Programme Specialist (ART Initiative Programme)

The UNDP ART Programme (Articulation aux Réseux Territoriaux et Thematique de Dévelopment Humain) – Support to Territorial and Thematic Networks of Human Development Cooperation) - is a global initiative championed by UNDP. It is based in UNDP’s Bureau of Development Policy and the Bureau of Partnership and is responsible for providing leadership and technical support within the areas of decentralised cooperation and local development. Its main focus is on enabling countries to benefit from decentralised cooperation networks and assistance for promoting their own development priorities and the achievement of the MDGs also at local level. ART’s programming framework offers a platform to Country Offices (COs) and local stakeholders for defining common goals between decentralised cooperation partners and local stakeholders towards the achievement of the MDGs; linking local level development initiatives with national policies and national development plans; and promoting development innovations, capacity development, best practices and knowledge sharing through horizontal partnerships: south-south, south-north, north-south. UNDP COs in collaboration with the Regional Bureaus are commonly managing the different levels of the Global UNDP ART Programme. Currently eighteen ART country level programmes are operational: Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Uruguay; Gabon, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Lebanon, Syria; Albania, Kosovo; Indonesia, Sri Lanka, El Salvador and Mauritania. At the global level, ART Programme activities contribute to UNDP’s continued leadership and advocacy role in providing support for capacity development, democratic governance and aid effectiveness in support of the national policies for decentralisation and development plans. For this purposes the ART Programme supports the development and maintenance of global tools, an innovative policy agenda, global knowledge products in cutting-edge areas, and the development of a community of practice that includes UN, international and national partners. At the regional level – in collaboration with the UNDP Regional Service Centres (RSCs)- the activities focus on the exchange of good practices, peer networking and knowledge creation/dissemination in all regions – Africa, Asia-Pacific, Arab States, Latin America/Caribbean and Europe/CIS. The global and regional activities facilitate the implementation of the international development concepts of Ownership, Alignment, Harmonisation, Result-Based, Mutual Accountability and Aid Effectiveness for the Achievements of the MDGs at local level. At the country level, the Programme delivers within the existing framework through the coordination role of the COs in agreement with national governments. The UNDP ART Framework Programmes offer support to local authorities for joint local planning with decentralised cooperation actors and networks, allowing the implementation of actions and initiatives that are the expression of a common strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities

The ART Programme Specialist works under the overall guidance and supervision of the ART Initiative Coordinator and in close collaboration with the Programme Specialist already in place, BDP Directorate, the CTAs of ART framework programmes, the Regional Technical Advisors and the Partnership Advisors. Key Expected Results: Donor and funding base for the ART framework programmes in the region diversified and expanded; Partnership base Regional networks of ART (decentralised) partners established and promoted; Results and best practices of ART initiatives in the region captured and shared. Specific results are expected in the areas of: Generating, Managing and Stimulating the uptake of knowledge (35%): Development of knowledge products distilling ART Programme key lessons to inform UNDP development policies and strategies in collaboaration with BDP; Assisting with preparation of Community of Practice meetings; consolidating the integration of ART practitioners (decentralised cooperation partners, stakeholders) at global, regional and country level into UNDP existing CoP's and practice networks; Preparing and delivering knowledge-sharing and training activities, e.g. workshops, seminars; Organise Teamwork discussions about ART main topics: decentralized cooperation, LED, local governance or multilevel governance; Systematize inception, implementation, ownership and institutionalization of framework programmes. Resource Mobilisation and Partner Base (25%): Conducting partnership and resource mobilization efforts in collaboration with ART partnership units in donor countries including the development of resource kits and other knowledge materials; Contribute to the formulation and promotion of effective global programme communication strategy; Contributing to the coordination of design, preparation, submission and approval of project proposals and requests for project development financing; Liaising with potential financing partners, agencies and institutions; Contributing to the development of specific guidelines and rules for partnerships with decentralised cooperation partners, and their integration into POPP; Participation in forums and events on international and decentralized cooperation and human development in order to expand knowledge and extend partnership networks; Support ART’s post Busan and Rio+20 initiatives. Policy Support, Development, Dialogue and Advocacy (20%): Developing strategic UNDP policy position papers and internal briefing notes; Identifying, and sourcing of technical expertise and support the preparation of TORs; Ensuring the putting in place the ART Advisory Board; Based on ART’s methodology and experience inform UNDP policies and strategies on local development, local governance and local economic development; Supporting the ART Cos Programme teams in mainstreaming ART methodology and framework within UNDP strategies and corporative policies. Project Implementation Oversight and Support (20%): Assisting with inception, contracting and start up of ART projects including establishment of indicators, benchmarks and work plans; Supporting UNDP country offices in the initiation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of framework programmes.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrated commitment to UNDP mission, vision and values; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Treats all people fairly without favouritism. Technical Competencies: Ability to advise on decentralised cooperation and local development, including the implementation of the Paris/Accra declaration at local level; Sound Knowledge of Governance and MDG related concepts; Ability to guide the design and implementation of multi-sectoral programmes and projects at different scales; Ability to work with multiple stakeholders across a wide range of disciplines. Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example; Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills; Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP. Management and Leadership Builds strong relationships with clients and partners, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills; Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills; Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure. Proven networking, team-building, organisational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Economics and/or Development Studies. Experience: At least 7 years of experience working in the field of development; Experience in working with governance and local development, of which 3 years in managerial role and position; Knowledge of the role, mechanism and function of decentralised cooperation and previous experience in working with them; At least 5 years of knowledge of and experience with the ART mechanism and methodology; Proven experience in resource mobilisation; Proven relationship and network building capacities and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships; Experience in the policy development processes associated with decentralised cooperation and sustainable local development issues; Demonstrated leadership, facilitation and coordination skills; Working experience in an international organisation is an advantage as is knowledge of UNDP policies, procedures and practices; Full computer literacy. Language Requirements: Fluency in English (oral and written); Working knowledge in Spanish and French will be an asset.

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Programme Specialist (ART Initiative Programme)