POST: INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ADVISOR / SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME

JOB TITLE: INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ADVISOR / SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME

Organization: United Nations Development Programme

Duty Station: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Programme: Communities Programme (CP)

Category: SSA

Duration: Part-time each year over 3 years:
February 2010: 3 weeks
June/July 2010: 3 weeks
In addition, on-call support on a part-time basis will be required for monitoring and evaluation missions and for strategic advice throughout Programme implementation.

Supervisors: RGP Programme Manager and CP Programme Manager

Deadline: 18 January 2009


Instruction for submission of applications: Please fill out an Application form for SSA position posted on www.undp.tj by following the job vacancies link from this webpage. Please note that no other type of application form will be considered for such positions, other than the one found at the link specified above.

Organizational Context
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Tajikistan has been undergoing a transformation process on the pathway to development. Its transition from central rule to market economy and increasing political stability is further convoluted due to the need to overcome the post-conflict legacy of the civil war of 1992-1997, which resulted in the displacement of over million people, took the lives of over 50,000 people; stagnating the reduction of poverty and significantly delaying the development process.
Tajikistan is a landlocked country with rather difficult geographical conditions whereby 93% of the land is mountainous terrain. It is highly prone to seasonal and natural disasters. Poverty in Tajikistan is wide spread and it scores as the lowest in Human Development Index (HDI) amongst the countries of the former Soviet Union.
Communities Programme (CP)
Communities Programme is a multi-year initiative that builds on the previous achievements of UNDP from 1996 and supports working toward the achievements of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and the implementation of Tajikistan’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. CP operates at the local level through its five area offices in Soughd, Khatlon, and the Rasht and Zarafshan Valleys.

The new phase of CP commencing 2010 will aim to apply a more programmatic approach and will strengthen its focus on sustainability. At the local level, CP aims at strengthening local governance systems by adopting a two-fold strategy: a) to build capacity of national and sub-national governments to plan, budget and monitor development on their territories in a participatory and inclusive way and in line with PRS targets, as well to secure investments and provide public services, support rural economic development, natural resources management, health and disaster risk management, and b) enhance capacities of private sector and civil society to develop, participate in decision-making, exercise influence and hold governments accountable. CP intends to build strong linkages between its local level interventions and policy making at the national level by supporting national institutions to enact key policies, reforms, and regulations relevant in the areas of CP intervention.

A substantial part of CP delivery in 2010 will encompass the Rural Growth Programme (RGP) in Soughd Region Tajikistan, which is a USD$20 million three year initiative, commencing 2010. RGP focuses on strengthening governance structures and their role in enhancing economic development in Soughd Region. The Programme approach is Area-Based Development (ABD) and integrated rural development planning, implementation and monitoring. The goal of the RGP is to enhance more inclusive economic development in rural areas of Tajikistan in support of the National Development Strategy (NDS) and the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). The RGP is conceptualized as a Programme that fosters an environment for rural economic development and relies on three main components, 1.Governance and Civil Society Development; 2.Private Sector Development; and, 3.Improving Rural Access to Microfinance.


Duties and Responsibilities
The International Economic Advisor will provide coordination and substantive technical advisory support for the Rural Growth Programme and other Communities Programme related interventions in strengthening the business environment and rural development to enhance employment and economic outcomes for rural communities in Tajikistan.
This position is considered to be strategic - as the expert, directly providing technical support to the CP Manager, RGP Programme Manager, the Senior CP Officers on Governance and Economic Development and support to other Communities Programme staff members as required. The International Economic Advisor will be responsible for providing high level policy advisory support, technical assistance and management of technical inputs. He/She will provide strategic direction to empirical and diagnostic processes to support and optimize the effective alignment and implementation of all CP components.

