Based on UNDP’s new Country Program Document (CPD 2020-2025) and guidance received from the Ministry of Finance, UNDP has embarked on providing targeted and direct interventions in the three regions of Amhara, Oromia and Somali, selected based on socio-economic profiles, size and geographical diversity, levels of vulnerability, among other considerations. The selected regions also present complex humanitarian, development and peacebuilding needs as well as urgent institutional capacity gaps requiring a comprehensive UNDP portfolio wide approach at regional level and further targeting of pilot areas within the Regions for an area-based programming approach that will maximize impact and sustainability. UNDP’s engagement at regional level further aims to strengthen the capacities of regional state governments to plan and deliver quality services in a transparent and  accountable manner. UNDP’s support is crucial in the implementation of the National Development Plans and in advancing Ethiopia’s efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.

The purpose of UNDP’s overall engagement in the Somali region is therefore, to enhance collaboration and partnership with Regional Governments to contribute to the structural changes required to ensure that social services, livelihoods, jobs, and the rule of law & democratic governance practices are sustained in a more accountable, inclusive and responsive way without leaving anyone behind. UNDP is committed to providing direct support to the Somali region with the purpose of enhancing the region’s capacity to plan, implement, and monitor development programmes towards achieving SDGs. The support areas will encompass a broad spectrum of development interventions including governance capacity building, access to justice and rule of law, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, jobs creation and livelihood improvements, resilience building and women empowerment.

The Initiative will focus on: (i) enhancing the governance capacity including promoting justice, rule of law & human rights, peace and security, improving public service delivery, and strengthening local revenue generation capacity; (ii) enhancing the capacity of regional bureaus on gender mainstreaming and accountability, (iii) promoting the livelihood of people affected by drought targeting women and youth as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs), (iv) strengthening capacities of regional institutions around climate change mitigation and adaptation and resilience building; and (v) provide support to regional institutions to formulate a Multi-Year Resilience Building Strategy. In the medium to long-term (2-3 years), support will be targeted towards promoting social cohesion and peacebuilding and other livelihood improvement initiatives through diversified income generating activities and by promoting environmental sustainability, thus bringing the Region to a developmental trajectory. Given the resource limitations especially in the immediate term, the initiative is limited in scope, focusing mainly on building the capacity of regional institutions/sector bureaus, and targeting the most vulnerable segments of the population such as women, older persons, people with disabilities, youth, and internally displaced people.

The overall objective of the role is to strengthen the capacity of the regional government to plan and implement resilience, governance capacity building, and economic recovery interventions in the region. The coordinator will provide cross-functional coordination support to Climate Resilient and Environmental Sustainability (CRES), Inclusive Economic Transformation (IET), and Democratic Governance and Peace Building Teams to effectively plan, implement, monitor, and report regional interventions.

Regional policy analysis and advocacy initiatives critical for resilience building  

• Maintain up-to-date understanding of the regional policy, legal, regulatory, institutional, financing, and operational issues regarding regional resilience building.
• Provide specialist advice on a timely basis to UNDP, Government, and other partners on Resilience building, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, peacebuilding, and related areas.
• Provide technical advice to UNDP Country Office Team on enhancing UNDP’s thought-leadership in convening and participating in coordination platforms and working groups and other forums.
• Support UNDP’s efforts towards strengthening the capacity of regional government for effective implementation of the SDGs.
• Forge close and practical working relationships with the humanitarian cluster system to ensure that HDP nexus issues are addressed on the ground.
• Ensures that approaches to gender equality are integrated into all aspects of planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation; and ensure special measures are in place so that women are benefiting and actively participating across all regional engagement projects of UNDP.

Provision of technical support in programme planning, implementation, and evaluation.

• Work closely with the Focal Point in the Somali Regional State Bureau of Finance to coordinate the attainment of the regional programme outputs as per the Annual Work Plan by assuming overall responsibility for the management and coordination of programme activities.
• Support the Bureau of Finance and UNDP CRES Unit in coordinating the implementation of Multi-Year Resilience Strategy and Investment Plan for Somali Region,
  1. Build multi-stakeholder partnerships, networking, and resource mobilization.
• Technical support for UNDP engagement with all relevant regional bureaus and other relevant stakeholders
• Provide the required support to the CO in project of various regional engagement projects.
• Manage, support, and coordinate timely, transparent, and effective implementation of project interventions managed by respective regional implementing partner bureaus.
• Conduct field level monitoring of progress in activity implementation, challenges and issues that impact the pace and quality of interventions.
• Identify specific risks that may threaten achievement of intended results. Identify and monitor risk management actions using a risk log. This includes monitoring measures and plans required as stipulated in the peace support programme.
• Ensure that the implementation of the programme activities is carried out in the most effective and expeditious manner as per the signed workplan.
• Identify strategic development partners and support the design of joint-program or collaboration to build sustainable and working partnerships at regional level.
• Establish and sustain an active network of actors at regional level so as to encourage a harmonized approach and contribution of all stakeholders towards realization of the MYRS.
• Facilitate and strengthen regional and local government-led or co-led platforms and capacity on resilience building, humanitarian actions, peace-building, and other relevant engagements, including emerging activities.

Facilitate Information sharing, knowledge management, data analytics, and reporting. 

• Facilitating information sharing and joint planning/programming within the UNDP and other development partners
• Prepare knowledge products on key areas of programmatic engagement.
• Ensure, knowledge, good practices, and lessons are captured regularly, as well as actively sourced from other projects and partners and integrated back into the programme.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of quality and timely substantive report and financial reports.
• Participate in the preparation of periodic reports as required by major stakeholders and the country office on a regular and demand-driven base.

Ensure Strategic visioning and thought leadership.

• Provide strategic foresight and analysis for effective regional programming in line with the socio-economic dynamics in the region.
• Liaise with the Office of President of Somali region on resilience programming and accommodating emerging priorities.
• Advise UNDP on short-term and long-term strategic engagements in the Somali region building on and beyond the Somali MYRS
• Analyze and advise UNDP on possibilities of forging new strategic partnerships in line with growing national and global trends and trajectories in resilience building.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement and Reporting Lines 

The Regional Programme Coordinator will work under the overall guidance and the direct supervision of the Team Leader – CRES Unit, UNDP. The incumbent shall also discharge duties and responsibilities in close collaboration with Team Leaders of different programme units at UNDP country office, relevant regional bureaus and offices, development and humanitarian partners at UN and I/NNGOs and local communities in support of UNDP’s institutional strategy and strategic plan in support of the regional programmes and strategies for sustainable enterprises development. The required qualifications and experiences are described in the sections below.

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have a lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate the complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate the benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Business Direction and strategy: Strategic Thinking – Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Direction and strategy: Systems Thinking – Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management: Portfolio Management – Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Business Management: Results-based Management – Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.

Business Management: Communication – Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channel.

Digital: Team design & management 

• Ability to create a clear sense of shared purpose while leveraging curiosity, expertise and agency at an individual level.
• Set up and manage team rituals and rhythms that create a safe space for learning and reflection. Foster a positive culture around failure, encourage exploration, experimentation.
• Set the conditions and structures for ‘fluid’ team modelling and distributed leadership enabling the team to continuously develop and renew itself.
• Ability to create synergy between team members with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, being able to leverage their broad knowledge and skillsets.