Description

Background
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Office/Unit/Project Description

Project addresses the complex and multidimensional challenges of rural areas of Georgia, specifically the need of unlocking and exploiting opportunities for rural livelihoods (esp. of those most vulnerable) to enhance sustainable growth and create employment. The project complies to the overall objective of the program by addressing call for people-cantered integrated territorial development, with focus on improved rural development governance, inclusive growth and development of rural livelihoods and sustainable use of natural resources for transition to a carbon neutral economy.
Overall objective of the project as a part of broader rural development effort is to enhance well-being of rural population by strengthening conditions for more inclusive and sustainable growth. It aims to contribute to the revival of rural areas, promotion of balanced and inclusive multi-sectoral development, in light of the structural transformations that are affecting economic and social fabric of rural communities in target 4 regions of Georgia (Kakheti, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi & Kvemo Svaneti and Guria) with sustainability of the approaches on policy and programme level interventions. The project corresponds to the specific objective of EU’s ENPARD IV call under “Component 2: Rural development” and corresponding expected results with three specific objectives contributing to the achievement of the overall objective:

Specific objective 1 is to improve rural development policy and governance system so that it can effectively develop and implement integrated rural development policies by:
Advancing institutional and technical capacities of MEPA and other competent national authorities.
Strengthening area-based and bottom-up approaches in Rural Development policy development and implementation.
Specific objective 2 is to enhance inclusive rural development by:
Addressing the needs of the population with migration background within the state programs.
Promoting new solutions for improving rural infrastructure.
Improving accessibility of public services for disadvantaged, remote and depopulated rural areas.
Empowering the rural woman.
Specific objective 3 is to improve environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources and climate action by:
institutionalized under MEPA forest Engineers skills development programme; and
introducing Renewable Energy Community concept in Georgia.

Project will (a) contribute to a successful implementation of ENPARD IV financing agreement, (b) serve as complementary support to budget support component (SRPC), and (c) support the implementation of the Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy of Georgia 2021-2027. Furthermore, the project will contribute to the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement for the support to rural development, the harmonization of environmental legislation and enforcement mechanisms, and the improved management of natural resources. Also, the project can make important contribution to the work related to the recent EU membership application submitted by Georgia.

Developing effective working partnerships with all respective stakeholders involved in ENPARD IV and other relevant rural development programmes and projects and will be essential for the successful and timely delivery of the project expected results. These partnerships will cover several players including: EUD, FAO, ENPARD implementing partners, NGOs, LAGs and GALAG, other donors, national, sub-national and local authorities through enhanced policy dialogue, planning, case-based evaluations and other bilateral coordination and exchange mechanisms, including through the ENPARD stakeholders, Inter-Agency Coordination Council (IACC) and its working groups.
Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Analyst (Institutional and Capacity Development) will receive management oversight in reaching set targets and objectives by the Project Manager in line with the matrix management modality and will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Managing, provision of content inputs and leading the planning and implementation of the project activities related to Advanced institutional and technical capacities of MEPA and IACC and its working groups in rural development planning and implementation (output 1.1) under supervision of the Project Manager for the tasks related to improved rural development governance system for integrated and effective policy development and implementation (outcome 1).
Managing, provision of content inputs and leading the planning and implementation of the project activities related to Strengthening bottom-up and area based approach in Rural Development policy development and implementation (output 1.2.) under supervision of the Project Manager for tasks related to improved rural development governance system for integrated and effective policy development and implementation (outcome 1).
Contribute to relevant tasks related to Improved rural services, infrastructure, empowered rural women and inclusive rural development (outcome 2) and sustainable use of forest resources and improved environmental protection and climate action (outcome 3) under supervision of the Project Manager for tasks related to improved rural development governance system.

