RE-ADVERTISEMENT - SPECIALIST ON CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT, SC (ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RECOVERY OF DONBAS REGION)

 Background

Candidates who previously applied need not re-apply.

The armed conflict in the eastern Ukraine has exerted a strong impact on the political, social and economic fabric of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, leading to harsh vulnerabilities of population and lack of basic services. The deterioration of basic functions of the local government has reduced the quality of life and security, and caused out-migration of more than a million people. Over 5 million residents of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts are in need of some kind of early recovery support.

Damage to critical infrastructures is extensive. According to the Ukrainian government, 12,000 facilities, including energy, water and heating supply systems, healthcare, transport, and educational infrastructures, are damaged or destroyed. Damage to physical infrastructure and housing in the territory under the control of the armed groups is even higher.

Immediate livelihood needs are great, as an estimated 80% of formal sector activity of the Donbas economy is not operational. November figures show year-on-year declines in industrial production of 50% in Donetsk and 80% in Luhansk. Cash shortages due to unpaid salaries, pensions and social benefits, and the collapse of the banking system restrict the population’s ability to purchase those supplies that are available. Enterprise closures are a major concern: 19 out of 23 major enterprises in Luhansk oblast are not operating, while half of the enterprises in Donetsk oblast are experiencing job cuts and partial employment.

To bring normal life back to the local communities, new economic opportunities must be created through effective economic and social recovery responses. The region’s major social and economic development needs are: (i) reconstructing damaged infrastructures; (ii) restoring damaged enterprises and plants; (iii) restoring the government’s ability to fund and manage social support; and (iv) improving the business climate.

Taking this into consideration UNDP plans to implement the Project on ‘Economic and Social Recovery of Donbas Region’, funded by the Government of Japan. The overall objective of the project is to support local economic recovery and improve living conditions by creating employment and income generation opportunities and enhancing the employability and resilience of affected population of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. The project aims to achieve this objective by: (i) rehabilitating critical economic infrastructures; (ii) enhancing opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship; and (iii) strengthening local authorities’ capacity for creating enabling environments for business and employment opportunities. The geographic coverage of the project includes the Government controlled urban as well as rural areas of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts.

To ensure the activities of the Component 3 are implemented and managed effectively and efficiently, UNDP Ukraine invites applications from highly qualified and experienced Ukrainian professionals for the post of the Specialist on Capacity Development.

 Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UNDP Programme Manager and the Project Manager, the Specialist on Capacity Development will be responsible for management of component 3. The Specialist will facilitate and coordinate Component 3 activities to strengthen local authorities’ capacity for creating enabling environments for business and employment opportunities in the regions. Specifically, s/he will perform the following key tasks in close coordination with the Local Coordinators in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts:

Strengthening capacity of local authorities for creating employment and business opportunities:

• Ensure assessing capacity development needs of local authorities on economic recovery in the region;
• Ensure identification of legal and policy barriers to business development and employment generation;
• Ensure capacity development activities for local authorities on supporting private sector development;
• Ensure development of local economic development strategies, plans, and legislation to promote SME development in the region;
• Ensure the provision of grants for the development of business support infrastructures, such as business incubators and business centers, as well as to business membership organizations;
• Facilitate establishing public-private partnership dialogues in target regions;

Provide support for efficient and effective delivery of the project activities:

• Prepare annual, quarterly, and detailed implementation work plans, and other related documents for timely commencement and implementation of the component activities;
• Prepare specifications, ToRs and other supportive documents to procure goods and services in line with Project objectives and tasks;
• Ensure selection of Implementing Partners (IPs) through transparent and competitive processes for provision of services;
• Closely work with respective governmental organizations to ensure the component activities are implemented on timely and efficiently;
• Ensure coordination/partnership with relevant governmental, non-governmental and international organizations, including UN agencies and projects at national level and regional levels for mutually reinforcing impact;
• Monitor the field activities and provide technical support to ensure the Project objectives are met;
• Check and provide certification of satisfactory completion of works of consultants or IPs for payment of their completed works. Ensure budget for the component is efficiently and properly utilized;
• Maintain close liaison with national project partners, ensuring optimum participation and promoting ownership of national authorities in the implementation of the Project;
• Develop the professional platform for networking and partnership building with the national and local authorities, non-government, private sector and international development organizations or projects;
• Participate in relevant working group meetings and share information with partners and UNDP;
• Contribute to preparation and implementation of the Project communications strategy and plan;
• Ensure full compliance of project activities with UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;
• Prepare sections of the project reports, including progress and annual reports, as well as ad-hoc technical reports;
• Assure that due security measures are observed during implementation of the component activities;
• Perform other activities as requested by the Project Coordinator and Programme Manager.

Measurable outputs of the work assignment:

• Full and appropriate implementation of the component activities;
• Component results, experiences and lessons learned disseminated at the national and regional levels;
• Component reporting, quality monitoring and closure activities completed.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results:

• Component annual work plan is fully and timely implemented;
• Component funds delivery reached 100%;
• Component activities are carried out in strict accordance with UNDP rules and procedures.

 Competencies

• Ability to manage component for results, including the ability to translate strategic aims into achievable annual work plans; and prepare reports in a timely manner;
• Good interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to handle politically sensitive issues and contacts within government authorities and CSO’s community and within UNDP;
• Sound judgment and maturity to foster a positive work environment;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• Good facilitation skills;
• Familiarity with national policies, economic context of the region, and legislation in the area of recovery and IDPs ;
• Demonstrated strong coordination and facilitation skills;
• Excellent usage of computers and office software packages.

 Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Law, Economics, Management, or other relevant field; Post-graduate degree will be considered as an advantage;
• At least 5 years of experience in preparation or management of projects or project components in economic field;
• At least 5 years of relevant working experience in the field of private sector development, capacity development or local governance;
• Experience of working with relevant stakeholders from the governmental and non-governmental institutions involved into early recovery and IDPs, as well as economic development issues at the national and sub-national levels;
• Familiarity with UNDP rules and regulations will be considered as advantage;
• Fluency in English, Ukrainian and Russian is required.

Application Instructions:

Click on the “Apply now” button.

Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in or paste your Resume into the last box.

Upon completion of the first page, please hit “submit application” tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11). When completing the Form and, even though not currently requested, please include email addresses for your Supervisors.

Without the completed and signed P11 your application will not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at link . Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and please ensure that copies of your educational qualifications are available when contacted.

This is a locally recruited position and no expatriation benefits will apply.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 26 MAY 2015

UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest. Applications may only be submitted for specific vacancy. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.