Policy Consultant Post-2015 - New York, USA

Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)Duration of Initial Contract :8 months (end 2014) -possibility of renewal

The process leading to the design of the post-2015 Development Agenda has concluded the broad consultation phase and is now in the political negotiation phase that must be backed by technical support. The key concern is whether the next framework would be implementable. The focus therefore is on the means of implementation. In response to the query on means of implementation UNDP is undertaking the second phase of its Open and Inclusive Global Consultations known as “Deepening the Consultation”.

The second phase will focus on common implementation issues that countries are expected to face when putting a new development agenda into effect. These include: a) localising the post-2015 development agenda; b) helping to strengthen capacities and institutions; c) participatory monitoring, existing and new forms of accountability;  d) partnerships with civil society and other actors; e) partnerships with the private sector;  and f) culture and development. The project will also undertake selected pilot projects to test implementation of emerging goals on disaster resilience, peaceful societies, rule of law, and governance in selected countries in cooperation with national governments.

In addition to committing about 25% of staff time to contribute to the UNDP Post-2015 Secretariat, the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR) is expected to co-lead the thematic consultation of “localizing the post-2015 development agenda”. BCPR is also leading pilot projects on disaster resilience in five countries and peaceful society, rule of law, and governance in about three countries.

BCPR is also co-lead with the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) and the Executive Office for Rule of Law to coordinate the Technical Support Team (TST) mandated by the Rio+20 Outcomes, to support the work of the Open Working Group of Members States to design and agree a Sustainable Development Goals Framework. This includes coordinating UN agencies in defining targets and indicators on ‘peaceful societies, rule of law, and governance’ and ‘disaster resilience’.

BCPR is looking for a consultant who will coordinate BCPR’s contribution in the Technical Support Team for the Open Working Group process on Peacebuilding Society, Rule of Law and Governance as well as Disaster Resilience; BCPR’s role in the implementation of the phase consultation project of UNDP, “Deepening the Consultation” including coordinating BCPR’s contribution to the 6 themes:

Targets and indicators on Peaceful Societies, Rule of Law, and Governance and Disaster Resilience for the Sustainable Development Goals informed through participation in the Technical Support Teams;Coordinate 3 pilot projects on “peaceful society, rule of law, and governance” and “support efforts to implement 5 pilot projects on disaster resilience being led by a junior consultant on promoting the incorporation of disaster resilience in the post-2015 development framework;Support UNDP Post-2015 Secretariat by providing 25% of total time effort;Monitor the Member States deliberations and regularly write briefs for the Principals of BCPR and other UNDP leadership;Coordinate BCPR’s participation in the implementation of UNDP’s Deepening the Conversation Project.Key regional implementing partners identified and partnerships forged;Map potential regional partners for co-organizing the regional consultations;Seek approval of the regional partners from the Working Group;Support organization of regional consultative meeting with agreed regional partners;Up to two regional consultations on target and indicators and data management in Africa and the Asia Pacific Region Organize and execute all logistical requirements for the regional and global consultations as well as two or more dissemination and advocacy meetings and a technical meeting on indicators;Identify and invite consultation participants;Provide full report from the consultations including suggestions for follow-up, and revision following review and discussion;Administration and LogisticsRevise budget to match realistic costs and monitor all expenditure related to the project;Support mobilization of additional resources;Work closely with staff working directly on the disaster resilience agenda and ensure synergy of the two tracks under UNDP’s risk agenda;Undertake other relevant duties as assigned by the Policy Advisor/Team Leader. In all work, the consultant needs to ensure appropriate involvement of UNDP Bureaus and BCPR teams including with BCPR Geneva Liaison Office as well as other UN agencies, funds, programmes, and departments.    Demonstrating / Safeguarding Ethics and Integrity. Demonstrates and promotes the highest standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness and incorruptibility in all matters affecting his/her work and status; Demonstrated outstanding ability to coordinate and cooperate with many different UN actors, both within and outside UNDP and an ability to generate trust and deliver on joint commitments in cooperation with others;Communicating Information and Ideas:
Facilitating and encouraging open communication;Delivers verbal/written information in a timely, clear, organized and easily understood manner.A minimum of a Master’s Degree or equivalent in development, business administration, international relations, political science or related field.At least 7 years of professional experience, including with the UN, in the area of development, recovery, humanitarian affairs, peace and security, natural disaster;Familiarity with global development, conflict and security communities including civil society and research institutions;Strong knowledge of UN system policies and programming in crisis and post-crisis situations;Relevant UNDP or UN experience highly desirable;Experience with policy research and peer review processes;Ability and experience working in a team;Experience in managing project budget;Experience with computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Fluency in English, both oral and written is required;Knowledge of another UN language, preferably French, would be 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.

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