This UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea region in Uzbekistan (MPHSTF) was established in 2018 under the aegis of the United Nations. It serves as a unique unified platform for international development cooperation and the mobilization of donor resources to implement integrated measures to address the negative consequences of the Aral Sea catastrophe. Its core objectives focus on mitigating inter-connected risks to human security, resilience-building of communities affected by the Aral Sea Disaster through an integrated and multi-level approach and to maintaini the ecological balance in the Aral Sea bassin.  The MPHSTF is financed through joint funding from the participating UN agencies and the UN Human Security Trust Fund. The establishment of the MPHSTF is in line with Government priorities as defined in the State Programme on development of the Aral Sea region for 2017-2021.

The strategy of the MPHSTF is two-fold:

The MPHSTF is governed by a Steering Committee and supported by a Technical Secretariat. Dialogue with key representatives of other donors, government organizations, and civil society networks are held by the Steering Committee periodically to foster cooperation and a shared vision.

The Steering Committee is co-chaired by the High-Level Government representative and the UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan and consists of representatives of contributors to the MPHSTF, civil society members, Participating UN Organizations, and national government representatives. The Administrative Agent (UNDP) and Secretariat are ex-officio members of the Steering Committee.

In order to ensure good programming the MPHSTF is supported by a Technical Secretariat. It provides technical, operational and administrative support to the MPHSTF Steering Committee and works under its overall guidance.

The Technical Secretariat supports the entire programming cycle of the MPHSTF with a workplan and budget reviewed annually by the Steering Committee. The Technical Secretariat also provides advice and quality control over the MPHSTF implementation and coordinates the meetings. It facilitates collaboration and communication between the Government of Uzbekistan, Participating UN Organizations, contributing donors and the co-chairs of the MPHSTF. It develops and implements a resource mobilization strategy to attract investments from other donors. The Technical Secretariat will supervise the implementation of interventions that are context-specific and rely on available local assets and resources thereby empowering the participating communities.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Technical Secretariat and in close collaboration with the relevant project partners, the External Relations and Outreach Specialist will be responsible for the implementation activities aimed at establishing partnerships, managing external relations and communications for the MPHSTF.

The External Relations and Outreach Specialist will be focusing on the following tasks:

1. Donor Relations, Coordination with Partners, and Resource Mobilization

• In line with UN/UNDP policies, develop specific donor strategy and resource mobilization framework designed to increase funding to MPHSTF.
• Contribute for identifying opportunities for fundraising, including with the private sector.
• Provide inputs in facilitating the mobilization of the resources of multi- and bilateral donor organizations for the implementation of territorial and sectoral projects and initiatives.
• Monitor donors’ interventions in the Aral Sea region, including by collecting and regularly updating data and information on the ongoing and planned programmes and project, their budgets and implementation status
• Prepare recommendations to the MPHSTF Steering Committee based on the analysis of the monitoring of donors’ interventions in the Aral Sea region
• Prepare regular progress reports to donor governments on the implementation of donor support
• Prepare presentations to donor governments.
• Draft correspondence as necessary to MPHSTF stakeholders (government, UN entities, donors, and other partners).
• Assist in liaising with partners and stakeholders in order to enhance synergies and value added on programme activities to promote the holistic approach to the region’s development.

2. External Communication and Public Information

• Contribute in designing, developing and implementing a comprehensive Communication Strategy of the Trust Fund to be established for the Aral Sea region.
• Roll out communications activities in support of the Fund’s priorities
• Lead the content development of MPHSTF’ internet, ensuring the site is continually updated as necessary.
• Draft speeches, briefing notes and talking points.
• Develop materials (fact sheets, photo essays, etc.) for key moments in MPHSTF media calendar and Newsletter.
• Provide inputs in ensuring improved visibility on values added of the Human Security approach for all stakeholders in the work of the Fund through official communication channels.
• Assist in undertaking an advocacy on human security concept among the development and government partners in order to promote integrated approach for addressing the Aral Sea region problems.

3. Project implementation Support and Knowledge Management

• Ensure that appropriate temples and criteria developed for developing project proposals and consultations provided to the potential project beneficiaries in the process of projects implementation.
• Provide support to the sectoral and regional authorities in the process of developing project proposals, while promoting an integrated approach.
• Assist in the establishment and maintenance of a database of project proposals for funding through different sources including the Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region.
• Jointly with the relevant team members, develop knowledge products that highlight and define the advantages of the Trust Fund for the Aral Sea region to promote the holistic approach to address the region’s challenges.

4. Support to the MPHSTF Steering Committee (SC)

• Support the provision of substantive and operational secretariat support to the work of the MPHSTF SC
• Preparation of and provision of necessary assistance to MPHSTF SC meetings
• Prepare necessary inputs to the MPHSTF SC in order to initiate review of proposed initiatives for possible funding through the Fund’s mobilized resources.
• Support the preparation of mid-term and annual reports to the MPHSTF SC

Perform other duties as required in scope of current positions.

UN Values

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Core Competencies
Leadership and Delivery

• Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives
• Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support
• Ability to persuade others to follow and get things done

Communication & Innovation

• Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
• Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Functional Competencies
 

Managing Risk and Performance

• Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills
• Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines
• Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff
• Ability to identify and prioritize risks, and organize action around mitigating them

Partnerships

• Ability to engage with government, UN agencies, donors, and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client
• Practical knowledge and skills for resource mobilization focusing on multilateral and bilateral donors

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead planning, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to formulate and manage budgets
• Solid project and personnel management skills,
• Knowledge of the technical and programmatic support functions
• Ability to evaluate project reports and financial data, derive relevant findings and present them in a meaningful manner

Education:    

University Degree or equivalent in Economics, Social Sciences, business administration, International Relations or related field.

Experience:    

A minimum of 3 years’ progressive experience in Programme/Project/Technical Cooperation with government, multilateral institution or civil society organization is required
Experience in fund management (managing Multi-Donor Trust Funds or large-scale multi-stakeholder programmes including results based management, risk management, finance and operations) and resource mobilization, and knowledge of financing for development is required.
Proven experience establishing and managing relationships with multiple national and international stakeholders
Experience providing support to an administrative board or steering committee is desirable
Experience working with intergovernmental bodies in relation to sustainable development and/or disaster risk reduction is an asset.
Experience with UN and/or other international development organizations is an advantage;
Knowledge and experience with development situation in Aral Sea region is an asset.

Language Requirements:    

Fluency in English, Russian and Uzbek.

Others:    

• Strong analytical and organizational skills, ability to work in a team.
• Initiative, analytical skills, good ability in partnering and networking.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Contract Duration: 6 months with possible extension (subject to satisfactory performance)