East Timor Law and Justice Bulletin

Job - Infrastructure Development Specialist to the National Parliament of Timor-Leste - Infrastructure Development Specialist to the National Parliament of Timor-Leste Government of Timor-Leste Parliament Project in Timor-Leste Closing date: 31 Dec 2009 Location: Timor-Leste - Dili

Background

Seven years after its establishment in 2002, the National Parliament of Timor-Leste is approaching a new phase of development, moving from a period of stabilizing operations to a period of systematic capacity development and consolidation of its role within the democratic governance systems. While basic institutional foundations are largely in place allowing Parliament to exercise its legislative and oversight functions in accordance with its Constitutional mandate, significant capacity challenges remain. The first two cycles of the UNDP Parliament Project (2003-2005 and 2006-2009) played an essential role in assisting Parliament to establish and operationalize core institutional processes. However, as clearly identified in the Parliament?s 2010-2014 Strategic Plan, continued external support remains critical in the short term to sustain ongoing operations and ensure effective transfer of skills.

Funded by UNDP, the objective of the new project (2010-2013) is three-fold: (1) to support the consolidation of parliamentary processes by continuing to provide technical expertise and advisory assistance; (2) to expand and integrate existing capacity building initiatives into a comprehensive capacity development strategy; (3) on the basis of this capacity-development strategy and in close coordination with NP, to articulate and lay the groundwork for a capacity transfer and eventual exit strategy.

The Infrastructure Development Specialist will work with the parliamentary committees/Members of Parliament (MPs) primarily with the Committee ?G? on Infrastructure and Social Equipment providing technical support, and training national counterparts, in the oversight related work of infrastructure development programmes executed by the Government as per National Priorities, as well as in areas in which significant public investment is made. The Specialist will report to UNDP and will work in coordination and collaboration with other technical advisers under a Technical Services and Research Unit of the Parliament. The Specialist will have to provide substantive advice as well as to train national analysts and interns.

Summary of key functions:

- Provision of advisory services to the Standing Committees of National Parliament with emphasis on the Committee on Infrastructure and Social Equipment
- Facilitation of capacity building and knowledge sharing

1. Provision of advisory services to the Standing Committees of National Parliament with emphasis on the Committee on Infrastructure and Social Equipment with focus on achieving the following results:

- Parliamentary Committees/MPs are advised in the areas of infrastructure development, through engineering analysis of projects to include as needed preliminary design, calculation, life cycle cost and equipment selection.

- Parliamentary Committees/MPs are advised in Civil engineering duties surrounding public works, buildings, sub-divisions, drainage, traffic, road, airport, tunnel, bridge, water supply, sewage, and environmental systems.

- Parliamentary Committees/MPs are supported with analyses of government?s policies and strategies for infrastructure development as well as of execution of government?s infrastructure projects with reference to public investments and outputs and outcomes.

- Review development plans for compliance with adopted engineering standards and good engineering practices, as required.

- Parliamentary Committees/MPs are provided with technical and research reports including position papers on the subjects covered by the Committee's mandate proactively and in response to the specific needs indicated by the Committee/MPs; for the purpose, interacting with other Committees to the extent necessary as well as concerned ministries of government and relevant national institutions. Advise is also provided through field visits, oral and written presentations.

- Analysis produced in the context of the poverty reduction (including pro-poor policies), gender equality and economic growth goals of the Government and in relation to the achievement of the MDGs.

- Substantial advise includes reference to best international practices in the field.

2. Facilitation of national counterparts? capacity building and knowledge sharing with focus on achieving the following results:

- Design and implementation of training programmes and modules for national staff in providing support to the Committee/MPs in the areas of infrastructure development, telecommunications and public works, in co-ordination with the Human Resources Adviser.

- Capacity building and training activities target: systems and processes; skills and knowledge and, attitudes and behaviors.

- National Analysts and Interns are supported in providing technical expert studies and conducting presentations to the parliamentary committees.

- Contribution to the development of workflows within the Parliament Secretariat Technical Services and Research Unit under which the expert will work.

Impact of Results

The results should contribute to the following project outcome: Improved institutional capacity (systems and skills) of parliament (representatives and staff) to conduct (budgetary and political) oversight, legislate and represent the electorate, to consolidate the democratic framework of Timor-Leste.

Competencies

1. Experience working in developing and post-conflict country environment highly desirable
2. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and ability to motivate people
3. Experience in staff development preferably in a developing country environment
4. Good understanding of the organization and functioning of legislative institutions as well as of good governance matters
5. Cross-cultural management experience and sensitivity
6. Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a highly political environment
7. Demonstrated ability to work in a team
8. Demonstrated ability to prepare clear and rigorous briefs, technical opinions and a variety of specialised documents in an easy-to-read format.
9. Successful completion of an intensive Tetum course within the first month of assignment is mandatory to continue holding the position.

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

Advanced degree (preferably Masters or above) in infrastructure/transport economics, engineering, planning, management or public administration or equivalent experience.

Experience:

Minimum five years of relevant experience in infrastructure policy and analysis of impact (including sectors like public works, transport, roads, telecommunications), particularly its contribution to growth, poverty reduction and achievement of MDGs;

Demonstrated experience in conducting research including relevant methodologies is an asset;
Specific experience in project implementation including infrastructure investment, institutional development, and capacity building activities.

Language Requirements:

1. Fluent in English both spoken and written.
2. Knowledge of Portuguese, and/or Tetum is desirable, preparedness to learn Tetum is essential.
How to apply
For interested candidate please send your application, CVs and supporting documents to the following address:

e-mail : raluca.eddon@undp.org or rui.dacosta@undp.org

The deadline for submitting applications is 31 December 2009

Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Reference Code: RW_7YQ4HU-34