Summary of Key Functions:
1. Strategically position CP interventions as an effective platform and conduit for local government accountability to mobilize the business community and citizen engagement in the context of private sector development, agricultural development and microfinance provision at the local level;
2. Provide strategic advice on policy dialogue, engagement, advocacy and knowledge transfer relating to rural economic development;
3. Monitor and analyze the Programme environment and advise on the timely readjustment of programme strategies and activities which are related to rural economic development, including private sector development and microfinance provision; and,
4. Undertake any other assignment as required, which involves the provision of expertise in private sector development and economic development. This may include but is not limited to: providing expert analysis and advisory support on approaches to value market chain analysis, marketing strategies, and mobilizing government structures and systems to provide favorable support to the business sector with the view to improve good governance and economic growth for rural communities.
Policy Advice:
1. Provide policy advice to influence both strategic as well as tactical and operational decision making within the frame of the RGP and for other CP related interventions relating to rural economic development as required;
2. As required, undertake empirical research in RGP and other CP activated districts to identify obstructing socio-political, economic and other relevant factors relevant to CP interventions relating to rural economic development and their respective solutions/recommendations;
4. Lead analytical work (e.g. institutional and risk analysis, policy reviews) to inform the development of the Programme’s strategic positioning and direction; and,
5. In the frame of RGP objectives and other Communities Programme activities, prepare position papers and advise Programme Management in the preparation of rural economic development related high level consultation meetings with the government, private sector and other stakeholders.
Programmatic Advice:
1. Work closely with the RGP Programme Manager and Senior CP Officers on Governance and Economic Development for Governance and Economic Development in providing technical support to all CP interventions which relate to rural economic development, particularly private sector development, employment generation and microfinance provision. The position will also work in collaboration with all related international, national and regional level development partners and staff based in Area Offices.
2. Technical assistance and coordination support may be required for the preparation of annual work plans, capacity assessments, needs assessments and surveys, and assist in the design of project activities, implementation strategies and budgets as required.
Expert and Mentoring Support:
1. Guide and support the technical teams within CP projects on an as needs basis;
2. Assess and continuously improve the process and outcome of field activities, including the provision of evidence based research for supporting the development and design of new interventions under the frame of the CP;
3. Develop a thorough yet flexible knowledge management system to instill a culture of Learning, Remembering & Reflection (LRR) enabling the technical staff to progressively improve work outputs;
4. Design and implement strategies for knowledge transfer to partners & stakeholders;
5. Design and develop consultative manuals, tips and methodology relevant to CP economic development interventions.
6. Establish a professional experience exchange network, and provide professional workshop and training in economic related issues amongst economic development advisors to effectively improve and make valuable impact on communities programme.
7. Assist the RGP Programme Manager and Senior CP Officers on Governance and Economic Development with the preparation of the integrated annual work plan and budget and mid-term and final narrative and financial reports with regard to economic related technical inputs.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
1. Conceptualize, plan, participate and coordinate periodic reviews and assessment of overall programme or specific components relating to rural economic development, through joint missions and external technical review teams;
2. Formulate and regularly update Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) that measure quantitative and qualitative outputs and outcomes related to private sector development/employment generation specific RGP interventions;
3. Provide guidance, technical advice and a transfer of knowledge to staff within the Communities Programme M&E and Reporting Unit in developing research and M&E tools that draw on multiple information mediums, including primary and secondary sources of data and involve internal and external stakeholders.
Strategic Networks and Partnerships:
1. In cooperation with the RGP Programme Manager and other senior CP staff, develop strategic entry points to enhance the interface and linkages amongst UN supported initiatives for maximum results in the field of private sector development and improved economic development outcomes for rural communities in Tajikistan.
2. In cooperation with the RGP Programme Manager and other senior CP staff, develop functional networks with regional, national and international partners to facilitate knowledge sharing and cross-fertilization of ideas related to empirical and diagnostic processes that underpin strong local governance and rural economic development.
3. Give particular focus to advancing a gender balance within strategic networks at both implementation and national levels.
Reporting:
1. Ensure quality research products which highlight Communities Programme experiences that capture the achievements, impacts, outputs and outcomes of the Programme. These products will be presented in both national and international forums.

2. The International Economic Advisor will work under the direct supervision of RGP Programme Manager with overall supervision from the CP Manager. This position will provide direct advisory support to the Senior Officer for Economic Development. The position will be based at UNDP Country Office in Dushanbe with frequent travel to the Programme target areas within Tajikistan.
Competencies:
This is a senior management strategic advisory position that requires substantive project/program management experience and advisory abilities in the area of private sector development.

Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates commitment to UNDP mission, vision and values.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Preferred development thematic background:
Private sector development for rural economic growth; and/or,
Microfinance; and/or,
Employment generation for rural economic growth.

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
Shares knowledge and experience and provides helpful advice to others in the office.
Ability to develop systems for structuring, codifying and providing access to information and knowledge.
Ability to facilitate inter-agency exchange and cooperation of approaches and experiences.

Development and Operational Effectiveness
Experience of implementation of multi-stakeholder and multi-agency programs;
Strong ability to lead in strategic policy and programme development. Excellent working knowledge of project lifecycle.
Very strong analytical skills.
Excellent knowledge of drafting and writing reports and strong presentation skills.
Leadership and Self-Management
Focus on results for the donors and UNDP and respond positively to feedback.
Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexity.

Required Skills & Qualifications:
Education
At least a Masters post-graduate degree in a field relevant to Rural Development, Agro-economics, Business Administration, Economics, Political Science, International Development, Social Science or another related field.
Excellent understanding of the social policy, development issues and the environment of Tajikistan and the Central Asian region, or relevant related experience in a similar context;
Experience/Skills
Demonstrated experience in providing specialist knowledge and expertise in private sector development for economic growth relevant to a developing rural context;
At least 10 years work experience in the field of development, including at least 5-7 years demonstrated experience in programs or policy development in either private sector development, agricultural or rural development to support economic growth. Working knowledge of development interventions relating to governance, economic development and private sector development is desirable;
Strong ability to gain cooperation to meet the desired objectives of the project;
Demonstrated experience in collaborative relationship management across donor agencies, government, project implementing partners and civil society.
High level interpersonal skills, including excellent English writing skills with the ability to draft position papers, research papers, and reports to donors. High level verbal communication skills are required including the ability to lead presentations to RGP stakeholders;
High sense of responsibility and a willingness to take initiative;
Strong working knowledge of UNDP, donor assistance in the CIS region, civil society sector and community development approaches;
Excellent computer skills, including command of MS Word and Excel, and familiarity with imaging software and databases;
Strong and demonstrated ability to work cross-culturally in an expert advisory role, including respect for diversity, sound communication, mentoring and coaching skills.
Language Skills
Excellent command of spoken and written English. Knowledge of Russian language or other local languages is an asset.


Since UNDP Tajikistan currently has a majority of male employees, we strongly encourage qualified female applicants for this position. UNDP seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities and that staff members are able to keep an appropriate balance between work and private life.

Apply online to this position at: http://www.undp.tj/va/?turn_on=account&action=apply&ID=666