Governance Focal Point Officer (International UN Volunteer Specialist)

Mission and objectives
Palau is a sovereign island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean. It comprises approximately 340 islands, with a population of around 18,000 people. Palau’s capital is Ngerulmud, situated on the island of Babeldaob, while its largest city is Koror. The country gained independence from the United States under a Compact of Free Association in 1994 and is known for its rich marine biodiversity, pristine natural environment, and vibrant cultural heritage. The Republic of Palau operates under a democratic republic with a presidential
system of government. Its political system is based on the principles of separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, ensuring checks and balances. Palau’s government is modelled after the United States system, reflecting its historical association with the U.S. through the Compact of Free Association.

As a small island developing state (SIDS) in the Pacific region, Palau faces unique challenges in governance and sustainable development. Strengthening institutional capacity, promoting economic diversification, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing social services are critical to Palau’s development. Addressing the governance challenges in Palau requires a multifaceted approach that includes strengthening institutional capacity, diversifying the economy, enhancing environmental sustainability, improving social services, and promoting good governance. The government of Palau is committed to these goals and is working in collaboration with international partners, including the United Nations, to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Context
UNDP is looking for a Focal Point to support the delivery of activities and engagement with local partners in Palau and the Micronesian sub-region. The Project Officer will support effective results-based project management, communication strategic partnerships and alliances management, resource mobilization, activity delivery and reporting.

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Effective Governance /Inclusive Growth Team Leader with a matrix reporting to the DRR North Pacific and direct line of reporting to Parliament and Accountability Portfolio Managers on specific activities.

Task description
Support the delivery of Parliamentary Portfolio activities in Palau and the North Pacific where relevant:

– Support the delivery of the Parliamentary portfolio workplan in Palau: under the supervision of the Portfolio Manager, liaise with counterparts, coordinate activities, obtain required quotes, and facilitate consultant engagement and events.
– Coordinate and deliver M&E and communication activities: data collection, drafting, data analysis and management.
– Support the organization of the Pacific Island Parliaments Group Conference and related follow-up activities and reporting requirements.
– Support the National Congress of Palau to engage in regional parliamentary portfolio activities and initiatives.
– Coordinate technical inputs relating to project activities implemented with project technical experts, responsible parties, and other project stakeholders.
– Support National Congress of Palau in reporting and financial documentation requirements under Letters of Agreement.
– Prepare first drafts of progress reports, Terms of Reference (TORs), concept notes and other technical documentations for further review by Portfolio Manager.
– Assist Portfolio Manager to perform tasks related to project activities efficiently and effectively.
– Support and coordinate the implementation of project activities with responsible parties and relevant stakeholders including events.
– Participate, collate and provide inputs in preparation project workplans and project evaluations.

Support the delivery of Accountability Portfolio activities in Palau and in the North Pacific where relevant:

-Support the delivery of the Accountability portfolio workplan in Palau: under the supervision of the Accountability Specialist, liaise with counterparts, coordinate activities, obtain required quotes and facilitate consultant engagement and events.
– Support the delivery of the Fellowship activities: engage in scoping, interviews, coordinate first meeting and logistics, facilitate engagement of regional coaches and logistical as well as technical engagement of the fellows. Monthly meetings with fellows will be expected to progress the work and apply the fellowship methodology as well as up to 3 regional meetings a year requiring international travel.
– Coordinate technical inputs relating to project activities implemented with project technical experts, implementing partners, and other project stakeholders.
– Prepare first drafts of progress reports, Terms of Reference (TORs), concept notes and other technical documentations for further review by Specialists.
– Assist project Manager to perform tasks related to project activities efficiently and effectively.
– Support and coordinate the implementation of project activities with implementing partners and relevant stakeholders including events.
– Participate, collate and provide inputs in preparation project workplans and project evaluations.
– Undertake other duties as assigned by the Specialists or as a proactive necessary contribution to the success of the project.
– Coordinate and deliver M&E and communication activities: data collection, drafting, data analysis and management.

Support efficient and effective coordination, implementation and monitoring of project results and activities, for work relating to Effective Governance and Growth activities in the Palau and North Pacific.

-Support Effective Governance /Inclusive Growth Team, under guidance of Effective Governance/Inclusive Growth TL and on close coordination with the UNDP North Pacific Office, in establishing and developing partnership with relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations and relevant projects of other UN agencies in North Pacific.
– Act as the focal point and main contact point for all UNDP activities in Palau: engage with partners and follow-up to ensure smooth two-way communications and obtaining of timely information; coordinate in-country visit and facilitate in-country activities and support where needed partners and beneficiaries traveling to UNDP events; support data collection and monitoring and evaluation activities in country;
– Act as a programmatic resource for UNDP activities in Palau: support data collection and monitoring and evaluation, support drafting of concept notes and new projects as well as collection of intelligence and analysis to inform programme and project activities; participate in the team meetings (North Pacific + programme) and actively contribute to the development of UNDP activities in the North.
– Assist in the follow-up on performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation/review/comments of/on reports.
– Assist in the preparation of Project work-plan and results-based reporting.

Support implementation of programmes, portfolios, projects visibility, and knowledge management activities:

– Support to the systematic capacity building of Implementing Partners and staff and counterparts through introduction of innovation and best practices, access to knowledge and expertise and promotion of their application to project implementation.
– Support the PM in capturing and disseminations of lessons learnt during project implementation.
– Actively engage and promote teamwork, information sharing, and collaboration within the project team and between project partners.
– Provide inputs to presentations, visibility activities, advocacy, and other project-related materials, etc.

Enhanced learning and professional development:

– Enrolling and completing online learning courses.
– Participate in Project workshops, trainings and capacity development initiatives/activities.
– Support fund mobilization for the next phase of the project through consultations, drafting and following UNDP processes for project validation

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

– Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).
– Contribute with articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
– Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
– Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

Activity target:
Deliver the Parliamentary portfolio workplan in Palau
Deliver the Vaka Pasifika Fellowship workplan (constituting the cohort, recruitment of technical support, organization of min. one meeting a month)
Support governance and growth activity delivery including reporting and monitoring of results.
Support fund mobilization for the MCPD.

Output:
Report on PIPG Conference by September 2024.
Report on fellowship activities in Palau by November 2024.
Publish at least one blog per quarter. ROAR outputs captured for North Pacific.
By documenting results and supporting the development, consultations and drafting of concepts and projects.

– Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment

– A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Required experience
3 years of experience in governance, parliamentary support and/or public finance and accountability, digitalization, Pacific region, democracy;
Some experience which demostrates commitment to UN values, learning and innovative approaches.
Some experience in working with governments in Northern Pacific ideally within government or from a regional organizations, multilateral or else.
Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
Sound security awareness;
Have affinity with or interest in governance and innovation, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in social science, public administration, political science, management, international relations, digitalization and related areas. In lieu of Masters, an additional 3 years of experience in the area of governance, parliamentary support and/or public finance and accountability will be considered.