Managing, provision of content inputs and leading the planning and implementation of the project activities related to Advanced institutional and technical capacities of MEPA and IACC and its working groups in rural development planning and implementation:

Lead the Project component with sustainability of the approaches ensuring that institutional and capacity development interventions at policy as well as organizational and individual levels are in place effectively; Ensure quality and timeliness of the respective interventions.
Lead planning, monitoring and evaluation of the Project’s capacity development measures in support to the institutions involved in laying down the Rural Development Policy framework and its implementation by providing resources for a progressive alignment with EU Common Agriculture Policy objectives, institutional structures, post 2020 CAP types of interventions and stakeholders’ engagement.
Facilitate discussions with relevant government officials on the Project’s intervention strategies with an emphasis on processes and procedures related to the synergetic design and delivery of the national strategic plans as well as results and performance linked to common EU acquis in the field of agriculture and rural development.
Lead planning and implementation of the Project’s institutional and capacity development measures shaped and adapted to local conditions, needs and capabilities in support to improved skills and knowledge related to blended interventions/state programmes in economic empowerment, social and territorial cohesion and preserved local natural environment and sustainable management. In addition, specific awareness activities will cover the appropriate mainstreaming of gender, youth and other special groups’ needs and considerations.
Manage the institutional and capacity development component implementation and any related short-term technical consultant(s) work corresponding to mandatory institutions required i.e. Managing Authority, Paying Agency, Competent Authority, Certification Body, Monitoring Committee and National Rural (CAP) Network.
Where it is considered that MEPA, RDA and/or other IACC member institutions does not comply with the IPARD/EU accreditation criteria, inform of the specific conditions they are required to fulfil and propose the Project’s interventions to address each of the institutional deficiencies indicated by the gap analysis/capacity assessment.
Lead planning and implementation of the Project’s interventions as an important contribution to compliance with the IPARD (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance for Rural Development) requirements by providing support to MEPA and RDA to comprehensively upgrade their legal, structural and functional frameworks and reach full functionality.
Lead planning and implementation of the Project’s institutional and capacity development measures that support other IACC member institutions from coping to improving and accelerating operational efficiency in producing rural development-related outputs and organizational effectiveness in anticipating and responding to rural development challenges.
Provide international and national consultants a specialized orientation on institutional and capacity development progress up to date, recommended action priorities and decisions made by the Institutional Reform Working Groups established by MEPA and RDA.
Extend support and guidance to the Project team members in developing training curriculum, manuals, modules, relevant guidelines including training and learning materials.
Collect and apply state of the art capacity development tools and techniques for the project stakeholders both at service delivery and service recipients end.
Provide strategic directions and guidance to contracted organizations including professional service provider companies for sound capacity building and development;
Take action on the partnership building process with educational institutions to identify pool of rural development experts at national and regional level.
Lead the process of providing dedicated capacity support to women, the youth and other special groups including IDPs, people with disabilities and ethnic minorities, creating concrete opportunities for these groups to access the rural services and more generally to ensure their greeted involvement in social, economic, cultural and political life of their respective communities.
Lead the process of identification of relevant expert/consultant/company to effectively undertake respective activities including developing Terms of References (ToRs) and other required documentations in accordance with UNDP procurement/HR regulations and procedures.
Develop Terms of References and organize and conduct workshops, training, seminar with various stakeholders including Government official both at local and national level.
Produce required capacity development related reports ensuring that the UNDP capacity development User’s Guide and Practice Notes are followed properly and provide technical assistance to partner organizations, public sector officials and stakeholders through capacity building knowledge.
Contribute to internal monitoring and evaluation through data collection and analysis; Undertake periodic training impact assessment, retention rate etc. using internal resources and expertise for providing high quality advice to the project management in case of any changes required in capacity development interventions.
Support and contribute to the planning and implementation of knowledge products (analytic reports, working papers, strategies/concepts, studies, mapping exercises and others).
Provide support in implementation of the Project communications related to institutional and capacity development interventions, including preparation of relevant materials (media advisory and press releases) and coordinate those activities in line with UNDP and EU visibility requirements.
Contribute to further resource mobilization activities.
Other activities as may be requested within the project and UNDP’s mandate.

