JOINT MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE - (OPEN TO TUNISIAN NATIONALS ONLY)

Location :	Tunis, TUNISIA
Application Deadline :	13-Sep-13
Type of Contract :	Service Contract
Post Level :	SC-9
Languages Required :	Arabic   English   French
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)	01-Oct-2013
Duration of Initial Contract :	1 year
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Background
The European Commission and the United Nations launched in 2009 a Joint Migration and Development Initiative (JMDI) that reflected the strong nexus between migration and development. The programme, fully funded by the European Commission and run out of UNDP Brussels represented a major innovation as a first joint UN project of its kind not only with the European Commission, but also in its approach to inter-Agency working.  Based on the JMDI successful results and lessons learnt, a new phase of the programme focused on the local dimension of migration and development is funded by the European Commission (EC) and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC). The programme will address three areas of intervention: To move from isolated and individual approaches towards more structured forms of interventions through the identification of promising initiatives from local authorities in partnership with CSOs in selected countries that will be scaled up to maximize impact on local development. Policy options and definition of road maps for action will be drawn from the experience of the supported initiatives; To reinforce the capacities of selected local administrations to effectively link migration and development, with a specific focus on facilitating increased coordination within local authorities’ administration in order to maximize their ability to grasp the potential of migration for development; To connect local authorities globally with each other and with other stakeholders and facilitate partnerships (between local authorities in countries of origin and destination of migration, migrant and refugee associations, the private sector, the social partners etc.) to reinforce local authorities’ potential to become active players in the field of migration and development. The programme will scale-up local authorities’ initiatives that have emerged as particularly promising in terms of linking local authorities and the civil society in the field of migration and development. This will be made with a view to reach a larger scale impact, linking with other elements such as local governance and sustainable development with a view to deepen the development impact of funded initiatives, to replicate good practices and to bring them up to scale in order to strengthen the programme’s impact at policy level. The programme will organize targeted training for interested local authorities, which are already involved or would like to engage in migration and development activities. The objective will be to reinforce their skills and equip them with tailor-made tools to deepen and strengthen their on-going initiatives. Five agencies – IOM, ILO, UNHCR, UN Women and UNFPA– will be directly engaged in the strategic direction of the programme and will contribute with their institutional knowledge, expertise and extensive networks to ensure its success. The management of these initiatives will be carried out within the framework of a decentralized approach coordinated by a network of eight Focal Points put into place in each target country that will ensure the overall coordination and establishment of strategic partnerships between all involved local and national actors and local JMDI partner agencies. Despite focus on local actors’ essential role, continuing to work at national level is also imperative in order to facilitate national and sub-national alignment and national support for local initiatives thus allowing local actor ownership of the initiatives, guaranteeing improved development impact, effectiveness and sustainability of the programme. Under the direct supervision of the JMDI Programme Manager and of UNDP in Tunisia, the Focal Point will support the appraisal, monitoring and reinforcement of capacities of funded initiatives. The bulk of the time, he/she will be based on the site of the up-scaled initiatives to perform this role. In close contact with the JMDI partner agencies, the Focal Point will also ensure the coordination and articulation of the initiatives on a multi-stakeholder level, liaising with the relevant national and sub-national entities to inform them of the programme’s activities, reach consensus and gain their support. The Focal Point will also work in close coordination with the Local Development Specialist providing technical expertise to the projects’ stakeholders, capturing and disseminating lessons learned and report back to the PMU on the progress being made with update and evaluation reports.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions: Support the preparation, appraisal, approval and funding of projects implemented by local authorities in partnership with civil society organizations in JMDI target countries; Facilitate coordination and partnerships with local/national/regional/international stakeholders to increase JMDI’s outreach and mobilize constituencies of local actors in regions of intervention; Provide technical expertise to JMDI scaled-up initiatives; Monitor progress of interventions and support the documentation of best experiences. Support the preparation, appraisal, approval and funding of projects implemented by local authorities in partnership with civil society organizations in JMDI target countries Assist the PMU in the identification of initiatives of local authorities in partnership with civil society organizations which will be scaled-up with JMDI funding by analyzing the credibility, capacity, transparency and accountability of the entity and the initiative. Assist intended project beneficiaries in preparing project proposals for submission for funding; Ensure proper inclusion of key principles of local development within projects’ methodologies in view of reaching impact and sustainability; Assist the PMU in