CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: VETTED EXPERTS ROSTER FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

Location :	Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA
Application Deadline :	15-Sep-13
Type of Contract :	Other
Post Level :	Other
Languages Required :	English
Duration of Initial Contract :	Various short-term individual consultancy assignments
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Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. In Cambodia, UNDP aims to enhance the government’s ability to deliver public services to the population in an efficient, effective, equitable and accountable manner, to consolidate a participatory democracy with a responsible civil society and to create an enabling environment for inclusive growth, private sector development and sustainable use of natural resources. UNDP has been in Cambodia for 50 years, operating from 1958 to 1975, resuming in a limited capacity in 1980 contributing to emergency relief operations, and formally establishing its offices in Phnom Penh in 1994 with the signature of the SBAA.UNDP Cambodia is currently implementing its new five-year Country Programme Action Plan. UNDP supports Cambodia to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Critical challenges include: (i) the diversification of growth and the translation of growth into the reduction of poverty and inequalities in rural areas; (ii) sustainable and participatory management of natural resources that represent primary assets for the poor (including oil and gas, arable land, forestry and fisheries) and (iii) strengthening participatory democracy and good governance. UNDP also supports Cambodia to achieve priority goals and targets outlined in its National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) in the fields of governance reforms, political processes, gender equity, environmental sustainability and rural energy, climate change and de-mining. These national goals are aligned with the MDGs. UNDP works closely with the government to improve democratic governance in the areas of local accountability, women’s empowerment, youth civic participation and inclusion of marginalized groups. We are also helping to build a more robust democracy through providing long-term support to institutions, civil society organizations, civic education initiatives and the media through strategic partnership with development partners and the government.. In order to achieve these aims and to provide a transparent and variable system of very specific expertise in all areas of the UNDP Cambodia's mandate, UNDP Cambodia has established a vetted roster of experts/consultants. The roster provides an instant access to vetted consultants and makes the recruitment as quick and easy as possible. UNDP Cambodia announces a call for applications to the Vetted Experts Roster on annual basis. In this context, UNDP Cambodia is soliciting the submission of CVs (individuals, not firms) from experts and experienced consultants to be considered for registration in the UNDP Cambodia ’s Democratic Governance Experts Roster.
Duties and Responsibilities
The consultants/experts will be further contracted by UNDP Cambodia, in line with UNDP procurement rules and regulations, to provide specific required individual consultancy services to specific clients (UNDP Cambodia and national stakeholders including governments, civil society organizations and other in the region). The range of tasks that would typically be expected from a consultant will be related to the following thematic/expertise areas: Access to Information; Legal and regulatory environment for access to information; Supporting development of the media; Civil society (Social mobilization); Civic education (Education curricula); Civic institutions (CSOs, NGOs, think tanks); Civil society-government dialogue; Institutional capacity development for Community Network;  Promoting citizens engagement in democratic development; Local Governance and best practices for exchange and mutual learning; Corporate governance (Business and contract law; Management; Private sector); Decentralization (Local government); Administrative decentralization; Financial decentralization; Political decentralization; Local economic and democratic development; Territorial decentralization; Urban planning and democratic development; Privatization (Private sector); Institutional and human resource development for decentralization reform; Strengthening Local Government Networks; Local Governments and Decentralized Cooperation; Public ethics and functional assignment for local government; Developing Accountability framework for local governments; Local Governance Charters for Regional and Local Governments; E-governance (Information technology applications); Executive institutions; Global Governance (Intergovernmental organizations); Governance indicators; Integrity in governance: accountability, anti-corruption and transparency; Regulatory and oversight agencies; Intergovernmental organizations (Global governance); Regional intergovernmental organizations; Legislative drafting on Intellectual Property and Trade-related Aspect of Intellectual Property Flexibility; Parliamentary development; Constituency relations; Legislative institutions; Public Administration; Civil service pay and compensation; Civil service reform. The specific reporting and working relationships will always be specified at the time of contracting for an actual assignment.
Competencies
Functional Competencies: Strategic vision, strong technical and analytical capabilities; Strong reporting and writing abilities; Ability to work in a team, develop synergies and establish effective working relations with government counterparts, donors, NGOs and other development partners; Strong interpersonal and communication skills, resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment, tact, and negotiating skills, and the ability to cope with situations which may pose conflict; Focuses on result for the client, responds positively to feedback and differing points of view; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills; Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations; Ability to manage workload with minimum supervision; Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities. Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Treats all people fairly without favoritism; Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Advanced university degree (Master, PhD) in social sciences, international affairs, international law, public administration, business administration, political science, development studies, economics or other related areas. Experience: At least 5 years of proven work experience in the related field (corresponding to the area of the selected topic); Working experience in Cambodia and/or developing countries is an asset; Familiarity with UNDP’s capacity development approach and experience in its practical applications is a plus; Excellent drafting and formulation skills: track record in producing official reports or papers/ studies in specified areas; Experience with facilitation of professional workshops/ conferences is an asset; Experience working as a public official in above-mentioned areas is a plus; IT literacy and ability to operate with on-line web-based applications. Languages: Fluency in spoken and written English is a must; Knowledge of Khmer language is an asset. Application Submission Procedures: Interested candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain: A brief cover letter, including a clear identification of the main (ONE) and secondary (if any) thematic area(s) of interest and expertise for which the applicant applies and stating your interest in and qualifications for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application. Personal CV; UNDP Personal History Form (P11), which can be downloaded at http://www.un.org.kh/undp/media/files/procurement/IC/Form%20and%20Template/Annex%203_P11%20modified%20for%20SCs%20and%20ICs.doc; Please note that UNDP Online Recruitment System allow only one uploading, so please make sure that you merge all your documents into a single file. Evaluation of Applicants: Applicants will be screened against qualifications and the competencies specified above. The total number of points allocated for the qualifications is 100. Only the applicant who have attained a minimum of 70% of total points will be considered as qualified applicants. The following criteria are used in qualification evaluation: Relevant education/academic background and degree - (20 points); Having at least 5 years of professional working experience - (20 points); Having proven work experience in the related field (corresponding to the area of the selected topic) - (40 points); Having proven experiences related to the above remaining required experience defined above - (20 points). Only qualified applicants will be invited to register in UNDP Cambodia ’s Democratic Governance Experts Roster. Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process. Contracting Arrangements: Successful candidates will invited to register in UNDP Cambodia ’s Democratic Governance Experts Roster. Entry into the expert roster system does not necessarily mean that contract with UNDP is guaranteed. This will depend on forthcoming needs and further selection process based on UNDP procurement rules and regulations; A specific Term of Reference (ToR) outlining the outputs for each assignment shall be provided and an Individual Contract (IC) will be issued to the consultant, detailing the time frame directly by the contracting unit/office; Conditions of a particular assignment may be negotiable; Payments will be made as specified in the actual contract upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner. Request for Additional Information or Clarification: If interested candidate requests additional information, may notify the Procurement Unit in writing to e-mail address: procurement.kh@undp.org. The Procurement Unit would endeavor to provide information expeditiously, but any delay in providing such information will not be considered a reason for extending the submission date of your application.
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.