Background |
After four decades, UNDP phased out its development cooperation activities with the Republic of Korea. With the completion of UNDP Country Programme in December 2009, the UNDP Country Office formally ceased operations. UNDP has over the years provided over US$ 100 million in resources for development to the Republic of Korea and has played a an important role in helping Korea to make a successful transition from net recipient of development cooperation to donor and member of OECD/DAC.
At this juncture, UNDP and the Government of Korea have established a new kind of UNDP presence and platform for cooperation in the Republic of Korea in the form of a Policy Centre. The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre for Global Development Partnerships will undertake policy analysis and research on global partnerships in international development, with particular emphasis on the role of new and emerging donors in a changing international aid environment. The key functions of the new Centre are:
1. To serve as the immediate interface with the Government on all aspects relating to the evolving Republic of Korea-UNDP partnership;
2. To serve as a knowledge Center for comparative experiences and approaches of new development partners in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable human development;
3. To facilitate and promote learning, networking, policy dialogue and consultation among new development partners and to contribute to capacity development in developing countries
The expansion of the new development partners and their increasing active role in South-South cooperation and knowledge sharing provide a very dynamic environment in which the Policy Centre is expected to play an important role.
As a start up venture, the initial set up of the Policy Centre will be small. Thus, the role of the first Policy Specialist will be critical, to contribute establishing a solid policy foundation for the Centre and its reputation, which will allow it to build on the above mentioned trends and grow over the years. As such ,the Policy Specialist provides analysis for and contributes to the formulation of the strategic focus of the Centre
Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Policy Center, the Policy Specialist analyses and provides advice to UNDP management and the Government of Korea on policies and trends in global partnerships for development and identifies entry points for relevant linkages to UNDP/UN programmes. The Policy Specialist prepares strategic policy papers and briefings supporting development partnerships and knowledge sharing. The Policy Specialist works closely with Government of Korea counterparts, academia, research institutions, civil society and the private sector to identify and develop alternative policy options for development and foster collaboration with other development partners. The Specialist monitors policy developments in Korea and advises the Director and UNDP partners on policy issues. S/he contributes to UNDP’s policy dialogue with the Government and donors.
The Specialist engages in an active dialogue and collaboration with the UNDP country offices, the UNDP regional Centers, UNDP HQ and develops and nurtures an strong network with colleagues from UN Agencies, IFIs, Government officials, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society. The policy Advisor also works in close collaboration with the Communications Officer to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the Centre’s communication strategy and to strengthen the Centre’s public image.
This is a Development project Funded post. |
Duties and Responsibilities |
Summary of key functions:
- Advice to UNDP management on policy issues related to global partnerships for development
- Advice to Government and national counterparts and facilitation of strategic knowledge building and sharing
- Building of strategic partnerships and implementation of resource mobilization strategy
- Advocacy and promotion of UNDP’s mandate and mission
1. Provides advice and support to UNDP management on policy issues related to global partnerships for development focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Contribution to the strategic focus and positioning of the Centre
- Compilation, analysis and interpretation of data, thorough research and review of best practices in global partnerships for development, with a particular focus on emerging donors.
- Provision of authoritative advice on possible areas for UNDP support.
- Facilitation of policy dialogue on global partnerships for development with the Government of Korea, donors, academia, research institutions, civil society, private sector and identification of entry points for focused dialogue at global level.
- Selection of strategic research topics, surveys and/or case studies on global partnerships in international development, with particular emphasis on the role of new and emerging donors in a changing international aid environment.
- Policy analysis, research and production and launch of related practical strategic policy papers, policy briefs and reports.
- Participation in and contribution to sub-regional, regional and inter-agency initiatives related to development issues.
- Training and capacity building support for UNDP staff and Government officials on global partnerships for development.
2. Provides advice to the Government of Korea and other key national counterparts and facilitates knowledge building and sharing focusing on achievement of the following results:
- A set of selected studies/research on emerging development concerns that feed into government/national partners development policies and processes
- Identification, analysis, codification and provision of relevant policy options from the Korean experience to other governments and development actors.
- Contributions to development of new/revised policies, as relevant, .in collaboration with the Korean government/ national partners and other development partners/governments
- Facilitation of institutional linkages between Korean development and research partners and other development partners to generate knowledge and support knowledge networks in strategic development areas – to identified in close consultation with the Director
- Review, analysis and lessons learned from UNDP’s contribution to Korea’s development process.
- In collaboration with the Communications Officer, development of a well structured and dynamic data base on Korea’s development policies, experiences, research, analysis and institutions. and on global development partnerships
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned.
3. Participates in the building of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society areas to promote and foster partnerships with and among new development partners.
- Research and analysis of information on current and potential partners, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation.
- Production of periodic updates and briefs on Korea’s development situation to be used by stakeholders, the Policy Center, and UNDP Headquarters.
- Contribution to the definition and implementation of the Centre’s resource mobilization strategy.
4. Advocacy and promotion of awareness of UNDP’s mandate and mission focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Policy advocacy for the Millennium Development Goals and Human Development by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings.
- Production of high quality research papers for UNDP presentation at international workshops and conferences.
- Support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
- Management of corporate events and publications, including dissemination of report findings among relevant Governmental agencies, civil society organizations and donors.
Impact of Results
The key results of the post strengthen UNDP’s contributions to the global policy dialogue and enhance the policy impact of UNDP programmes and projects. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design of programmes, and creation of strategic partnerships. The post enhances the engagement of UNDP in the fostering of global partnerships for development.
The quality and pertinence of the Policy Advisors inputs also contributes to the image, positioning, and long term relevance and growth of the Centre. |
Competencies |
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s 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 favoritism
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development
- Ability to provide top quality policy advice services
- In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
- Ability to go beyond established procedures and models, propose new approaches which expand the range of programmes
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to lead formulation and evaluation of research projects
- Ability to apply theory to specific country contexts, carry out high-quality research
Management and Leadership
- Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback
- Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation
- Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
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Required Skills and Experience |
Education:
- Master’s Degree in Economics, Development Studies, or other relevant subject
Experience:
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience at the national or international level.
- Extensive experience in the successful design and undertaking of high level research, policy-level analysis and production of high level research and researched informed policy documents both individually and in a team.
- Proven experience in the establishment and leadership of research and policy teams.
- Ability to secure research and other funds including for longer based policy consultancies
- Some experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems and advanced programmes for statistical analysis of data.
- Knowledge of Korean development history as an asset.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Korean language is an asset |
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UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. |
