Project Analyst on Local Governance

Background

"Further Improvement of Public Service Delivery in Uzbekistan" is a joint project conducted by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded by the European Union. The overall goal of the project to improve the quality of life of the rural population – particularly of women, youth and children, the elderly and people with disabilities – by increasing their access to affordable, convenient and high-quality public services, with a focus on remote, self-service online public services as well as by expanding the citizens’ participation in decision making at the local level.

The project will support the Government of Uzbekistan in further transforming and modernizing the public administration at central, regional, and district levels to improve the quality of public services and local governance in rural areas. This will be achieved through enabling access to inclusive and user-centric public services, integrating advanced technologies and practices through digitalization, applying decentralized and multi-channel service delivery.

The project is expected to produce the following main outputs:

1. Transform institutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks underpinning the back office of the national public services delivery system.
2. Enhance capacity of the back-office institutions in public service delivery to ensure their effective operation at the national, regional and local levels.
3. Conduct digital and user-centric transformation of the back-office institutions to improve availability and quality of public services.
4. Transform the system of local governance to ensure responsiveness, accountability and better operation of regional and local institutions functioning as back offices.

The project’s interventions will focus both on the country as a whole (systemic reforms) and the selected remote pilot districts for more targeted results. This will be done through improving policies, enhancing capacity, digital transformation and streamlining the functions of (1) government bodies processing requests from citizens and businesses in back-offices (BOs), (2) Public Services Centres (PSCs) acting as one-stop shops for public services, (3) Ministry of Justice responsible for the unified state policy in public service delivery, and (4) Councils of People’s Deputies (Kengashes) and other local administrative bodies in charge of local governance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Specialist, the Project Analyst on Local Governance will be responsible for the satisfactory achievement of the entrusted functions and tasks within the project’s component 4: “Transform the system of local governance to ensure responsiveness, accountability and better operation of regional and local institutions functioning as back offices”.

The Project Analyst will ensure smooth and timely delivery of operations in accordance with annual and quarterly work plans of the relevant projects through performing the following duties and responsibilities: 

• Be responsible for the satisfactory achievement and implementation of the project’s output on transforming the system of local governance to ensure responsiveness, accountability and better operation of regional and local institutions functioning as back offices.
• Develops and implements institutional strategies and plans, ensures regional replication, networking and knowledge sharing activities.
• Leads assessments, research studies, surveys, data collection and other analytical activities related to transform the system of local governance to ensure responsiveness, accountability and better operation of regional and local institutions functioning as back offices in inclusive and effective public service delivery.
• Analyses the implementation of the project components, analyzes issues that hamper their implementation and takes appropriate measures to ensure timely delivery of the planned outputs.
• Leads the project activities on trainings, including distance learning programmes, advises on appropriate learning platforms.
• Leads effective communication and coordination of activities related to transforming the system of local governance between UNDP, Government, Executing Agency and other stakeholders to ensure consistent service delivery and to follow up on matters related to project activities.
• Works in close collaboration with the government counterparts, UNDP to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.
• Identifies qualified local and international consultants and ensures timely delivery of services and payments as well as reports to Project Manager on competition of the assigned tasks.
• Develops Terms of Reference for individual consultants, companies and organizations engaged by the project for component activities and ensures proper delivery of the assigned tasks, quality assurance and timely submission of technical and other reports.
• Monitors results of project component’s activities, compiles and reviews project activities on a regular basis.
• Identifies and advises on transforming the system of local governance needs (in immediate and medium term) of the project stakeholders and partners towards implementation of the national reform agenda and project objectives.
• Ensures that project contributes to the promotion of gender equality by reaching, involving and benefiting both women and men in its activities (gender mainstreaming).
• Serves as a resource person on transforming the system of local governance to ensure responsiveness, accountability and better operation of regional and local institutions functioning as back offices.
• Participates in the elaboration and implementation of the Project’s Annual Plan of Activities, work plans, analyzes emerging problems and proposes adequate measures to ensure timely fulfillment of the tasks.
• Participates in planning and development of analytical reports, information brochures and other deliverables aimed at enhancing public awareness on e-Government development.
• Plans and implements the component in accordance with the overall work-plan using both human and financial resources available in the most effective/efficient way.
• Supports the Project Specialist in identifying partnership strategies with other stakeholders, including resource mobilization for existing and new initiatives.
• Facilitates knowledge and best practice sharing between project, UNDP CO, partner projects, Ministry of Justice, other government bodies, and other development partners, participates in relevant networks and meetings of practitioners.
• Extract lessons learned to support project improvement and feed into facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.
• Supports the Project Specialist in preparation of work-plans related to the implementation of the activities in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Organizes conferences, workshops and training sessions on key issues related to the corresponding project component.
• Assists in arranging and accomplishment of international experts’ missions.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Project Analyst on Local Governance works under direct supervision of the Project Specialist and collaborates with the project staff, national partners, other UNDP projects, UNDP CO programme and operations units to exchange information and satisfactory achievement of the assigned tasks.

Competencies

Core 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

• 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 Acumen:              
  • Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization.
• Knowledge Generation:        
  • Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. 
  • Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
• Digital Awareness and Literacy:               
  • Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. 
  • Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. 
  • Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:             
  • Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively.
  • Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. 
  • Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. 
  • Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. 
  • Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. 
  • Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
• Governance:      
  • Public Administration Reform
• Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions:      
  • Civil Service Reform

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Law, Economics, Development Studies, IT or other related field is required, OR
• achelor’s degree in the areas 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 2 years with master’s degree OR;
• Minimum 4 years with bachelor’s degree of progressive work experience in the field of organizational development, with proven experience in developing and implementing local governance transformation programs for government agencies, project management in government or non-governmental organizations is required. 

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to use information and communication technology as tool and resource.

Desired Skills:

• Solid understanding of the public service, public administration and local governance reforms. 
• Proven experience of research, analyses, report writing on local governance, public services, public policy.
• Proven/previous experience in areas of public-service delivery, public administration and/or local governance reform. 
• Work experience in any development organization is an advantage

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English and Uzbek is required. 
• Good command of Russian language is desirable. 

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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