Background Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
As Somalia’s federal and state institutions emerge from institutional fragility and progress towards a fully-fledged federation, local governments serve as the primary interface between the state and its citizens.
The Joint Programme on Strengthening Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (Dowlad-Kaab Programme) aims to strengthen local governments to effectively respond to the needs and rights of all citizens. By creating an enabling environment for inclusive and sustainable governance systems at the district level, the programme seeks to enhance basic social service delivery, state legitimacy, and trust-building.
Funded by the UN Somalia Joint Fund (SJF), Dowlaad-Kaab Programme is managed and implemented jointly with three UN agencies; UNDP, UN HABITAT, and UNICEF, in close collaboration with sector ministries at federal and state levels led by Ministry of Interior Federal Affairs and Reconciliation (MoIFAR).
The programme plans to cover all Federal Member States (FMSs) and Mogadishu Municipality by enhancing local governments' legitimacy, functionality, and delivery of quality services. At this stage, the programme will focus on four selected districts at FMS level. Furthermore, Dowlaad-Kaab Programme will have lighter footprints in Somaliland and Puntland, primarily to further institutionalize local governance, deepen knowledge management and use their relatively advanced capabilities as an innovation hub to showcase on the best practices and lessons learnt for adaptability and scalability, additionally the graduation strategy of SL and PL, including for other intervention districts, will be developed during the implementation phase from the 2nd year of the implementation.
During the implementation, Dowlaad-Kaab Programme is expected to transform from a traditional development funding into a catalyst for capacity development program, unlocking development financing that enables local governments mobilize resources for sustainable and inclusive public service delivery. The Dowlaad-Kaab Programme commenced in July 2024, centers on community needs, and aspires for collaborative, participatory development and lasting change at the local level.
Position PurposeThe International Programme Specialist shall work under the overall supervision of the UNDP/ERID portfolio manager, who will closely coordinate the staff supervision and performance assessment with UN Habitat and UNICEF portfolio managers whose agencies jointly fund this position, to coordinate engagement with other key stakeholders on the day-to-day planning and implementation of all activities approved in the project’s annual work plans. The key specific tasks are outlined below. However, any other additional tasks will be agreed among the three portfolio managers and shall exclusively be within the scope of work of the Dowlaad-Kaab Programme.
The International Programme Specialist shall take lead in coordinating the implementation of programme plan and the development of annual workplans and annual budgets in coordination with portfolio managers and project managers in the three UN agencies in a joint fashion.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesAchieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical CompetenciesBusiness Direction and Strategy-System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Business Management-Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment Business Direction, Strategy & Negotiation and Influence: Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations
Business Management & Partnerships management: 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
Partnership Management & Strategic Engagement: Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives
Business Management & Customer Satisfaction/Client Management:
Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.2030 Agenda People & Gender: Gender Equality Seal for public institutions Required Skills and Experience Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Administration, Local Development, International Development, Political Science, or related fields is required. OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the fields of study stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: Minimum of 7 (seven) years (with master’s degree) or 9 (nine) years with (bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in local governance and decentralization, local development and governance is required. Previous field experience in fragile countries like Somalia is required. Experience in project management, programme/project coordination and monitoring, preferably in the context of UN Joint Programmes is desired. Demonstrated advanced knowledge of managing large teams using online work collaboratively ITC systems such as MS Teams is required. Experience working with high-level stakeholders in both the public and private sectors is desired At least 5 years of experience in working with and engaging in local communities is desired. Extensive experience working on local governance decentralization, service delivery, and local development is an asset. Experience in coordination within an inter-agency context and other actors is an asset Demonstrated understanding of local governance in fragile contexts like the Federal Republic of Somalia is an asset. Proven experience in resource mobilization is an advantage. Language: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable. Knowledge of Somali Language will be an asset. DisclaimerUNDP participates in the Scheme for the disclosure of safeguarding-related misconduct in recruitment processes within the humanitarian and development sector (Misconduct Disclosure Scheme).
In line with this Scheme, UNDP will contact previous employers of job applicants to request information about any investigations or findings of misconduct concerning allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment (sexual misconduct) against the applicant, during or after their employment.
By submitting a job application, the applicant confirms to have understood and consented to UNDP contacting the applicant’s prior employers, during UNDP’s recruitment process, to request any such information on sexual misconduct. Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters Note: 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.
Non-discrimination UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
This vacancy is archived.