[TimorLesteStudies] UNDP Parliament Project Vacancies

Fri Feb 3 08:36:51 EST 2012

 Please find below the Terms of Reference for two vacancies with the National Parliament of Timor-Leste .These are: 
1. International Finance and Budget Specialist 
2.Capacity Building Specialist and Coordinator 

TERMS OF REFERENCE

I. Profile of the Post

Project:

Strengthening Institutional Capacity of the National Parliament in Timor-Leste

Title:

International Finance and Budget Specialist 

Type of Contract :

Letter of Agreement Between the National Parliament and UNDP

Location:

               Dili, Timor-Leste (Based at the National Parliament RDTL)

Duration:

               1 year renewable 

Desirable Starting Date:

              12 months starting from March 2012

II. Organizational Context

Timor-Leste became independent in 2002.  A democratic semi-presidential governance system based upon separation of powers and mutual cooperation of the institutions of state was developed.

The National Parliament is the cornerstone of the democratic system and good governance. It is currently comprised of 65 members. It is headed by the President of the National Parliament. Nine political parties have constituted in their benches. Detailed parliamentary scrutiny of legislation and government actions is delegated to 9 standing committees of multi-party composition. The parliamentarians are supported in their work by a Secretariat of approximately 81 staffs which is headed by a Secretary General with a category of 66 permanent staffs and 15 temporary staffs. The Secretariat is divided into three directorates and 12 divisions of which assume responsibility for work in the general areas of Finance and Administration, Plenary support, Committee support, and library and documentation functions, communications and public relations, and Information, communications and technology. This organizational structure is under establishment and functioning following the new 2008 Administrative and Service Law of the Parliament (LOFAP).

The UNDP-EU Parliament Project 2011-2014 contributes to the EU and UNDP efforts in supporting the Democratic Governance process in Timor-Leste. The overall objective of this project is to strengthen democratic foundations of oversight, accountability and transparency through institutional and capacity development in the National Parliament in an effective, self-reliant, standardized and sustainable manner. The project will thus focus on enhancing the human resources capacity, both administrative and technical, and on substantially investing in the creation of a robust cadre of parliamentary staff and management. As a result of these strategic and systematic capacity development interventions, the project will also strengthen the Parliament’s ability to fulfil its mandate in overseeing the Executive and to function autonomously and efficiently as envisaged in the law. 

Under the framework of the project, a Letter of Agreement (LoA) between UNDP Timor-Leste and the National Parliament of Timor-Leste signed to put in practice the Parliament is pursuing the objectives of improving its institutional and human resources capacity with the objective of strengthening its efficiency, independence and effectiveness. 

Budgeting processes and financial capacities for enhanced parliamentary oversight mechanisms are a pivotal component of the project. In this regard, the project will be supporting the institutional strengthening of the Parliament in public finance, economic and budgetary analysis to fulfil its mandate. To accommodate the increasing demands in these areas, an international Finance and Budget Specialist is, therefore, required to be recruited under the LoA modality. 

III. Functions/Key Results Expected

The international Finance and Budget Specialist will be directly supervised by the project manager with indirect supervision of the Secretary General of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste. The Advisor will perform the following functions:

Summary of Key Functions:

1.      Advisory and technical support to MPs, particularly MPs members of Committee C on Economics, Finance and Anti-Corruption, during the discussion and approval of the yearly State Budget Proposals;

2.      Support the institutionalization of a Committee on Public Accounts

3.      Develop and conduct capacity development interventions of relevant MPs in macro-economic related issues.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.     Advisory and technical support to MPs, particularly MPs members of Committee C on Economics, Finance and Anti-Corruption, during the discussion and approval of the yearly State Budget proposals :

·        Support the Secretariat and MPs in the provision of financial and economic analysis of the yearly State Budget Proposals 

·        Provide technical and advisory support during the yearly State Budget proposal discussions and approvals

2. Conduct research and provide advisory services to relevant Parliamentary Committees on financial and economic implications of proposed public policies and legislation as well as impact of government investments by focusing on the achievement of the following results:

·        Compile economic and financial data/information, relevant national and international sources of public policy research and train counterparts in the use and updating the data and research information;

·        Support Committees in gaining information from credible research on the financial and economic effects of proposed public policies, legislation under consideration and government investments that have been implemented;

·        Advise Committees appropriately, based on rigorous analysis, on the best courses of action when considering financial and economic implications government policies, legislation and investments;

·        Advise Committees on budget execution and implications of proposed budget estimates based on national and sector priorities and ministry action plans;

·        Support Committees in considering audit reports of government performance, propriety and diligence and in designing appropriate responses and actions;

·        Support Committees in their interaction with civil society, government officials and the public, both within the country and on international visits, by assisting them to prepare information and documentation on public finance and economic issues for dissemination and discussion;

·        Assist relevant Committees in the design of their Annual Action Plans and budgets;

·        Provide these research and advisory services in a timely fashion based on international best practice to enable Committees and MPs carry on their legislative, representational and oversight work effectively.

