Extractive Industry (EI) 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 for qualified, talented, and result-oriented candidate to fill the position: Extractive Industry (EI) Officer

Location :	Phnom Penh, Country Office, CAMBODIA
Application Deadline :	01-Jul-12
Additional Category	Poverty Reduction
Type of Contract :	Service Contract
Post Level :	SB-4
Languages Required :	English
Duration of Initial Contract :	1 year

Background

Background of project 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 including Extractive Industry (EI) sector 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 including EI and social protection 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.   Organizational Context The Extractive Industries (EI) Officer will provide substantive advice, policy and technical contribution to UNDP Cambodia’s ongoing initiatives in EI sector to move toward a responsible development of Cambodia’s mining and petroleum sectors that encourage responsible economic growth, minimize environmental impacts and promote social cohesiveness. The EI Officer will work closely with government counterparts such as the General Department of Mineral Resources (GDMR) of the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME) and the Cambodian National Petroleum Authority (CNPA), civil society, development partners, and other stakeholders. The EI Officer performs under the direct supervision of the Policy and Research Coordinator of the LPP project under Poverty Reduction Unit. S/he is accountable to UNDP for the quality of advice and delivery. S/he acts as the focal point for the EI components, contributes and facilitates relevant EI forums, and builds strategic partnership with key stakeholders, supports the resources mobilization efforts, and advocates for the EI sector in Cambodia. The EI Officer supports the UNDP EI team and LPP project in research, planning, integrating the EI component in the overall LPP project, and delivering the expected outputs stipulated in the agreed Project Annual Work Plan at the required standard of quality and within the specified time and cost limits.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions: Provide policy analysis and substantive input/advice, formulate, refine and update EI strategy, approach, and its implementation and monitoring; Provide support in strategic partnership building on the EI sector, including coordination with UNCT, national counterparts, media, donors and other relevant stake holders, and facilitating the EI forums; Design, facilitate and ensure high quality of capacity development and training on EI for key EI partners; Effectively manage the EI component of LPP and effectively implement the EI component. 1. Provide policy analysis and substantive inputs/advice, formulate, refine and update EI strategy, approach, and its implementation and monitoring: Work with EI team to review, formulate, refine and update EI strategy, approach, and its implementation and monitoring in partnership with government counterpart, UNCT, development partners, and other stakeholders; Review and provide inputs and recommendations on the current Royal Government Cambodia (RGC) petroleum and mining policies in close collaboration and under the leadership of CNPA and GDMR; Assess and provide strategic inputs and advice to define the areas that need assistance from UNDP in collaboration with the national counterpart; Analyze and provide recommendations for the country’s EI policies, laws, and regulations and their impact on poverty reduction, growth, governance, equity, social and environmental conditions; Formulate and implement any needed research projects and review the quality of substantive research drafts; Take lead in developing specific proposals jointly with national counterparts, within the framework of EI strategy, to present to potential donors; Provide strategic input on UNDP work in EI sector; Develop the briefing note, talking point, etc. on EI; Facilitate the preparation of the EI policy research and policy briefs; Gather and analyse the required data/information for various research initiatives; Provide regular updates to LPP team on the latest development trend in overall or specifically related to EI activities/advancement from RGC, UN, development agencies, civil societies, and other stakeholder at national or international level and identify emerging opportunities for UNDP EI intervention; Share and generate experience/knowledge by providing substantive inputs to national and international knowledge networking on EI either among the UN agencies, research institutes, NGOs, international petroleum and mining associations, development partners, or other relevant organizations; 2. Provide support in strategic partnership building on the EI sector, including coordination with UNCT, national counterparts, media, and other relevant stake holders, and facilitating the EI forums. Maintain and continue to build partnerships through networking with the existing and new national counterparts, development partners, and other stakeholder who work in the area related to EI to ensure the successful implementation of the EI strategy as well as to contribute to the resources mobilization effort for UNDP EI component; Identify opportunities for collaborations  with government, private sector, development partners, civil society, universities or other stakeholder in the effort to work toward a responsible development of the EI sector and to ensure that the benefits are extended to all Cambodians; Provide technical contributions to any forum, informal working group, or events related to EI and position UNDP as a leading agency in the EI sector; Formulate and implement advocacy and communication strategies for EI component; Prepare response to the queries of media/other in close collaboration with the communication team. 3. Design, facilitate and ensure high quality of capacity development and training on EI for key EI partners, focusing on the following results: Gather and analyse information on regional and international best practices, and adapt and share knowledge to support to EI development in Cambodia; Engage with regional and international governmental petroleum and mining forums/organizations to ensure rigorous, professional and high quality of knowledge sharing; Prepare and present EI research and policy recommendations at relevant forums and meetings; Assess the Cambodian EI sector to identify strengths and weaknesses, and technical and policy issues needing interventions; Identify and implement capacity development for the petroleum and mining sectors in close collaboration with the key partners and other relevant stakeholders; Provide technical support in other areas related to capacity development on EI revenue maximization and management. 4. Effectively manage the EI component of LPP and effectively implement the EI component 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 EI component;  Provide quarterly progress report of the EI component including lessons learnt; Highlight the issues, risks affecting the implementation of the EI component to ensure results; Take stock of the EI component and upload on the share point; Coordinate with other LPP project components to identify possible synergies with the EI component and to share knowledge; Develop resources mobilization plan and ensure its effective implementation

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP and UNCT; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Treats all people fairly without favoritism; Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP practice areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development Ability to provide high-quality policy analysis services on EI and related social, economic, and environmental considerations In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues Development and Operational Effectiveness Good knowledge of EI and current development issues particularly those pertinent to UNDP, UNCT and the Royal Government of Cambodia’s National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) Strong presentation and inter-personal skills for interacting with national and international stakeholders, building constituencies, and presenting findings Adept at participating in EI knowledge networks for public and private sectors and development partners and ability to apply international best practices that account for local context Ability to implement and monitor capacity development activities Ability to carry out high-quality socio-economic EI research, including data analysis, application of conceptual models, and institutional and policy frameworks relating to oil, gas, and mineral resources Good understanding of the results-based approach for project design, monitoring, evaluation Ability to work effectively in a team, under pressure to meet deadlines with high-quality results Leadership and self-Management Focuses on result for the programme and counterparts; responds positively to critical feedback Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation. Participates in teams effectively, and shows conflict resolution skills. Consistently approaches work with energy and positive and constructive attitude. Strong communication skills and political sensitivity. Demonstrates ability to work in harmony with colleagues of different cultural backgrounds in a professional manner, especially in a mutually-supportive team environment. Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure. Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical expert Keep update in his/her area of substantive expertise. Analysis on going trends, evolving needs and emerging issues to identify appropriate response for capacity building. Core Competencies: Self-development and initiative taking; Acting as a team player and facilitate team work; Creating synergies through self-control; Managing conflict; Inform and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Master’s Degree in Law, Science or Engineering field or other natural resources management with specialization in mining and/or petroleum; At least three years of professional experience in management or advisory services related to the EI (petroleum and/ or mining) or Socio-economic sectors; Experience in implementing development strategies and initiatives  in EI context; Experience working with both private sector and government relating to petroleum and/or mining a strong asset; Knowledge of the Cambodian (or regional EI sector is a plus); Knowledge of applied research techniques and processes including knowledge of EI best practices is an additional asset; 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; Strong interpersonal skills and ability to foster relationships with key stakeholders from donors, government counterpart, and other local partners; Good knowledge in the usage of computer literacy and standard PC software packages (MS. Excel, PowerPoint, Word, e-mail, internet, etc.) Full proficiency in English 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.