Title : Governance Adviser, Governance and Security team Grade : A2L SAIC (Staff Appointed in Country) Location: DFID Burma liaison office, Naypyidaw, Burma Reporting to: Team Leader, Governance and Security Team Background: We rarely get the chance to influence the destiny of a country: this is such an opportunity Stefan Dercon, DFID Chief Economist, 2015. The context in Burma has changed significantly in the last 4 years, following (flawed) elections in November 2010. Key points in this include: the convening of a largely civilian Parliament in April 2011, which has then enacted a series of economic and political reforms; the signing of ceasefire agreements with all but one of the ethnic armed groups in early 2012, followed by ongoing talks; and by-elections following which Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) took her seat as an MP. The first phase of political reforms culminated in a relatively credible election in November 2015, with ASSK s NLD party winning a landslide victory, enabling it to elect the President and form the Government. The new Government took office in early April 2016, and provides the opportunity for Burma to embark on the major reforms needed to become a better governed, fairer and more peaceful country with increased wealth and lower poverty. Yet fundamental challenges remain. In a region containing some of the fastest growing economies in the world, Burma remains one of the poorest countries in Asia. Where reliable data exists, it shows the country is off track to reach many of the Millennium Development Goals, with some of the worst health indicators in Asia. Conflict has caused widespread displacement affecting women and girls most. Women are poorer than men, often struggle to access healthcare in childbirth and are barely represented in public life, for example comprising less than 6% of the national legislature. Conflict and inter communal violence have the potential to undermine the reform process. Economic and social reforms agreed by Parliament have so far failed to release the country s huge economic potential. Investment in basic services for the people remains extremely low by international standards. A resource rich Burma that is accountable to its people and open to responsible foreign investment has great potential to reverse years of decline and build a resilient and inclusive economy. Our aim will be to help Burma harness this potential - to help create a better governed, more peaceful and prosperous Burma that uses its increased wealth to reduce poverty and vulnerability, and build the human capability to take up opportunities within Burma and the region more broadly. DFID s Strategic Objectives in Burma are to:- SO 1: Strengthen peace, security, stability and governance in Burma through; Funding support for the peace process, a new political settlement and intercommunal rapprochement through the Conflict, Security & Stability Fund (CSSF) our peacebuilding and civic engagement programmes 1
Strengthening democracy, transparency, accountability, rule of law and public financial management (PFM) including raising revenues - through our Democratic Governance, PFM, and civic engagement programmes Stemming drug-resistant malaria and forced migration through our programmes on health (3MDG, potentially with additional funding from the Ross Fund) and humanitarian & resilience (HARP) SO 2: Strengthen Burma s resilience and ability to respond to crises through: Assisting displaced and conflict-affected people, helping them return home where possible, principally through our HARP humanitarian and Livelihoods and Food Security Trust (LIFT) programmes Helping rural people cope better with shocks and adapt to new opportunities principally through LIFT Developing insurance through LIFT, the Business for Shared Prosperity Programme (BSPB) and CMPs. SO 3: Foster growing and more inclusive prosperity, through: Advice on inclusive growth, rural development and structural transformation through several of our programmes and from central / core funding of the International Growth Centre, IMF and World Bank Reform of the laws, regulations and institutions that govern private investment and enterprise; and financial sector reform and support to financial inclusion, through BSPB, LIFT and the Prosperity Fund Improving governance of natural resources through the Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Vocational training and skills development for youth and adolescent girls (through LIFT and the BSPB) Increasing private investment in infrastructure through PIDG s InfraCo Asia, BSPB and the Prosperity Fund. SO 4: Tackle extreme poverty and help the most vulnerable people in Burma, through: Focusing our programmes increasingly on areas emerging from conflict Strengthening food security of 1.2m people, improving nutrition of 910,000 women of child-bearing age, adolescent girls and under-fives, helping 150,000 children get decent education, enabling 80,000 girls and women to use modern family planning, and aiding 1.1m people to get clean water and good sanitation. DFID Burma has an ambitious and growing governance portfolio. This includes an innovative coalitions building programme that has successfully supported social and political change over the last eight years, recently winning a British Expertise award. For more details see https://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk/projects/gb-1-202393 Our Programme for Democratic Change has provided strong support to the new Parliament, and enabled DFID to be the largest funder of election-day activities in the landmark 2015 elections. We have also funded initial activities on rule of law and public sector reform through this programme. For more details see: https://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk/projects/gb-1-203454/ 2
Cross cutting work to improve social accountability in our health and public financial management programmes is also an important focus of our governance work. More details of DFID Burma s wider programme in Burma can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment data/file/401505/burma1.pdf Job Description: In November 2015 Burma held the first credible elections, whose results were respected, in over 50 years. In the capital Naypyidaw democratically elected MPs have taken their seats in the Parliament, and a new Government has taken office. We need a talented and energetic person, with strong general management and representational skills, and governance advisory expertise to take up a unique role in Burma s transition. You will seek out opportunities to support the new Government and Parliament, designing and implementing governance programmes to help the new Government govern, strengthen Parliament and support wider public sector reform. You will have a broader role in helping the wider DFID team in Yangon engage with the new Government across sectors, as one of DFID Burma s senior staff member in the capital Naypyidaw. You will have a wider HMG representative role, building up