·        Provide support and advise for the establishment of a committee on Budget and Public Accounts

Other Tasks Relevant to the Project:

·        To prepare and submit regular reports to UNDP through Project Manager Parliament Project including compliance with monitoring and evaluation requirements: adviser log, quarterly report, annual report, and ad-hock inputs to Project reports;

·        To provide inputs to Project Work Plans relevant to his/her portfolio;

·        To participate in Project Meetings/workshops: Monthly meeting, team meeting, mid-term review meeting, and annual review meeting;

·        To undertake relevant works whenever required by the Project Manager.

IV. Impact of Results:

·      Overall effectiveness of Parliamentary oversight mechanisms enhanced;

·      Financial and budgetary procedures and systems improved;

·      Enhanced capacities of MPs, budget analysts, economists and researchers;

·      Research and analysis tools and techniques developed and practiced by the relevant parliamentary staff; 

·      SOPs for finance management in place

VI. Recruitment Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree in economics, finance or related field. Candidates with Ph.D would be preferred

Experience 

	Minimum ten years of either: 1) financial and economic management; 2) governmental or civil service experience in budget preparation, execution and monitoring or other relevant activities demonstrating substantive financial and  economic expertise

	Macro-economic expertise required

	Extensive experience in staff development, preferably in a developing country environment

	Experience working in post-conflict country environment highly desirable

	Parliamentary experience essential

	Demonstrated experience in coaching, mentoring and staff development preferably in a developing country environment;

	Demonstrated experience in providing advisory services, research and analysis and capacity development;

Language Requirements

§  Fluency in Portuguese. Mastery of English. Knowledge of Tetum and/or Bahasa Indonesia will be an asset;

Vacancies Contact

Please submit your applications letter together with: Curriculum vitae and a written P11 forms to:

Liz Garrett

Operations Manager

Parliament Project

UNDP Timor-Leste

Liz.Garrett at undp.org 

The deadline for submitting applications is 13 February 2012

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

I. Profile of the Post

Project:

Strengthening Institutional Capacity of the National Parliament in Timor-Leste

Title:

Capacity Building Specialist and Coordinator

Type of Contract :

Letter of Agreement Between the National Parliament and UNDP 

Location:

               Timor-Leste (Dili)

Duration:

               1 year (renewable) 

Desirable Starting Date:          March 2012

II. Organizational Context

Timor-Leste became independent in 2002.  A democratic semi-presidential governance system based upon separation of powers and mutual cooperation of the institutions of state was developed.

The National Parliament is the cornerstone of the democratic system and good governance. It is currently comprised of 65 members. It is headed by the President of the National Parliament. Nine political parties have constituted in their benches. Detailed parliamentary scrutiny of legislation and government actions is delegated to 9 standing committees of multi-party composition. The parliamentarians are supported in their work by a Secretariat of approximately 81 staffs which is headed by a Secretary General with a category of 66 permanent staffs and 15 temporary staffs. The Secretariat is divided into three directorates and 12 divisions of which assume responsibility for work in the general areas of Finance and Administration, Plenary support, Committee support, and library and documentation functions, communications and public relations, and Information, communications and technology. This organizational structure is under establishment and functioning following the new 2008 Administrative and Service Law of the Parliament (LOFAP).

The National Parliament was established from scratch in a setting of largely inexperienced parliamentarians; an acute shortage of skilled personnel and significant language barriers. Systems and processes are in the early stages in some cases and non-existent in others. Achievements are not yet consolidated and many challenges can only be overcome with long-term assistance. UNDP has supported the growth of the legislature since 2003. The Parliament Project 2010-2013 is a revision of the previous project of 2006-08 extended to 2009, and comprises comprehensive capacity-development interventions in five strategic areas: oversight capacity; legislative support; democratic representation, transparency and accessibility; strengthening parliamentary administration and secretariat functions, and gender mainstreaming. The overall objective of the project is to develop the institutional capacities that allow the parliament to fully and effectively perform its constitutional mandate and to lay down exit strategies for nationals to take over internationals role in the near future. 

