style introduction is required in different languages.
2. A more interactive help system is required with suggestions.
Regional Selection for WRYM – 20 person days, to be delivered in August 2012
A dataset has been provided for the “Water Resource Yield Model” for the entire ORASECOM catchment. A facility is required to select a smaller sub region on a map and the system should extract all the data elements from the WRYM dataset that are located in that region.
Regional Selection for WRSM2000 – 20 person days, to be delivered in October 2012
A dataset has been provided for the “Water Resource Simulation Model” for the entire ORASECOM catchment. A facility is required to select a smaller sub region on a map and the system should extract all the data elements from the WRSM2000 dataset that are located in that region.
WIS presentations and training – 20 person days, to be delivered as required, April to December 2012
Present the Water Information System at various forums, including presentations and hands-on training at the respective line agencies in the riparian States. Participate in liaison, coordination and integration activities with other contextual initiatives, i.e. the SADC

Requirements

One senior consultant, preferably based in the region, with masters degree and a minimum of eleven years practical experience relevant to the scope of work:
• In-depth experience in conceptualisation and implementation of complex environmental information systems for larger regional organizations.
• Preferably scientific background and experience in application of GIS systems, and advanced programmers experience with GeoNetwork Open Source, in particular user interface programming.
• Software development experience with the water resource modelling applications used in southern Africa – and the WRYM and WRSM2000 in particular.
Submission of applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest with proposed honorarium, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), via e-mail to iwvacancies@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

Please note that this is a local post and is open to all nationals of the country of the duty station and to individuals who have a valid work permits.
Additional Considerations
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
For more information on UNOPS, including its core values and competencies, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.

Knowledge Management Specialist Job Vacancy in South Africa at UNIFEM in Johannesburg

JOB TITLE: KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT/MONITORING AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST
Location : Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
Application Deadline : 10-Apr-12
Additional Category Women’s Empowerment
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Level : SC-10
Languages Required :
English
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 16-Apr-2012
Duration of Initial Contract : One year
Expected Duration of Assignment : One Year

Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Regional Director, the Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist contributes to the effective implementation of the UN Women evaluation policy, ensures that all monitoring and evaluation requirements for the SRO’s programme are met and participates in planning and conducting of thematic and crosscutting evaluations. The M&E Specialist ensures that objective evaluations are designed and implemented to assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of results of programmes designed and implemented by the SRO. She/he should ensure that evaluations are carried out in a credible and systematic manner. Lessons drawn from evaluations and subsequent recommendations will be used to inform programme design and management decision making.
The Evaluation Specialist will liaise closely with the Evaluation Office at Headquarters regarding evaluation approaches and methodologies, ensuring that UN Women SARO meets the minimum requirements for monitoring and evaluation, including the conduct of mandatory project evaluations.
The Evaluation Specialist works in close collaboration with Programme and Operations Teams in the Sub Regional and Country Offices to ensure that thematic, programme and project evaluations are carried out according to schedules and that findings and recommendations are implemented and followed up.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures implementation of evaluation policies and strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

Contribution to the programme of work, including identification of topics, and projects/ programme to be evaluated;
Contact with HQ Evaluation Office and evaluation units in other Country Offices with a view to harmonizing evaluation approaches and agendas;
Responsibility for promotion of evaluation standards, quality assurance/ control and capacity development in the SARO;
Organization and coordination of evaluation missions for development projects, sectoral and thematic evaluations and desk evaluation/studies on selected sectors/themes;
Ensures effective management of the evaluation process of the SARO’s programme, focusing on achievement of following results:
Substantive inputs into Terms of Reference (TOR), consultant and evaluation team selection, technical feedback on evaluation and budget oversight;
Guidance on UN WOMEN evaluation policies, procedures and practices to programme managers, UN WOMEN SARO staff, consultant and/or members of the evaluation team;
Provision of the technical advice at the design stage of programmes/projects setting up a framework with defined indicators at the design stage to facilitate the evaluation at the late stages;
Provision of evaluation feedback into policy/project/programme design, including comments on various documents;
Timely preparation of sound analytical documents with well-reviewed and sound positions on areas evaluated, assessment of the impact and effectiveness of SARO’s programme;
Follow up on implementation of evaluation recommendations. Ensuring the optimal use of evaluations by providing guidance in preparation of timely management response to all mandatory evaluations and by developing a communication plan;
Coordinate UN Women SARO donor reporting profiles and schedules.

Ensure timely submission of substantive progress to donors in consultation with UN Women Headquarters Resource Mobilization Section and relevant programme officers and country offices.


Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the area of monitoring and evaluation, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Identification and formulation of evaluation findings, lessons learned and recommendations to be integrated into broader knowledge management efforts;
Ensure monitoring and evaluation findings adequately reflected in all UN Women reporting and information sharing processes such as quarterly, six monthly and annual reports etc.
Contribution to the implementation of evaluation knowledge Management and Learning Strategy;
Collaboration and coordination with other UN agencies, government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations on monitoring and evaluation issues;
Organization and conduct of results-oriented monitoring and evaluation trainings in SARO and within the countries supported by SARO.
Participation in the evaluation community remaining abreast of latest development and professional norms, standards, tools and methodologies;

Competencies

Skills in social research, statistical research and analysis will be an added advantage
Experience in the design of programmes that address gender equality issues
Experience in logical framework approach and strategic planning approach;
Technical skills in gender analysis and monitoring and evaluation
Technical knowledge of Results Based Management and Human Rights Based Approaches to Programming
Good organizational and programming skills with a focus on monitoring of projects implementation
Coordination skills with proven ability to work with donors and other partners
Good at producing analytical reports
Ability to interpret reports, distil lessons and translate these lessons into programmatic interventions
Commitment to gender equality and women’s rights and strong team working skills;
Knowledge of the United Nations systems will be an added advantage
Excellent communications in English. French or Portuguese will be an asset

Required Skills and Experience

Either a Masters degree in Sociology, Gender Studies, Social, Legal or Political Sciences with 5 years progressively relevant professional work experience in Monitoring & Evaluation, or Program Management in development work, or Bachelor degree in same field with 7 years relevant experience in monitoring and evaluation or programme management in development work
Project management and/or monitoring and evaluation qualification

NB:Personal History Form (P11) should be submitted together with the application.P11 can be found in the following link:https://sas.undp.org(under Forms and Circulars -Initial Appointment).

APPLICATIONS WITHOUT P11 WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.