Scalability Initiative Officer

“Cambodians living with dignity in a prosperous society at peace, based on justice, free choices and equitable access to productive resources”

The United Nations Development Programme is seeking qualified, talented, and result-oriented candidates to fill the position below:


Location :     Phnom Penh, Country Office, CAMBODIA
Application Deadline :    14-May-12
Additional Category:    Poverty Reduction
Type of Contract :    Service Contract
Post Level :    SB-4
Languages Required :    English 
Duration of Initial Contract :    6 months ( with possibility to extend due to budget mobilization)

Background

Poverty reduction and growth are the highest priorities of government and it has been recognised by the Royal Government of Cambodia’s National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2011-2013 as one the most formidable development challenge it faces. UNDP Country Programme Action Plan (2011-2015) adopts an integrated poverty reduction approach in order to accelerate progress towards Cambodian Millennium Development Goal One (CMDG1). Addressing growth, poverty and equity requires acting simultaneously at the policy and macroeconomic levels and through direct interventions focused on the poorest populations. This involves developing policy options for growth that benefits all; supporting human capital development and institutional capacity in selected sectors of importance for the diversification of the economy; and scaling up schemes to improve the incomes of those in the poorest provinces. Thus, contributing to strengthening national and sub-national capacities to develop a more diversified, sustainable and equitable economy. Building on the successes of the Insights for Action Initiative (2005-2010), UNDP Linking Policy with Practices for Accelerating MDG1 (LPP) project was established in January 2011 and aims at (i) providing evidence–based policy options for inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth, (ii) supporting human capital development and institutional capacity development in selected sectors of importance and (iii) scaling up effective anti-poverty practices for inclusive and equitable growth.  LPP programme is responsible for the preparation of key UNDP flagship reports such as Cambodia’s National Human Development Reports and national forums such as Cambodia Economic Forums.  In order to identify and scale-up effective anti-poverty practices that have demonstrated tangible results, the Scalability Initiative is implemented in two phases: Phase 1 is identifying, is assessing and is selecting models based on many criteria including impacts on the income of the poor and its potential to being scaled-up. Phase 2 is identifying and designing the recommended changes and steps to be followed by the identified models so that the enabling environment, resources and capacities are in place to support an effective scaling up phase of the selected models.. The Scalability Initiative Phase 1 was completed in December 2011. Starting from early 2012, Scalability Initiative have entered Phase 2and is progressing well.. Under the guidance and supervision of the Policy and Research Coordinator, the Scalability Initiative Officer will be responsible for developing and implement the work plan and the strategic approach for the scalability initiative component and report against the progress. The Scalability Initiative Officer will work closely with the LPP project staff, government counterpart, and Poverty Reduction Unit team.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Scalability Initiative Officer will manage the Scalability Initiative component to identify emerging opportunity for scaling up the effective anti-poverty practices and work under the supervision of the Policy and Research Coordinator of LPP project. Summary of Key Functions: Manage the Scalability Initiative Support resources mobilization for the Scalability Component Increase visibility of Scalability Initiative through effective communication and advocacy Manage the Scalability Initiative Engage with national counterpart, civil society, donors, and other stakeholder to communicate on UNDP activities in the area of scalability initiative and identify emerging opportunities in the area of scalability initiative; Provide strategic input on UNDP work on Scalability Initiative; Take the lead in developing the brief note, talking point, etc. on Scalability Initiative if required; Manage and monitor to ensure the progress against the work plan and take the lead in developing work plan which includes the expected results, activities, timeline, approach used to achieve the plan, budget, etc. for each quarter for scalability initiative component;   Provide quarterly progress report of the Scalability Initiative component including lesson learning; Highlight the issues, risks affecting the implementation of the Scalability Initiative to ensure results; Take stock of the scalability initiative and upload on the share point; Coordinate with other LPP project components to identify possible synergies with the scalability component and to share knowledge; Support resources mobilization for the Scalability Initiative Support LPP team in developing resources mobilization plan and ensure the implementation; Prepare for meetings with stakeholder; i.e. strategic talking point, expected result of the meeting, format and approach to ensure the expected result of the meetings; etc. Take the lead in preparing the concept note for the stakeholder consultation workshop; Take the lead in preparing and keep record of the consultation with government counterpart and other stakeholder; Take the lead in preparing the meeting with donors; Take stock of the info related to the donors, stakeholder; Do the presentation during the meeting if required; Take the lead in preparing and facilitating the consultation meetings or workshop if required; Facilitate the consultation meeting, workshop, etc. with stakeholder; Work closely with the Scalability Consultant and the stakeholder to develop the proposal to bring the selected models to scale and to submit to the potential donors; Provide strategic input to the content of the proposal; Take the lead in following up and engaging with stakeholder to ensure the participatory approach in developing the proposal;  Work closely with stakeholder in implementing and monitoring the scaling up preparation plan and go to the field visit if required; Keep record on the on-going discussion with stakeholder during the proposal development phase; Ensure that all the comments from stakeholder are incorporated in the proposal; Coordinate with LPP team and Poverty Unit team to build partnership with stakeholder; Increase visibility of Scalability Initiative through effective communication and advocacy Develop communication and advocacy plan for Scalability Initiative and ensure the implementation; Provide substantive input to communication colleagues to produce communication material related to scalability initiative; Take the lead in the editing and proof reading of the communication material under for the Scalability Component to ensure the quality of the content of materials; Develop key messages about the Scalability Initiative and facilitate to prepare the related materials to support the advocacy effort for Scalability Component;

