JOB AND TASK DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 1 JOB AND TASK DESCRIPTION Job Title: Division: Grade: Adviser, Public Administration Governance and Natural Resources Division F Reports To: Head of Public Sector Governance Section General information The Governance and Natural Resources Division (GNRD) is one of the major Secretariat Divisions of the Commonwealth Secretariat, which is funded wholly by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC). The Division is responsible for delivering two key Commonwealth Strategic mandates that concern Public Institutions and Pan-Commonwealth Development respectively. The Public Sector Governance Section is responsible for delivering Commonwealth s mandate on Improving Public Administration in member countries. The work of the section focusses on the provision of advice, support and assistance to key institutions at the Centre of Government in order to ensure the effective functioning of Government itself and the governance structures which hold it to account. Covering the full spectrum of public policy, management, and administration, as well as matter relating to civil society and private sector institutions with public responsibilities, the section works in close collaboration with other divisions and external partners to provide assistance across a wide range of development matters in order to meet the specific needs of individual member countries in a diverse, complex, and rapidly changing environment. The Ocean s and Natural Resources Section is responsible for delivering the Pan-Commonwealth mandate concerning the strengthened and sustainable management of maritime and other natural resources by Member countries. The work of the Section is delivered through the provision of legal, economic and policy advisory services to Member countries focusing upon the management of exhaustible natural resources (minerals, petroleum and gas), the negotiation and delimitation of maritime boundaries (including the extended continental shelf claims) and the development of national and regional strategies for the sustainable management of ocean space and maritime resources. Job summary The post holder is one of three Public Administration Advisers in the division, each of whom performs a lead role in the development and management of the Commonwealth s Centre of Government programme. The current post holder will be responsible for implementation of the programme across all geographic areas of the Commonwealth. S/he will provide specialist expertise in public administration and will collaborate with other in-house experts and Secretariat divisions in providing an integrated package of advisory, training and capacity building assistance for Commonwealth member countries.

2 2 Task description The post holder: 1. Provides specialist professional inputs and advice to member countries regarding national visioning and development planning. 2. Undertakes political economy analysis and problem diagnostics, through needs assessments, situational analysis, and offers best fit policy advice to address regional and national policy demands. 3. Provides strategic advice for the development of integrated programmes of technical assistance and critically assesses requests for assistance from governments and regional organisations in the field of public administration and governance. 4. Formulation of strategies for long-term sustainable development at the regional, national or sectoral levels. 5. Facilitation of inter-regional, Pan-Commonwealth dialogues and Expert Working Groups on public policies for sustainable development. 6. Lead on human capital development strategies at regional and national levels. 7. Ensures appropriate reporting, monitoring and evaluation is carried out in line with the principles of Results Based Management. 8. Advises and collaborates with Advisers across the Secretariat on priorities and strategies for executing GNRD s public administration and governance mandate. 9. Actively contribute to the global goals of the Commonwealth, including planning and reporting and contributing to the preparation of briefings for high-level visits. 10. Facilitate south-south and triangular cooperation around public policies for sustainable development. 11. Networks and collaborates with regional bodies and institutions focusing on priority areas that are aligned with the Commonwealth Strategic Plan. 12. Provides strategic professional advice to the Head of Section, Public Sector Governance and the Director, GNRD, on policies and capacities for more effective governance in member countries. 13. Fosters communities of practice through making the most effective use of Commonwealth networks for reform. 14. Documents case studies on good practice for sharing widely within and outside of the Commonwealth. 15. Adhere to the Gender Equality values of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Charter and Secretariat s Gender Equality Policy; and 16. Perform any other duties that may be required from time to time.

3 3 Person Specification Education Master s Degree or a Post graduate qualification in development studies, governance, political science, public administration or a related social science discipline. Experience: At least 10 years relevant work experience, including development and implementation of public policies at national, regional or international levels. At least 13 years of practical working knowledge of public administration, with a significant proportion of this related to policy reform and institutional strengthening. Expertise on the governance agenda in international development thinking and practice. Significant experience in international development issues. Strong writing skills including development of documentation on relevant case studies Good knowledge of the contemporary development and governance and public administration issues as they affect Commonwealth jurisdictions. Team player, backed by effective time management, professionalism, managing others and partners, creativity and vision; and strong communication skills; Track record of developing thematic modules in a relevant area (budgeting, auditing, etc), evidence of training others and leading financial capacity development at country or regional level. Track record of building partnerships or networks with international organisations Ability to work independently, under pressure and under time constraints. In addition, all appointments to the Secretariat are expected to meet the core Secretariat requirement of working effectively and sensitively in a multicultural environment.

4 4 Competencies: Respect for Diversity Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally. Shows respect and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates understanding in daily work and decision making. Examine own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses and does not discriminate against any individual or group. Encourages others to evaluate systems, processes & behaviour to ensure respect for diversity is demonstrated Working with Others Manages conflict and works towards mutual solutions Identifies organisations with which to partner for specific solutions Encourages others and provides them with the autonomy to pursue relationships Uses personal influence to establish compromise and agreement when faced with conflict Demonstrates balance between directness and diplomacy in negotiations Uses influence to persuade partners and third parties toward Commonwealth Secretariat aims Encourages and supports others in demonstrating cultural awareness when working with others Managing Resources Manages programme and cross team activities against specific objectives/results Manages available resources in order to meet objectives e.g. by effective and efficient use of budget inter alia Identifies the best method and resources when high level course of action has been identified Analyses available resources and what activity they will enable Takes responsibility for multi team/programme activities Manages diverse motivations of a range of groups in large scale programmes Decision Making Determines what can be realistically achieved when deciding on strategic solutions Is proactive and responsive in making decisions on complex, technical issues based on appropriate information Considers the relevant justifications for a particular course of action Takes context into consideration when making decisions Makes effective decisions when acting on behalf of a senior colleague, seeking advice where appropriate Bases actions and approaches on the root cause of an issue, rather than the symptoms

5 5 Accountability Takes ownership of assigned tasks, honours deadlines. Ensures timely delivery of outputs within defined cost and quality standard parameters. Takes responsibility for own shortcomings and compliances. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for all delegated assignments. Leadership & Development Reinforces vision throughout organisation e.g. by acting accordingly inter alia Identifies and develops leadership skills in others Empowers others to take control of their own development and progression Offers sound guidance and direction on complex and critical issues Maximises the potential of others e.g. by creating suitable opportunities for development inter alia