and maintaining HMG s range of contacts in government, Parliament, civil society and other sectors as appropriate. You will also contribute to creating entry points for DFID governance work in the States and Regions. We also aim to appoint an international staff member based in Naypyidaw. The international staff member would mentor you and help you develop. After one or two years the UK appointed adviser would relocate to the UK. Then you would take on the leading role for DFID in Naypyidaw in working with the Parliament and Government. You will have the ability to foster strong effective relationships with senior Burmese stakeholders. You must have Burmese as your mother tongue or one of your mother tongues, and you should also have fluent spoken and written English. You will need to be able to collaborate effectively across DFID Burma teams, with other departments in the British Embassy (notably FCO, MoD and UKTI), and with external partners. You will need to bring flexibility and versatility to deal with the distinct challenges of a country in transition, where the opportunities to influence change are unparalleled, but the risks and challenges can also be high. This is a stretching and varied role, suited to high performing individuals looking to demonstrate and develop leadership skills, and develop governance advisory competences, in the international organisation that is DFID. The role would involve duty travel, paid for by the office, to Yangon approximately once a month to liaise with DFID s main office in the British Embassy, Yangon. The main duties will include: Act as a relatively senior DFID staff member based in the capital Naypyidaw, facilitating Government engagement on the design and delivery of our programmes across the DFID Burma portfolio. 3
Drive the development and implementation of programmes that contribute to inclusive transformation in Burma. As a member of DFID Burma s Governance and Security Team contribute to the development of the team s and DFID Burma s strategies. In particular you will bring a first-hand perspective of developments among leading politicians and Government staff in Naypyidaw. Contribute to coordination of Development Partner (DP) governance reform work, and to wider DP coordination on governance. Ensure the DFID Strategic Vision on Women and Girls is implemented across your programmes. Ensure financial and programme management are delivered on time and to a high standard for the programmes you work on. Ensure strong risk management of these programmes. Ensure good public understanding of DFID s policy, programmes and plans in the governance sector, for which good communication skills will be necessary. Provide high quality policy notes, reports, submissions and answers to questions from British Parliamentarians and the public about DFID s governance policy programmes, for which excellent drafting skills in English will be necessary Contribute to strengthening DFID s governance related delivery and results in research, policy, networks and programmes. Given the changing and unpredictable nature of Burmese governance and politics, the post holder will need to be adaptable to changing priorities. The post-holder will need to demonstrate generalist and governance competencies, and in particular Kindly refer to the General Civil service and Governance Technical Competency frameworks: Generalist competences: Leading and Communicating Delivering at Pace Collaborating and Partnering Delivering value for money Governance advisory competencies: Political and institutional analysis Security, Justice, Rule of Law and Human Rights Public Sector Governance and Delivering Essential Public Services Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 1. Have Burmese as your mother tongue or one of your mother tongues, and you should also have fluent spoken and written English 4
2. A degree or professional qualification in international development, public policy, politics, economics, business, accountancy, or similar is desirable. 3. At least three years experience of working in a complex organisation in a fleid related to governance 4. Able to collaborate effectively across teams, other departments, and external partners 5. Ability to work independently and foster strong effective relationships with senior stakeholders 6. Able to demonstrate flexibility and versatility in dealing with distinct challenges of a country s transition and influence change while mitigating the risks and challenges 7. Demonstrated leadership skills and governance advisory competences 8. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. 9. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines. Compensation and Benefit Package Includes: Competitive salary starting from USD 24,492 per annum Flexible working hours (35 hours net per week) 22 days paid annual leave The British High Commission offers a good working environment and as a preferred employer, DFID offers broader benefits beyond the financial compensation which include: The opportunity to grow in an intellectually stimulating environment Professional Development Opportunities for Learning & Development Opportunity for work life balance and flexible working arrangements including annual leave, compressed work week and compensatory time off for travel Comprehensive medical and accident insurance Become part of the British Government overseas with access to career opportunities across all of our operations in Burma and further afield Working in an international environment Apply Instructions: Complete the DFID Job Application Form. The Job Description and DFID Application Form can be obtained from the vacancy pack at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/dfidburma/about/recruitment The completed DFID Application Form along with CV should be emailed to AsiaHRHubRecruit@DFID.gov.uk with the subject header: Completed Application for A2L Governance Adviser, Governance and Security Team (Reference ID: GAA2LAG-PM066MMR). Application Deadline is 17 th July 2016 (23:59 MST). Late applications will not be accepted. Important: 5
Only completed email applications in the given format shall be considered. Applications without the CV and DFID Burma Application form will not be considered. Candidates selected for interview will be expected to participate in a half-day selection process that will involve a presentation, technical interview, and written test. The post will require security clearance from the UK government at Baseline Personnel Security Standard level. Confirmation of appointment will be subject to the post holder obtaining the requisite level of security clearance. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. The role would involve duty travel, paid for by the office, to Yangon approximately once a month to liaise with DFID s main office in the British Embassy, Yangon You must have or be able to obtain work authorisation for Myanmar in order to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Women are encouraged to apply. DFID Burma Jun 2016 6