Background
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The Solomon Islands, made up of 992 islands in the southwestern Pacific, is a lower-middle-income country with a young and growing population. The country has made economic strides, reducing poverty from 33% in 2010 to 23.5% in 2019. However, it remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and natural disasters, which impact its primary industries, including round log exports, fishing, and palm oil production. The governmentโs focus is on driving economic development, improving infrastructure, and decentralizing governance to foster unity and growth.
Malaita Province is the most populous region, with a population of 172,740, and has received significant investments, especially in the northern and central areas, including the development of Bina Harbour and improved connectivity through roads and bridges. The provinceโs governance structure relies on Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Constituency Funds, which enable local communities to prioritize and manage development projects. WDCs are essential for identifying community needs, overseeing local projects, and ensuring that decision-making reflects local aspirations. Constituency Funds, managed by Members of Parliament (MPs) and Constituency Committees (CCs), are used for financing projects that support infrastructure and social services within the constituencies.
The interaction between WDCs and Constituency Funds is critical for decentralized governance in the Solomon Islands. While this system empowers local communities, it faces challenges such as limited capacity, transparency issues, and potential political interference in the allocation of resources. The goal is to ensure that development projects align with the priorities of local populations, enhance accountability, and promote sustainable development in Malaita and across the country. The Solomon Islands aims to build more resilient and self-sufficient communities through this decentralised framework.
The Area-Based Programming initiative is a strategic UNDP intervention aimed at improving economic growth, resilience, and livelihoods in the Northern Malaita region of the Solomon Islands. This project focuses on building the capacity of local governance structures, primarily the WDCs and Constituency Committees (CCs), to ensure that development is locally led, evidence-based, and aligned with the needs of the community.
The position is based in the UNDP Solomon Islands office, under the new Area-Based Programming initiative focusing on Northern Malaita. This initiative is part of a broader UNDP effort to support the government of the Solomon Islands in addressing regional development challenges through an integrated, data-driven approach. The position will directly contribute to the Area-Based Programming, which is designed to enhance local governance, economic development, and social cohesion by strengthening the capacities of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Constituency Committees (CCs) in Northern Malaita. This role will be integral to the program, working alongside national and local counterparts, including government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders.ย
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The Programme Specialist will be responsible for leading and overseeing all the above-mentioned work under the supervision and guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative. The Programmeย Specialist will liaise with the Head of the Inclusive Governance and Economic Growth Unit and the head of the Resilience and Climate Change Unit to update progress and seek guidance, as required. ย
Working under the supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, the Programme Specialist will;
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:
Business Direction and Strategy ย ย ย ย ย
System 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 systemBusiness Managementย ย ย ย
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 channels Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies 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. Resource Management: Allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with business needs and priorities and principles of accountability and integrity.Digital ย ย ย ย
Storytelling: Ability to empathise with people's perceptions, motivations, feelings and mental models and craft narratives to build an emotive argument for change accordingly. Ability to present data, insights or information in compelling ways to mobilise resources, talent or action. Ability to choose media and channels that is fit for purpose to reach specific target audiences.Partnership Managementย ย ย ย
Multi- stakeholder engagement and funding: Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platforms.ย Required Skills and Experience
ย Education: Advanced university degree (Masterโs degree or equivalent) in Economic Development, Agriculture/Rural Development, Community Development, Sustainable Development or related field is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: A minimum of five (5) years (with a masterโs degree) or seven (7) years (with a bachelorโs degree) of professional experience working with developing countries on one or more of the following: economic development, agriculture/rural development, community development, or sustainable development is required.ย At least five years of progressively responsible programme/project management is required. Experience dealing with different stakeholders with strong communication and presentation abilities, is required.ย Experience in donor report writing is required.ย Previous working experience in the Solomon Islands and/or other Pacific Island Countries and understanding of the cultural and socio-economic context and development challenges in the Solomon Islands or similar context are assets. Experience in an international setting with the UN or international organizations is an asset. Experience in using data to inform decisions, strategies and execution is desired.ย Experience in working with local and/or national governments is desired.ย Experience in Area-based development programming or similar large-scale complex programming in developing countries is desired.ย ย
Required languages:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desired.ย Basic knowledge of Pidgin would be an asset.Travel:
Frequent travels to other islands Disclaimerย Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)ย
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ย Non-discrimination
ย UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.ย ย
ย UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.ย ย Scam warning
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