Secretariat of Sub-National Administration Council Associations

Transcription

1 Volunteer Job Pack Job Title Governance Policy Adviser Job ID JOB Country Cambodia Employer Secretariat of Sub-National Administration Council Associations Duration 8 months from November 2015 to 30 th June 2016 including 1 month Incountry training programme with possibility to extend for a further 12 months based on funding. Job purpose Purpose of this role: The purpose of this placement is to improve the organisational capacity of partner organisation through various training activities and on the job follow up supports to ensure the implementation of local democratic development in an accountable, transparent, participatory and effective way for better quality of basic services for the local communities. Contents: 1. Job Description Personal considerations Background and contextual information... 5 Page 1 September 2014 Template

2 Job Description Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators Competencies Skills and Knowledge Specific objectives: 1. Relevant and high-quality programs for Essential qualifications: Essential work experience/skills: 1. Support the development and capacity building have been developed Advance university degree(masters or At least three years of programme/project facilitation of programs for capacity building of Local and Regional Councils 2. Staff of the secretariat is able to implement donor-funded projects equivalent) in public administration, economics, political sciences, management experience or experience in a senior management role independently and in cooperation with local, national and international institutions and local authorities 3. NLC and NACPC have the confidence to represent and advocate for the interests of Local and Regional Councils development or other relevant discipline Strong in all selection dimensions, Extensive background experience in working in democratic governance Experience providing capacity 2. Support the staff of the Secretariat with 4. National and international especially: development support (i.e. Mentoring and the implementation of donor-funded organisations working on democratic Positive and realistic commitment coaching) projects development involve the NLC and Flexibility and adaptability Coordination skills 3. Provide capacity development support NACPC in their activities Sensitivity to the needs of others Good facilitation skills to enable the NLC and NACPC to 5. NLC and NACPC provide relevant and Good team work Good, clear communication skills represent and advocate for the timely input to the activities and Honesty and integrity Resourcefulness and ability to solve collective interests, concerns and needs policies of national organisations Initiatives problems of Local and Regional Councils in the 6. Improved cooperation between Local Experience with building and maintaining preparation of national and provincial and Regional Councils Building and Sustaining working networks policies and programs relationships 4. Build and maintain a network of Objectives will be confirmed in a three way The social skills to build and actively All applicants must possess strong written and national and international organisations discussion between the volunteer, employer maintain working relationships that spoken English language skills. Applicants may working on democratic development and VSO in the first three months of the foster teamwork and collaboration be required to take a VSO language test as part and enable NLC and NACPC to placement. with others for the benefit of a of the selection process. represent the interests of Local and common goal. Regional councils in the network Desirable: 5. Assist the Secretariat to develop a Open Minded and Respectful Experience of working in local government resource mobilisation plan and support A non-judgemental approach that or a local government association with the development of proposals values other people and culture. Experience of managing budgets 6. Foster cooperation among Local and Experience of managing human resources Regional Councils and their Associations Seeking and Sharing Knowledge and training staff to promote and achieve effective, Recognition that learning is a twoway and continuous process. Experience of planning for organisational Experience in working overseas decentralized local governance 7. Coordinate with VSO's Local development Governance Advisors at provincial level Facilitating Positive Change and NCDD-S Policy Adviser at national level to ensure strategic and targeted national and sub-national interventions. The ability to analyse problems and develop lasting solutions in line with VSO approaches. Page 2 Adaptability

3 Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators Competencies Skills and Knowledge The day-to-day responsibilities: A flexible approach and the ability to adapt behaviour to different situations. 1. Work closely with Secretary General and staff of the Secretariat as counterparts 2. Develop training and workshops for Local and Regional Councilors according to the principles set out in the National Programme for Sub-National Democratic Development and activities set out in the IP3-II on decentralisation and social accountabilities. 3. Assist with the development of position papers, advocacy strategies and activities 4. Build and maintain relationships with existing and potential partners 5. Support collaboration opportunities between the provincial, district and commune councils and local CSOs. 6. Support and collaborate with the Local Governance Advisers. 7. Network and build links with other volunteers in the programme to increase sharing and learning between organisations and individuals Active participation in monitoring and evaluation of the programme is required Due to the nature of our volunteer placements, it is possible that the responsibilities of this role may differ in reality and therefore the postholder will need to be prepared to be flexible and adapt to their environment as necessary. Responsible to: Secretary General of Secretariat of Sub-National Associations Resilience The self-confidence to work with a variety of situations, diverse people and ambiguity. Political savvy Demonstrates an understanding of the interrelationships, roles and responsibilities of the organization; perceives organizational and political sensitivities and acts accordingly; understands the political environment, and grasps external factors impacting the organization; understands different people s attitudes about power and politics Page 3

