Civil Society Coordinator

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

Job ID/Title :Civil Society Coordinator
Category :Social Capital & Democratic Gov. Team
Application Deadline : 16-Mar-12
Duty Station :Ramallah
Type of Contract :Service Contract
Languages Required : Arabic, English,
Duration of Initial Contract :One year, with possible extension
Expected Duration of Assignment :18 Months

Background:
In August 2009, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) launched its Programme of the Thirteenth Government to unify Palestinian society behind its efforts to end the occupation and establish an independent state. This document, entitled Ending the Occupation, Establishing the State, outlines the priority interventions to be implemented over a period of two years. It places great emphasis on ensuring proper provision of public services throughout the territory, as well as on promoting political, civil, social, economic and cultural rights.
In setting out its national policy agenda (National Development Plan 2011-2013), the PNA has identified the strategic objectives to be achieved in order to develop effective and accountable public institutions - particularly those institutions that are tasked with delivering justice and security. Accountability and transparency are two of the core guiding principles informing the PNA’s approach to strengthening public institutions and enhancing public service delivery.
The PNA not only recognises the need to provide effective and efficient delivery of services, but also that “all government authorities, agencies, departments and individuals shall abide by the law and work in service of citizens without discrimination on any grounds whatsoever. [Moreover,] the state is solely responsible for the safety and security of persons and property. Its security apparatus, which is built on professional grounds within the limits of the law, shall work to protect the rights of every citizen so that he/she feels secure.”

In line with the above and with the overarching aim to further improve public sector performance, the PNA has recently developed a multi-year programme on Strengthening Internal Police Accountability, National Anti-Corruption and Civilian Oversight (“the Programme”) in partnership with the UNDP’s Programme of Assistance for the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP) and the European Union Co-ordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS).
The Programme is aligned with the vision of creating a secure and stable environment in which social and economic development can take place, as articulated in the Programme of the Thirteenth Government and the National Development Plan 2011-2013. Its objectives are designed to support democratic governance by strengthening various justice- and security-related accountability and transparency mechanisms. The Programme includes support to: the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) internal oversight bodies; the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the Corruption Crimes Court (CCC); and civil society organisations engaged in accountability and oversight issues. The Programme is aimed at: a) ensuring exposure to principles, concepts, definitions and models on police integrity, performance and accountability; b) developing the capacities of the PCP, PACC and CCC; c) adopting strategies, policies, standard operating procedures and job descriptions; d) conducting training needs assessments and developing training modules; and e) procuring IT and other technical equipment.
Developed under the leadership of the PNA, this Programme builds upon the strong partnership between UNDP/PAPP and EUPOL COPPS It recognises the added-value, institutional knowledge and experience of each partner in the areas of democratic governance, rule of law and security sector reform.

Description of Responsibilities:
Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Chief Technical Specialist/Programme Manager and the EUPOL COPPS Programme Director, and the direct supervision of the Deputy Programme Manager, the Civil Society Expert will be responsible for the following:
-Carry-out a comprehensive mapping study aimed at identifying civil society organizations with relevant expertise and experience in public and private sector performance monitoring, security sector oversight and anti-corruption.
-Conduct a series of consultations with the PCP and civil society to promote security sector oversight in the context of the oPt.
-Provide policy advice to the PCP on how to engage with the general public and civil society, including academic institutions and the media.
-Establish regular consultation mechanisms bringing together the PCP, CSOs and other relevant actors and stakeholders to discuss and address concerns and expectations on public safety and human security.
-Equip civil society and the media with the institutional and organisational tools and capacities to engage in policy dialogue, monitoring and research.
-Organise awareness-raising and training workshops for civil society organisations on security sector oversight, including lessons learned and best practices from other development contexts.
-Ensure an inclusive process with the participation of youth, university students and local communities,
-Provide monthly updates to the Deputy Programme Manager, as required.
-Perform any other duties as required by the Deputy Programme Manager, the UNDP/PAPP Chief Technical Specialist/Programme Manager.
 
 Impact of Results

-Successful implementation of the Programme in close coordination with national actors.

Competencies :
Corporate Competencies
-Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN 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
-Excellent analytical and organisational skills

Functional Competencies
Knowledge Management and Learning
-In-depth knowledge on development issues
-Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
-Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas and applies newly acquired skills
-Knowledge of UNDP policies and programmes in crisis and post-crisis situations
-Knowledge of UNDP procedures, rules and regulations

Development and Operational Effectiveness
-Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
-Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects and programmes
-Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office software and experience with web-based management systems

Management and Leadership
-Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
-Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
-Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
-Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
-Remains calm, in control and good-humoured even under pressure
-Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
-Communicates effectively with staff at all levels of the organization
-Acts with tact and diplomacy
-Proves outgoing and comfortable in handling external relations at all levels
-Demonstrates compelling communication skills and cross-cultural effectiveness
-Possesses the ability to convey difficult issues and positions to senior officials and counterparts
 
Qualifications :
Education:
Master’s degree in public administration, law, political sciences, or other related areas. A policing background would be highly desirable.

Experience:
-Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in the areas of security sector governance, good governance, police accountability and oversight;
-Experience of building the capacity of civil society organizations, and expertise in public sector performance and good governance;
-Experience of building partnerships between civil society organizations and Government’s institutions;
-Experience in training, awareness raising and advocacy;
-Experience in designing and implementing project on human rights promotion, civil society strengthening, good governance, gender, social justice;
-Understanding of the Palestinian national policies on security sector reform and good governance;
-Strong knowledge and practical experiences in strategic planning and programming processes, preferably within Palestinian institutions or within the region;

Language Requirements:
Fluency in Arabic and English, written and spoken.
“UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer: applications from both internal and external men and women will be considered equally”
UNDP actively supports the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted by the United Nations General Assembly

Important message to all applicants!
-Please be aware that the UNDP/PAPP will review your application only if you have uploaded Personal History Form (P.11) to your application. Please download the form from the following link: http://jobs.undp.ps.
-You will get the opportunity to upload the P-11 at when you apply for the position.
-Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications that are under consideration will be contacted.
-For more detailed information about UNDP/PAPP please visit our website at www.undp.ps.