preparing the documentation to support the selection of awarded projects by the JMDI steering committee. Facilitate coordination and partnerships with local/national/regional/international stakeholders to increase JMDI’s outreach and mobilize constituencies of local actors in regions of intervention Facilitate a decentralized approach to programme management through the establishment of an adequate inter-agency framework which enforces inter-agency cooperation and alignment with the programme and which builds on existing United Nations Development Assistance Framework; Provide support in mapping, reaching out and mobilizing and creating synergies with existing networks of local government authorities at national and international levels; Build or strengthen strategic alliances of local and national governments with civil society organization, universities, social entities and other local stakeholders; Coordinate and strengthen all alliances with all key stakeholders at national and local levels to increase programme impact, visibility and performance; Communicate with PMU in order to consolidate outreach strategies vis-à-vis local authorities in the target countries and at global level; Engage local offices of the Swiss Development Cooperation and EU delegations to regularly report on programme implementation at national level and build synergies with other activities funded by the donor; Organize and coordinate meetings with JMDI partner agencies, national and local governments, civil society organizations, social entities, universities and other relevant actors to mobilize constituencies of local actors in regions of intervention; Disseminate lessons-learnt from up-scaled projects and facilitate knowledge sharing and dialogue between relevant local stakeholders in the regions of intervention; Provide meeting reports and disseminate ideas and conclusions to all stakeholders. Provide technical expertise to JMDI scaled-up initiatives With the support of the PMU, conduct a thorough needs assessment to define the areas of expertise needed by the projects’ stakeholders to successfully implement their activities; With the support of the PMU and the JMDI partner agencies, provide technical expertise to the projects’ stakeholders on a needs basis at both individual and organizational level; Follow-up to the formal training provided centrally to the projects’ stakeholders once they are back at work place. Monitor progress of interventions  and support the documentation of best experiences In close liaison with the PMU, consolidate the results coming out of the monitoring of the funded initiatives in the target countries; Collect lessons learnt and good practices in view of supporting the drafting of country specific road maps for action; Dissemination of lessons learnt and good practices through analysis reports; Provide support in the drafting of lessons learnt documents; Implement a risk management framework to the monitoring and evaluation process; Ensure correct budget expenditure of approved initiatives; Ensure correct and timely implementation of initiatives that are coherent with objectives established; Closely monitor initiatives in order to highlight and provide support in the implementation of any changes or adjustments necessary for the success of the initiatives in view of any unexpected obstacles or issues that may arise; Inform PMU of any and all changes, progress and incidents at all times; File regular monitoring and evaluation reports to the PMU. Impact of results The coordination and articulation of the initiatives on a multi-stakeholder level, liaising with the relevant national and sub-national entities and UN agencies are considered critical to the alignment of national and sub-national initiatives as well as improved support and coordination between local and national governments in target countries. This is necessary for the sustainability and improved development impact of the initiatives.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies Demonstrates integrity and impartiality; Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and gender equality. Functional Competencies: Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda Creates effective advocacy strategies; Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses. Building Strategic Partnerships Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to UNDP’s mandate and strategic agenda; Identifies needs and interventions to support counterparts, clients and potential partners; Promotes UNDP’s agenda in inter-agency meetings. Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing 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. Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines; 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; Demonstrated capacity to strongly promote knowledge sharing and knowledge products and systems. Leadership and Self-Management Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity; Demonstrates strong written and oral communications skills; Remains calm and in control even under pressure.
Required Skills and Experience
Education: A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, Local Economic Development, Policy Analysis, Private Sector Development and Migration). Additional specialized training on LED a distinct advantage. Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years of post qualification work experience on local development and migration, with emphasis on policy, strategy and programme design and implementation; International experience as well as experience with  an international development organisation or a reputable non-governmental organisation would be a distinct advantage; Previous work experience with migration and development issues a strong advantage as well as proven capability to produce knowledge and capacity development products; Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (word, excel, outlook) and web-based applications; Demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives at local and national level. Language Requirement: Fluency in Arabic and English or French.
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.