4 8. Personal considerations In addition to the job description, the following information should be used when considering whether a placement is suitable for you. Personal health considerations If you have a significant current or past medical condition and/or you have general concerns about staying healthy as a volunteer, please use this information to assess whether this placement will be suitable for you. All volunteers require medical clearance from a VSO medical adviser before they are able to take up a placement with VSO. Occasionally, VSO may consider that this placement is too great a risk for you in terms of your personal health and you would be advised to consider a different placement. For further guidance about medical assessment and volunteering with a medical condition please see the frequently asked questions on VSO website. Access to medical care and support The standard and quality of local medical care and support available at this placement will depend on its location within the country. Health facilities are likely to be more poorly resourced in rural areas in terms of medical expertise, equipment, infrastructure and regular supplies of medication. However, this may not be the case in the capital city or in a larger town, where in some countries there may be a reasonable standard of medical care. The following gives you an indication of where the placement is in relation to the country office and how easy it would be to make the journey if you were ill. This placement is based in Phnom Penh so there is no problem to access basic medical facilities. For medical emergency, the volunteer can access to 24 hours emergency phone and support from the VSO Cambodia senior staff who holds the emergency phone. Please read more medical information and guidelines in VSO Cambodia medical handbook which in VolZone. The volunteer will be based in Phnom Penh which is the capital of Cambodia, but the volunteer may be asked to travel to other provinces for work purposes. Before completing a job application, please seek advice from the VSO International Medical Team if you: have an ongoing medical condition have had a medical condition in the past that might recur take any regular medication (other than contraception) If you wish to discuss your personal circumstances or health concerns in confidence with VSO s medical team before you apply for this placement please contact medical@vsoint.org. Accompanying partner or family: If you have a partner or children who are planning to accompany you to your placement, please use this section to assess whether this placement will be suitable for you. The placement is suitable for a volunteer with accompanying partner or children but VSO or the partner organisation cannot provide financial support and volunteers need to be aware that the private school fee is very expensive in Phnom Penh. Depending on the skills and experience of the accompanying partner, it might be possible to find a job or volunteer options as there are many international organisations based in Phnom Penh. Page 4

5 [ Motorcycle requirements NO Requirement for motorcycle riding for this placement. VSO is prepared to provide a bicycle for work and personal use in Phnom Penh. The main forms of public transport within Phnom Penh and provinces are the moped taxi and Tuk Tuk and VSO motorbike regulations insist that a helmet is worn for all motorcycle journeys and this includes moped taxis. It is highly likely the volunteer will at some stage avail of this service, so the volunteer must bring a full - faced crash helmet with him/her. A dry-bag will be very useful for carrying materials during the rainy season. Security information Phnom Penh is the busiest city in the country and traffic can be very hectic. It is safe to bike and walk around Phnom Penh, but volunteers need to be vigilant at all times because there are incidences of bag-snatching while riding a bike, moped taxi or Tuk Tuk. Avoid dark areas and walking alone at night. There is no problem to travel within Cambodia by bus or taxi. Travel in remote areas is safe and the local people will happily update you on the local situation. Most Cambodian landlords are very security conscious and will do their best to make your accommodation as secure as possible. In some areas in the provinces, there is widespread illegal logging, deforestation and land grabbing, which are causing tensions between authorities and local communities. While it may be tempting for volunteers to get involved, it is essential for security reasons that volunteers stay out of these disputes. 9. Background and contextual information Cambodia is in the midst of a decentralisation and deconcentration process. The purpose of the process is two-fold: to develop accountable, sub-national democratic institutions with effective administrations, and to promote improved sub-national development for the benefit of the Cambodian population. The directly elected lowest layer of sub-national government, the Communes and Sangkats were elected for the first time in The indirectly elected District, Municipal and Provincial Councils are functioning only since Structures have been put in place over the last years and tools have been developed for their use. However, one of the main challenges remains the development of the capacities of local and regional councilors to perform their roles. The decentralisation process is guided by the inter-ministerial National Committee for Democratic Development (NCDD) and its secretariat. The local and regional Councils are represented in the process by their Associations. Page 5

6 Specifics of this partner The recently formed Secretriat of Sub-National Council Associations works for two different but related Associations. The Councils of the three tiers of sub-national authorities in Cambodia, respectively the Capital and Provinces, the Districts, Municipalities and Khans (DMK) and at the lowest level the Communes and Sangkats (C/S), have representative organisations at national level. The organisation for the Capital and Provinces is the National Association for Capital and Provincial Councils (NACPC). All 24 provinces and the capital are members of this organisation. Since 2006, the Communes and Sangkats had their own organisation at National level, the National League of Communes and Sangkats (NLC/S). After the establishment of DMK Councils in 2009, they needed representation too. NLC/S invited DMK councillors to form a joint organisation. In June 2014 this resulted in the establishment of the National League of Local Councils (NLC), representing both C/S and DMK councils. DMK and C/S councils are not direct members of the National League. They are organised per province in Provincial Associations of Local Councils (PACs). The 25 Provincial Associations together make up the NLC. Both Associations have a governance structure that are comprised of Presidency, Executive Committee and Council. Preferred arrival date November Professional support available (inc. line management) The VSO volunteer will be line managed by Mr. Pok Sokundara, Secretary General. There are several VSO volunteers working in Phnom Penh in the governance program who can provide professional support where needed. There are currently three VSO volunteers working as Local Governance Advisors in the Provincial Associations of Local Councils, the provincial branches of the NLC, able to provide knowledge and experience from the grass-roots level. Additionally, the volunteer will have a program manager at VSO s country office who will be able to provide support when required and who will visit the volunteer at their workplace at least twice a year. Resources/equipment available (office space, etc.) The volunteer will be given a desk and desk-top computer within a shared office at the Secretariat (VSO recommends sharing offices with colleagues in order to build professional relationships). Many volunteers choose to bring their own laptops to Cambodia. We recommend that you arrange your own insurance for your laptop because it will not be covered by VSO Cambodia. Mobile phones are commonly used in Cambodia and it is recommended that the volunteer brings a mobile phone if they already have one. Some mobile phones are locked when it is out of home country, so yours should be unlocked before coming because it is not always possible to do it in Cambodia. Page 6

