Programme Assistant (NPSA 5) - Governance Cluster

Background

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Since 1972, UNDP and its partners have helped Bangladesh make critical advances in the areas of governance, poverty reduction, climate change and disaster resilience. UNDP is looking for young talent with passion to contribute to Bangladesh at this exciting and transitional time when country is becoming a middle income and prosperous society; and being recognized as champion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is an excellent opportunity for young people to contribute to the UNDP’s work on the area of democratic governance and learn from the diverse team to grow as professionals within the development sector. 

UNDP’s Democratic Governance Portfolio is involved in development activities that cover a wider spectrum, from policy reforms to capacity development to implementation of national policies. UNDP takes the lead in the work of the rule of law, electoral reforms, access to justice, human rights and human security, public administration, local governance, social protection etc. Over the past years, UNDP has worked in partnership with all three branches of the government – executive (Prime Minister’s Office), legislative (Bangladesh Parliament), and judiciary (Supreme Court and lower courts) – as well as several other institutions, including the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (MoLJPA), Bangladesh National Police, National Human Rights Commission, Election Commission, Ministry of Public Administration (MoPA). The cluster includes several projects that contributes to the improvement of the quality of governance, public services delivery, rule of law, human rights and access to justice and youth empowerment. 

The incumbent position will be housed in the democratic governance portfolio and will have the opportunity to work in the field of democratic governance. The incumbent position will contribute to the UNDP’s works in the area of strategic analysis and foresight to generate new knowledge and evidence for the new frontier of governance work. The incumbent position will assist in conducting research related to parliamentary oversight, rule of law and access to justice. Also, the incumbent position will contribute to accelerate innovative ways of showcasing the results of the governance works of UNDP Bangladesh positioning its thought leadership and assist in resources mobilization opportunities for the governance portfolio.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative (ARR) of the Democratic Governance portfolio, the Programme Assistant will undertake the following tasks: 

Summary of Key Functions

• Contributes to UNDP’s work in the area of strategic analysis and foresight towards strengthening democratic governance in the country.
• Contributes to the UNDP’s works in the area of strategic communication, partnership and resource mobilization. 
• Contributes to programme management, knowledge building and sharing.

Contributes to UNDP’s work in the area of strategic analysis and foresight towards strengthening democratic governance in the country.

• Support to conduct research and analysis related to parliament, rule of law and access to justice and other related issues of the democratic governance portfolio;
• Participate in internal and external meetings, events, discussions of democratic governance;
• Assist in preparing briefing notes, presentation, talking points and meeting minutes for the democratic governance portfolio. 

Contributes to the UNDP’s works in the area of strategic communication, partnership and resource mobilization. 

• Assist in preparing background documents and analysis for the governance portfolio to forge and implement strategic partnerships to increase outreach on UNDP’s governance works in the country;
• Provide support to strategic and innovative thinking for ways to communicate the results of UNDP’s governance works internally and externally positioning its thoughts leadership in the area of democratic governance;
• Assist in exploring potential collaboration opportunities with the bi-lateral and multi-lateral partners for the governance centered works, support in liaise with relevant actors, as appropriate including extending support in positioning with potential donors, timely follow-up as required;
• Assist in the preparation of funding proposals, in consultation with the team members of the democratic governance portfolio. 

Contributes to programme management, knowledge building and sharing.

• Support to the governance portfolio for efficient implementation of the project activities when needed;
• Assisting in the development and coordination of the knowledge management products and reports of UNDP’s governance work;
• support to the development and dissemination of good practices and lessons learned of the different projects of the democratic governance;
• Assist in compiling and creating a repository of good practices, lessons learned and other resources on the governance work of UNDP Bangladesh. 
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor. 

1. Institutional Arrangement

The Programme Assistant will work under the direct supervision of Assistant Resident Representative of Democratic Governance Portfolio. Assistant Resident Representative of Democratic Governance Portfolio will be the contract administrator for the assignment and will supervise the activities and evaluate her/his performance and approve the deliverables.

Competencies

Achieve Results:    LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:    LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:    LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:    LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination:    LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:    LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:    LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

    Thematic Area    Name    Definition

    2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness    SDG

Integration    South South and Triangular Cooperation Knowledge Sharing

    2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness    SDG

Integration    Southern Development solutions network and exchange platform

    2030 Agenda: Prosperity    Inclusive Growth    Economic Diversification

    Business Direction and Strategy    Effective Decision Making    Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in

line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources

    Business Development    Knowledge Facilitation    Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need

    Business Development    Knowledge Facilitation    Ability to annimate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally

    Business management    Partnerships Management    Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements:

•    Secondary Education or completion of High school diploma is required or

•    Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences especially in Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations or Public Policy will be given due consideration.

Min. years of relevant work experience:

▪    Minimum six (06) years with Secondary education or three (03) years with Bachelor’s degree of relevant experience in working in development projects.

▪    At least 02 years’ Prior experience working with UN agency.

 

Required skills:

•  Proven experience in developing concept/ position papers and reports on project activities;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and sensitivity and adaptability;
• Experience on human rights, peace, understanding between people and nations, tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation, UNDP core ethics, impartiality;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
   

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section :

• Experiences of organizing training/ workshop/ seminar and policy dialogues involving relevant ministries, divisions and departments of the GOB;
• Experiences of conducting research/study on the thematic area with the Civil Society Organizations and Individuals including NGO, research organizations, business forums and academicians.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.).
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems.
• Prior experience of working with national/international development agencies.
• Promotes UN's Values and ethical standards (tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation, impartiality);
  Required Language(s)    The candidate must have excellent report writing skills, written and speaking skills in English language.
   

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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