Under the framework of the UNDP National Parliament Project 2006-2009 and continued to Parliament Project 2010-2013 an additional Letter of Agreement between UNDP Timor-Leste and the National Parliament of Timor-Leste signed to put in practice the Parliament is pursuing the objectives of improving its institutional and human resources capacity with the objective of strengthening its efficiency, independence and effectiveness. The Letter of Agreement provides for capacity building of Timorese with different areas of expertise relevant to the work of the Parliament to be trained by the project and further absorbed into the structure of the Parliament. 

Legislative Support is a core component of the UNDP Parliament Project. The establishment of a research services, inclusive of capacity building/training of National Legal Drafters/Analysts within the National Parliament was envisaged in the recommendations of the project mid-term evaluation mission conducted in January 2008. The Parliament has recently created the Directorate of Research and Technical Information, through the newly approved Parliamentary Administration Law (December 2008). The project aims at supporting the Directorate of Research and Technical Information in the institutionalization and functioning of a Training Centre, whose national sustainability will be ensure through the National Parliament budget. In this regard a Training Centre Specialist will be recruited under a LoA Modality. The Specialist will also serve as Coordinator of the Legal training programme for National Legal Drafters/Analysts which is currently being undertaken in the Legal Training Centre. The coordinator will perform primary responsibilities of the implementation of the programme. The coordinator will also perform direct supervision to the training staff, both the Assistant Trainers and the Trainees and provide update to the National Parliament and UNDP. 

III. Functions/Key Results Expected

The National Parliament has delegated direct supervision of the Training Centre Specialist and Legal Drafting Training Coordinator to the Project Manager of UNDP Parliament Project with indirect supervision by the Secretary General of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste. He/She will perform the following functions:

Summary of Key Functions:

	Provide policy guidance and technical advice for the establishment and management of a Parliamentary Training Centre;

	Develop capacity of the Training Centre staff;

	Implementation of the training programme for the Legal Drafters of the National Parliament;

	Conduct examinations and evaluations of the trainees of Legal Drafting Training Programme;

	Coordinate with the Legal Training Centre of Ministry of Justice on the implementation of all training programmes of the Legal Drafting Training Programme of the National Parliament;

	Effectively manage the legal Drafting Training Programme of the National Parliament;

	Develop and implement a strategy for the Nationalization of Legal Advisers in the National Parliament 

1. Provide policy guidance and technical advice for the establishment and management of a Parliamentary Training Centre:

·         Provide technical advice to the Directorate of Research and Technical Information for the establishment of a Parliamentary Training Centre;

·         Support development of management policies of the Training Centre

2. Develop capacity of the Training Centre staff:

·         Support recruitment of Training Centre Staff;

·         Conduct capacity assessment of newly recruit staff and develop a comprehensive training programme customized to their needs;

·         Support implementation of capacity development interventions for staff

·         Design an overseas training for newly recruited staff.

3. Ensures the design, development and implementation of curricula and summaries, focusing on achievement of the following results:

·         Design, develop, and consolidate curricula and summaries for the training programme with the Legal Training Centre and according to the Parliament Project Document and policies set by Project Steering Committee of the UNDP Parliament Project

·         Implement comprehensive training programmes, design materials and lesson plans.  

·         Adapt training curricula according to the policies set by the Project Steering Committee of the Parliament Project.

·         Transfer skills and theoretical knowledge to students. 

·         Apply global best practices in the implementation of the training;

·         Perform teaching functions and guidance to the trainees in practicing legal research skills during the training programme, including editing of the works of the students;

·         Supervise the trainees’ work, review their performance, and evaluate their achievements.

4. Ensures examinations and evaluations of students are conducted focusing on achievement of the following results:

·         Prepare, organize and conduct regular examinations, evaluations and other activities related to the training as required.  

·         Ensure that graduated students have the required level of competency to assume Legal Drafting/Analyst functions, according to the Rules of Procedures of the National Parliament RDTL and in compliance with the Law in the country.