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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 favouritism. Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture; Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in areas addressed by the LPP programme, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills; Development and Operational Effectiveness; Ability to support strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;  Ability to review a variety of data, identify and adjust discrepancies, identify and resolve operational problems; Ability to implement assigned tasks/functions in an efficient and client orientated manner;  Strong sense of initiative and ability to work independently; Strong IT skills; knowledge of UNDP Atlas system is a strong asset. Leadership and Self-Management Focuses on result for the programme and counterparts; and responds positively to feedback; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure. Team work Must be able to work with multiple people of different background on a constructive team work.  Client Orientation  Organises and priorities work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines; and,  Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients. Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise Keeps updated in his/her area of substantive expertise; Analyses on-going trends, evolving needs and emerging issues to identify appropriate responses for capacity building. Innovation and Judgment Conceptualizes and analyses problems to identify key issues, underlying problems, and how they relate; Generates creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations; Devises new systems and processes, and modifies existing ones, to support innovative behaviours Core Competencies Self-development and initiative-taking; Acting as a team player and facilitating team work; Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively; Creating synergies through self-control; Managing conflict; Inform and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Master’s degree in development economics, international development studies, political economy of development, or related subjects; At least 3 years of relevant practical work experience in sustainable livelihoods at managerial and professional level, at the national or community level; Experience in project design and management in development context; preferably on  livelihoods enhancing and income generation models and approaches targeting the extreme poor; Proven understanding on the importance of communication and advocacy; Experience in developing and implementing communication plan for development project; Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate to ensure the implementation of the project from inception period and ability to foresee issues related to project context and up-scaling; Have knowledge and experience in proposal development and  resources mobilization; Experience working in multi stakeholder including development organization, national counterpart, civil society, private sector; Good facilitation and presentation skill; Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with various partners including the government, civil society, private sector, UN and other development donors; Good understanding of M&E and reporting and knowledge sharing; Strong interpersonal skills and ability to foster relationships with key stakeholders from donors, government counterpart, and other local partners; Computer literacy and knowledge of standard PC software packages (MS. Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.) is essential; Experience in the use of web based management systems is an asset; Full proficiency in English with an emphasize on writing skills and Khmer

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. 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit their applications online through UNDP Online Recruitment System. Correspondence either in hard or soft format will not be considered.

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

1. Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11).
2. Click on the Job Title.
3. Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and click “Submit Application”.
4. Upload your application (P11).
5. You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

You must state in your application letter how you meet the selection criteria specified in the job descriptions. UNDP will contact references directly. Due to the large number of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further selection process.