Subject Matter Specialists (for various technical fields) (For Nepalese Nationals only)

Background

UNDP is seeking applications from Subject matter specialists in various fields (as mentioned in the qualification section) – multiple positions

 

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal works with the Nepalese, Government of Nepal, and other development partners to pursue equitable and sustainable human development goals to promote inclusive and resilient economic growth; improve the coherence and quality of governance across the three tiers of government, and advance resilient and sustainable systems for use of natural resources through public policies, strong institutions, and active community participation. Additionally, Special attention will be paid to (a) supporting national reforms and upholding the values of justice, human rights, equity, and transparency; (b) promoting gender equality and social inclusion by supporting the strengthening and implementation of legislative and institutional frameworks related to international commitments; and (c) ensuring that the rights to economic and social security and potential of all marginalized groups are realized.

In parallel to the roll-out of its new Country Programme, 2023-27, UNDP Nepal is moving towards strategically repositioning UNDP’s contributions in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and collaboration with national development partners. Meanwhile, Nepal’s GNI continues to grow, making graduation from LDC status a scenario for which UNDP needs to begin planning and adapting to different models of development cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Subject Matter Specialist will provide his/her technical expertise in supporting the Operations of UNDP in various fields including but not limited to HR services (e.g. draft/provide input for TORs, screening of candidates/firms, preparation of technical questions and various evaluations), Procurement services (e.g. provide input for TORs and procurement processes) and any other required services for UNDP.

The Subject Matter Specialist will focus on assessing technical skills and other requirements relevant to the position/service in each step of the recruitment/procurement processes within UNDP including liaison and advisory services as required.

1  Provide Liaison and advisory services

• Develop, maintain, and intensify contacts/rapport with relevant government institutions (federal, province, and local level) and authorities, development partners, representatives of other UN agencies, INGOs, civil society organizations, and resource persons to facilitate dialogue and access to information;
• Contribute to building a knowledge base for the political, legal, and regulatory context for UNDP’s effective operation through liaison and exchanges with relevant government agencies;
• Liaise with relevant focal points in the GoN to maintain constructive working relations and ensure a smooth working relationship both on the strategic and operational fronts as and when needed;
• Support effective coordination and liaison with government at a high level to navigate decisional bottlenecks and avoid delays in building programmatic partnerships with provincial and local governments and facilitate smooth implementation of UNDP-supported projects under the Direct Implementation Modality (DIM) and National Implementation Modality (NIM);

2   Provide technical inputs in drafting and reviewing TORs and Recruitment Strategies

• Draft /review the TORs related to the relevant subject matter as per the requirement of the hiring managers/projects;
• Provide high-level technical inputs in the TOR depending on the requirements, especially on selection criteria for screening;
• Provide technical inputs in drafting recruitment strategies for the relevant positions as per the subject matter including advice on assessment methods and criteria.

3. Provide technical expertise in assessing applications:

• The Subject Matter Specialist will focus on assessing technical experience/knowledge / academic qualification relevant to the position, of the applicants;
• Review all applications thoroughly using his / her subject matter expertise, and score the applicants as per the specified criteria;
• S/he will submit the compiled technically suitable applicants/short-list to the UNDP HR within the stipulated time.

4. Provide technical advice on the assessment of candidates and participate in assessment panels as subject matter specialist (Written tests):

• The Subject Matter Specialist is expected to prepare the technical questions for a written test/presentation or any other assessment method, on the relevant subject matter;
• S/he will prepare a set of answers for the technical questions including the scoring guideline;
• The Subject Matter Specialist will ensure that all the technical assessments shall be evaluated on an anonymous basis and maintain utmost confidentiality;
• The Subject Matter Specialist will assess the technical assessments, and submit the scores on the stipulated time.

5. Participate in interview/presentation/desk review panel as subject matter specialist:

• The Subject Matter Specialist will prepare the interview’s technical questions and scoring guidelines in consultation with HR UNDP;
• As a Subject Matter Specialist, participate as a panel member of the interview ./presentation/desk review panel in the selection process;
• S/he will provide technical feedback about the suitability of the candidate(s);
• The subject matter specialist must maintain absolute confidentiality/impartiality before, during, and after the recruitment process;

6   Provide high-level technical inputs/support to Procurement services

• Draft/review and provide technical inputs to the specifications / TOR / Scope of work / Bill of Quantity on relevant technical fields as per the requirements of the project;
• Review of bidding documents and procurement strategy and provide technical inputs for complex procurement processes;
• Assessment/evaluation of bids/proposals;
• Review of documents for procurement committee review in terms of technicalities and

7. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)

• Ensure GESI is mainstreamed in the recruitment process as per UNDP diversity policy;
• Fully comply with UNDP’s GESI policy and zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence;
• Ensure a safe working environment by developing a respectful and safe organizational culture and supporting practices;
• Collaborate with recruitment team members/panelists to ensure the safe implementation of the recruitment process in the working environment by applying the Do No Harm approach.

8   Any other tasks as required by the hiring unit

Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager and overall supervision of DRR the Subject Matter Specialist will work closely with the HR Analyst. The Subject matter specialist will also work closely with the other team leaders and program leads as per the requirement.

 

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:

LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have 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 complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

LEVEL 3: Appreciate the benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management (Insert below standard sentence if the position has direct reports.)

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found on the dedicated .

Cross-functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)

Thematic Area 

Name 

Definition 

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

Business Direction and strategy

System

thinking

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact other parts of the system

Business Direction and Strategy

Strategy 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 in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.

2030 Agenda: People

Gender

• Gender Mainstreaming

2030 Agenda: Peace

Governance

• Inclusion and Participation

 

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements

Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in any of the following Subjects:

• Natural Resource Management
• Governance
• Gender and social inclusion
• Legal/Advocacy
• Economics
• Rural Development
• Livelihood
• Health
• Education
• IT / Computer science
• Communication/Journalism
• Finance
• Project Management
• Environment and Resilence
• Renewable Energy
• Climate Change
• Glacial Expert
• Research
• Humanity / Social science
• International Relations
• Natural resources
• Management

or any related subject. 

or

A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) with the above mentioned subject in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Min. years of relevant work experience

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience in the relevant field at the national or international level.

Required  skills

• Ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism
• Experience in participating in recruitment processes.
• A person who would be able to render services in the most professional, effective, and efficient manner.
• Ability to work with targets.
• Sound judgement
• Knowledge of labor laws or relevant national laws and policies is desirable.
• Possessing a strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working in a senior role in the relevant field.
• Planning, organizational, and time management skills, including flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure to meet changing deadlines;

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• A person who is flexible, creative, well-organized and detail-oriented
• Experience in engaging with stakeholders
• Innovative problem-solving and effective organizational skills

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in written and spoken English as well as excellent technical writing skills and Computer literacy

Professional Certificates

On any specific Subject Matter

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

1. 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.
2. A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
3. 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.