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• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts 
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background

In the DRC, despite notable progress, several challenges continue to hamper the implementation of the Paris Declaration (2005), the Accra Agenda for Action (2008), the Busan Agreement (2010) on the Global Partnership, the Agenda 2063 and numerous other public policies. Significant obstacles remain, particularly with regard to the development of national planning and strategies that would facilitate development partners alignment.

Since its inception, the Partners Coordination Group (GCP) has agreed to engage in proactive dialogue and to strengthen partnership with the Government of the DRC in support of the development agenda. 

The volatile political and security context in the country has affected disbursements from Development partners, leading to delays or adjustments to initial commitments. Notwithstanding, between 2000 and 2023 Development Partners invested more than $63 billion in DRC, which highlights the structural and systemic challenges facing development effectiveness. 

In 2025, the DRC adopted a National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD 2024-28). Government Action Plan 2024–2028 still needs to be completed. In addition, the interrelation between the various planning documents remains unclear (Challenge). The Council of Ministers also adopted the National Aid Policy in July 2022. To ensure its effective implementation, a decree is awaiting approval to establish the Development Aid Coordination and Orientation Framework (CCOAD), which primary mission will be to provide strategic orientations to improve development effectiveness and ensure alignment with national priorities. These different public policies aim to foster alignment and strengthen aid effectiveness and to promote more inclusive and transparent development cooperation. They are in line with the efforts made within the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, co-chaired by the DRC from 2022 to 2024 at the global level.

The GCP is composed of more than 30 technical and financial partners, bilateral and multilateral. It is co-chaired by the DSRSG/RC/HC and a development partner on a six-month rotation. It is supported by a four- member Executive Committee (ExCom), composed of the two co-chairs, as well as the incoming and the outgoing co-chairs from the development partners. The Resident Coordinator’s Office houses the GCP Technical Secretariat. 

This position will lead the GCP technical secretariat, support the GCP, and provide technical assistance to the Government of DRC and development partners on development coordination.

Position Purpose

This position will lead the GCP technical secretariat, support the GCP, and provide technical assistance to the Government of DRC and development partners on development coordination.

1. Strategic policy advice and dialogue 
2. Effective communication and visibility of the GCP 
3. Support knowledge management 
4. Engagement with key government entities responsible for development, aid coordination and international cooperation 

The Development Effectiveness Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC), through the Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO). S/he will report, administratively, to the UNDP Resident Representative and, functionally, to the Executive Committee of the Partners Coordination Group (GCP).

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across 

interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, 

teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.Provision of Strategic Policy advice and Dialogue

• Ensure follow-up on the implementation of GCP decisions and recommendations and promote coherence with the Intersectoral Donor Groups.
• Lead the GCP Secretariat’s support to joint initiatives including through analysis and research on the political, social and economic situation in DRC in collaboration with relevant development partners.
• Oversee the substantive preparation and organization of high-level, result-oriented policy dialogue meetings between the GCP and the Government.
• Ensure the follow-up and implementation of decisions and recommendations made during GCP meetings and retreats.
• Participate, on behalf of the GCP, in meetings and workshops organized by government's institutions and other relevant stakeholders and report back to GCP and ExCom.
• Provide technical assistance to the government for the implementation of the National Aid Policy and support the effective implementation of the CCOAD.
• Maintain strong relationships with ministries involved in development coordination and effectiveness, including those responsible for planning, finance, budget, foreign affairs, and international cooperation.
• Ensure smooth communication among GCP’s members, Intersectoral Donor Groups and Ambassadors Group to achieve common goals. Develop tools to support effective collaboration between these partners.
• Contribute to briefing notes and discussion points, as needed.
• Facilitate dialogue with humanitarian actors and promote HDP Nexus approaches when necessary.

2. Ensure Effective Communication and Visibility of the GCP

• Oversee the availability of communication material on the GCP and Intersectoral Donor Groups and intended results.
• Facilitate and ensure effective communication among partners underpinning greater mutual understanding and the collective achievement of results. 
• Prepare and disseminate high quality progress reports and analytical notes including on coordination groups action plans.
• Carry out other communication activity which may be agreed upon from time to time and/or can enhance the results and visibility of the GCP.

3.Facilitate Knowledge Management

• Support the development, maintenance, and dissemination of knowledge and intelligence to inform and position the leadership of the GCP to effectively generate and make decisions to meet its targets.
• Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practices at national level.
• Provide substantive support for the identification, evaluation, and selection of partnership opportunities with Congolese government related to government planning priorities.
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through data visualization methods for data driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Ensure response to any document requirements for data analysis.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

4.Engagement with key government entities responsible for development, aid coordination and international cooperation

• Guide and support the revitalization of the Sectoral Thematic Groups (GTS) in coordination with the respective Intersectoral Donor Groups by providing technical assistance for the implementation and follow-up of the roadmap adopted at the national revitalization forum.
• In collaboration with the UNDP Economist and Economists of GCP members, provide support to the government bodies and development partners to ensure the Busan Agreement’s principles: Ownership, Focus on Results, Inclusive Partnerships, Transparency and Mutual Accountability.
• Ensure constant and smooth communication with the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation joint team (the multi-stakeholder platform established to promote and monitor the implementation of the Busan Partnership Agreement).

Competencies

Core Competencies

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 benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 
Business Management - Portfolio Management:  Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives
with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio
management
Business Direction and Strategy - 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 system
Business Management - 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
2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness - Effectiveness:  Aid Coordination Structures & Mechanisms
2030 Agenda: Partnerships - SDG Integration:  Integrated Policy
2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness - Effectiveness:  Global monitoring of SDG 17 indicators
 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of Development, Economy, International Relations, Social Sciences or other thematic areas related to SDGs is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields of study in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) and 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in strategic planning, partnership, or in programme management is required.
• At least, three years of experience in development partners coordination or aid coordination is required.
• Experience in leadership and networking at senior level in international institutions (IFIs, UN, International NGOs…) or government institutions is required.
• .
• Experience and knowledge of the DRC aid coordination environment would be an asset.
• Experience in Nexus (HDP) and conflict sensitivity approaches in programming would be an asset.
• Proven track record of knowledge of development effectiveness issues and recent international developments, in particular the work of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation would be an asset.
• Experience in contributing to knowledge networks and communities of practices at national level is an asset.
• Experience in preparing and disseminating high quality progress reports and analytical notes including on coordination groups action plans is an asset.
• Proven experience in building strong relationships with ministries involved in development coordination and effectiveness, including those responsible for planning, finance, budget, foreign affairs, and international cooperation is an advantage. 

Language:

• Fluency in French is required, and fluency in written and spoken English is desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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