Policy Specialist

The main functions of the position are to:

1. Provide strategic and analytical support to the UN leadership at country level - the Resident Coordinator and the UNDP Resident Representative in their relations with high-level government officials, academia, civil society including women’s networks, and with the wider political and civic leadership;
2. Identify areas of programmatic engagement with national stakeholders, and support to UN RC and UNDP RR in the preparation of the UN response to government requests, related to human development in pursuit of the Agenda 2030;
3. Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with key national stakeholders, women’s networks, regional and international actors and development partners;
4. Strengthen capacity of UNDP and UNCT to undertake context analysis from a Human Development lens, mainstreaming gendered dimensions in both analysis and programming.

Under the direct supervision of the Resident Coordinator and in close collaboration with the country team, the Policy Specialist will:

1.  Provide strategic and operational support to the RC on context analysis in his/her relations with government officials, academia, civil society, including women’s and youth networks, and with the wider political and civic leadership:

• Provide continuous analysis to RC, UNCT, and UNHQ on political and socio-economic developments as related to the Government’s reform agenda, with a view to identifying appropriate ‘entry points’ for cooperation and recommending appropriate strategic responses for the UN system, ensuring key elements (rights-based approach, women and youth empowerment, etc.) are captured in both analytical efforts and reflected in UNCT programming initiatives;

• Support the UNCT in organizing, developing, and implementing community and national-level initiatives to strengthen confidence in local development capacities;   

2.  Identify areas of programmatic engagement with national stakeholders, and support to UN RC and UNDP RR in the preparation of the UN response to government requests, related to human development, in pursuit of the Agenda 2030:

• Organize and facilitate training and capacity building workshops for national stakeholders at all levels; and other inter-group process, as required; 

• Undertake necessary activities to build/strengthen/apply/sustain national capacities/ institutions/ processes to mainstream key development principles within interventions throughout the work of UN agencies at country level.

3.  Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with key national stakeholders, regional and international actors and development partners:

• Establish and maintain networks and strategic partnerships;

• Liaise closely with national, regional, and local stakeholders from Government and civil society including women’s networks and key international actors to identify entry points, foster dialogue and strengthen strategic alliances and partnerships;

• Maintain close liaison with relevant donors and other actors supporting UNDP’s efforts to accompany the Government agenda for political reforms;

• Support UN efforts to mobilize resources for socio-economic development initiatives;

• Maintain close contact with relevant staff in UN Headquarters as per Programme practice.

4.  Provide strategic and technical support to UNDP and other UNCT members and work to strengthen their capacity to undertake context analysis from a Human Development lens:

• Support the design and implementation of strategy for identifying entry points for mainstreaming  social development in the work of the UNCT, including within the framework of common country planning processes (UNDAF, CPD, etc.);

• Support an integrated programmatic approach across the UNCT in the context of SDG 16 – Peace Justice and Strong Institutions;

• Conduct training for UN Country Team staff and key national partners on social analysis, ensuring that the gendered dimensions are adequately reflected through analysis produced and meaningfully addressed through programmatic efforts;

• Provide analytical and strategic support to UNCT. Support the UNCT in making programmatic linkages with the analysis provided.

Education :

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) in political science, sociology, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or other related social sciences is required.
• In lieu of an Advanced degree, a Bachelor university degree with two additional years of experience.

Experience : 

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in context analysis, policy, and strategy development, development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization;
• Extensive experience in research and project development;
• A proven policy, advisory and advocacy experience and track record of engagement with senior levels of government, United Nations, and donors;
• Experience in national and community-level initiatives and programming;
• Sound knowledge of and extensive experience in Algeria, including in dialogue and conflict prevention initiatives, is an advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluent written and spoken French is required. Good knowledge of written and spoken English language is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

Other:

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Scam warning