7 Nearest internet access Internet is available at the Secretariat's office. An internet modem via mobile phone card is widely used in Cambodia. It is cheap and it is able to access the internet where the mobile phone signal is available. Internet at home can be easily arranged. Work-related travel (how long/overnight stays, etc.) The volunteer will be working in Phnom Penh. Regular overnight stays will be required while travelling to the provinces. Volunteer accommodation/housing. Accommodation will not be identified until the volunteer is in country. Normally there is an opportunity during the in-country training 'placement visit week' for modest accommodation to be selected with advice and support from the Country Office staff if required. Running water and electricity will be available although there are occasional power cuts. The housing allowance is set by VSO Cambodia policy and based upon regional variations in rental prices. There is an expectation that working and non-working partners share this modest accommodation. Reporting requirements Partner Requirements The volunteer s line manager is the Secretary General. The volunteer will be expected to report to their line manager and provide any work plans or reports on activities requested by the line manager and VSO s Programme Manager, and in line with current practice for their colleagues. VSO Requirements A baseline data collection is expected to gather and a baseline report is expected to submit to the programme office in the first three months of the placement. Monthly expenditure claim form and cash request for the next month - each volunteer has to submit the expenditure claim form and cash request to the programme manager at the VSO Programme Office. Annual Joint Plan - Each partnership comprises of an annual joint plan between each individual partner and VSO, which is also the basis for monitoring and evaluation. The plan consists of objectives for the year, expected outcomes for each objective and the activities to be carried out by partner and the VSO volunteer for the year. The partner and volunteer are primarily responsible for the development of the annual plan with support from the programme office. Quarterly review report Each volunteer reports to the programme office on a quarterly basis on the progress against the annual joint plan primarily reflecting on what has been achieved, if not achieved according to plan then the reasons for it and the plan for the next quarter. The quarterly report template will be provided by the VSO Country Office when the volunteer in the country. Annual partnership review The program office conducts an annual partnership review, which looks at the overall progress against each objective in the annual plan, progress against the expected outcomes and evidences (at organizational level and at beneficiaries level) of the outcomes. The review also identifies the plan and priorities of each partnership for the following year, which is developed by the partner and volunteers with support from the programme office. Page 7

8 Annual programme area review The findings of the ongoing review is collated and analysed by the program office with participation of a few partner and volunteer representatives. This is a yearly event where representatives of each partner organization and the serving volunteer attend the review. Progress against the overall program area objective is identified and milestone for the next year is then formed which is then validated with the partners and volunteers in the forum. Volunteers will keep in regular contact with their programme manager at VSO s Phnom Penh office, and will be requested to submit the quarterly and annual work plan and quarterly reports including data collection on activities. Specific Funding Requirements Currently this is not an externally funded placement and there are no additional reporting requirements. Should external funding be secured for this placement, the volunteer will be expected to contribute to reports in-line with donor requirements. This placement will be working with very limited resources as the main role of the volunteer is to build the capacity of the colleagues and provide follow up support. Volunteer's Boarding Pass Required In order to fully comply with EC and other donor contractual requirements regarding proof of payment and delivery of services, all volunteers need to keep ALL flight tickets AND boarding passes for travel to/from Cambodia, paid for by VSO. This includes your tickets and boarding passes and any related journey tickets for your outward journey (and your end of service journey home), as well as flights for medical treatment or compassionate leave. As soon as you arrive in Cambodia, please give your travel documents, including boarding pass to the VSO staff who meet you at the airport or submit them to the finance office. When you return to your home country, please ensure you submit all travel documents (including your boarding pass) to your recruitment office base. You can contact serving volunteers below if you wish: Marouschka Buijten, Governance Advocacy Adviser, National Leagues for Local Councils in Phnom Penh; marouschka.cambodia@gmail.com Lucy Naraq, Local Governance Advisor, Provincial Association of Local Council (PALC), Ratanakiri province, lucybnarag@yahoo.com.ph René Lotte, Policy Development Advisor, NCDD-S in Phnom Penh, r.d.lotte@hotmail.nl Further information on VSO s work in each of the countries we work in can be found on the VSO website. Page 8