5. Ensures the coordination of all courses of the Legal Drafting Training Programme, focusing on achievement of the following results:

·         Coordinate all envisaged courses, including management of lecturers and resources

·         Ensure access of the legal drafters of the National Parliament to resources and facilities of the Legal Training Centre. 

·         Share with UNDP and Parliament document lessons learned and use input for continual improvement and development of courses.

·         Coordinate with the UNDP Parliament Project Advisers to develop a mentoring strategy for legal Drafters 

. 

6. Ensures  effective programme management  focusing on achievement of the following results:

·   Ensure strategic management of the Legal Drafting Training Programme for legal drafters of the Parliament;

·   Supervise, provide leadership and strategic guidance to the trainees and evaluate their performance in jointly with the LTC team.

·   Establish guidelines and reporting standards for monitoring and evaluation of activities, in agreement with Programme Management.

·   Prepare and submit regular activity progress reports to the Project Manager of UNDP Parliament Project;

·   Participate in the regular UNDP Parliament Project Staff meetings;

·   To provide regular updates on the progress of the training programme to the Secretary General of the National Parliament, the Mesa, and the Project Manager of UNDP Parliament Project;

7. Ensures strategy is developed and implemented for the Nationalization, focusing on achievement of the following results:

·   To assess impact of the first year legal drafters training programme and design a new three years strategy for further Legal Drafting Training Programme;

·   Ensure that Legal Drafters abide by the National Parliament and code of ethics; 

·   Advise on the development of a strategy aiming at the nationalization of the Legal Drafters Team of the National Parliament, which involves scaling down the number of international advisors after 2013.

·   Establish synergies and partnerships with national legal institutions and with the Timor-Leste Faculty of Law and international institutions mainly of CPLP members for the development and implementation of trainings and seminars. 

IV. Expected Results:

§  Policy framework for the institutionalization of the Parliamentary Training Centre established;

§  Parliamentary Training Centre functioning;

§  Strategy Paper for Legal Drafting Training Programme;

§  Curriculum for the Legal Drafting Training Programme

§  Definitive Weekly and Monthly Schedule of the Legal Drafters training programme;

§  Regular training progress reports (Weekly Log, Quarterly Reports, and annual reports of the Legal Drafters training implementation); 

§  Teaching-Learning Materials of the Legal Drafters training programme;

§  Reports of Evaluation of the Legal Drafting. 

V. Competencies

1. Corporate Competencies:

	Demonstrates integrity by modelling the National Parliament’s values and ethical standards

	To comply with national laws and are subject to Code of Conduct for the Advisers/Technical Specialist to the National Parliament of Timor-Leste;

	Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

	Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

2. Functional Competencies:

	Excellent coordination and management skills;

	Solid knowledge of legal and parliamentary role and functions of civil law system;

	Able to develop comprehensive training programmes for parliament legal drafters/analysts;

	Able to deliver formal legal drafters/analyst training of the National Parliament;

	Able to building the capacity of the Legal Drafters/analysts that can enable them to change behaviour/attitudes;

	Able to build the capacity of the Legal Drafters/analysts for self-management;

·        Strong negotiating and managerial skills to be able to work both independently and as a  coordinator of a team;

·        Excellent interpersonal, intercultural and  networking with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships; 

3. Behavioural Competencies:

	Team player with effective interpersonal skills;

	Facilitation skills;

	Energetic, positive and constructive attitude;

	Very good oral and communication skills

VI. Recruitment Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in law or related area. Master is an advantage.

Experience 

	Five years of experience at the national or international level in law. Experience as a legal training coordinator in a civil law system is an advantage; 

	Experience in undertaking legal drafting and reviews;

	Experience in providing policy advices on capacity development interventions;

	Teaching Experience in Law at University;

	Experience in providing advisory services and mentoring;

	Experience in post-conflict situations/developing countries;

	Knowledge of international human rights standards and instruments.

Language Requirements

§  Fluency in Portuguese. Mastery of English, knowledge of Tetum or/

and Bahasa Indonesia will be an asset;

Vacancies Contact

Please submit your applications letter together with Curriculum vitae and signed P11 form to:

Liz Garrett

Operations Manager

Parliament Project

Liz.Garrett at undp.org 

UNDP Timor-Leste

The deadline for submitting applications is 15 February 2012

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

--
Dr Bu V.E. Wilson
T: Australia +61 0 407 087 086
T: Timor-Leste + 670 744 0011
E: buvewilson at gmail.com
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