Managing, provision of content inputs and leading the planning and implementation of the project activities related to Strengthening bottom-up and area based approach in Rural Development policy development and implementation:

Lead the project component for ensuring provision of institutional and capacity development support to national authorities (MEPA, RDA) in introducing the National LEADER/CLLD Programme in Georgia following the general logic of the EU LEADER/CLLD implementation that is based inter alia on a bottom-up and area-based approaches as well as decentralized multi-level governance arrangements and delivery.
In close collaboration with the Georgian Association of Local Action Groups and LEADER/CLLD Thematic Working Group formed under the Civic Committee of IACC, provide technical leadership in designing and implementing the Project’s LEADER/CLLD interventions based on understanding of the local context and building on existing/growing capacities of Local Action Groups to act as accountable bodies on their won with an increased ranged of operational responsibilities related to LEADER/CLLD as a rural development measure.
Provide technical leadership in development of the National Rural Network for Agriculture and Rural Development to add value to the implementation of the Georgian Rural Development Policy, facilitate the involvement and networking of all those who participate in agriculture and rural development, informing the broader public on funding opportunities and encouraging innovation/innovation partnerships, fostering knowledge exchange and inspirational examples.
Lead planning and implementation of the Project’s institutional and capacity development interventions in support of advancing rural development governance (its synergetic design and delivery) through the engagement of organized Civil Society in monitoring the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Rural Development of Georgia.
Lead the process of designing and implementing capacity development measures for relevant non-government stakeholders with the aim of establishing a partnership-based policy design and delivery model and strengthening rural advocacy efforts; Plan and carry out trainings on rural economic. empowerment, social and territorial cohesion, innovation partnerships, environmental protection, sustainable management of natural resources and climate change.
Build rapport and strong relationship with the selected local government bodies for facilitating and/or implementing capacity building activities as well as institutional mainstreaming of rural development concepts into local development policies/programmes and governance.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Analyst (Institutional and Capacity Development) shall support the UNDP Georgia in implementation of the project and act as a resource person for UNDP Georgia CO, the project team, and the project’s counterparts through the provision of guidance, advice and expertise in planning, monitoring, and evaluation of capacity development measures for advancing institutional and technical capacities of MEPA, RDA and other national authorities so that they can effectively develop and implement integrated rural development policies. At the same time, the project Analyst: Institutional and Capacity Development is expected to provide support in strengthening area-based and bottom-up approaches in rural development and co-ordination with a broad array of stakeholders playing active role in rural development of Georgia.
Competencies
Core competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy-Strategic Thinking
Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP´s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks, and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.
Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.
Business Development-Knowledge Generation
Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.
Business Management-Results-based Management
Ability to manage programs and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.
Business Management-Communication
Ability to 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 channels.
2030 Agenda -Inclusive Growth
Development planning
2030 Agenda-Inclusive Growth
Economic Diversification
2030 Agenda-Inclusive Growth
Local Economic Development

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

Master’s degree in education, economics, social science, public administration/policy, rural development, international relations or related field.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2 additional years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Experience:

Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of professional working experience in either of designing and implementing/monitoring capacity development response strategies, leading institutional development or capacity development initiatives.

Languages:

Fluency in English and Georgian is required.

Required skills:

Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Able to work effectively in a team and in an international environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate and engage with project stakeholders.

Desired skills:

Experience at the public or international organizations in management of initiatives in either of the following fields: training and education, public policy, governance/public administration/institutional reforms.
Experience in formulation/implementation of institutional capacity needs assessment and/or capacity development initiatives.
Experience working with international organizations, developing country governments, donor agencies and / or NGOs and other civil society groups involved in various sectors of international development.
Proven experience of working with Government is an asset.
Proven working experience with international organizations and/or NGOs will be an asset.
Experience of capacity development of CSOs and community based organisations would be a strong asset.

Required documents:

Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.