As part of the UN country team in Sudan, UNDP aims to contribute to the significant reduction of extreme poverty throughout the country and to support the establishment of a critical mass among Sudan’s people that is ready and able to engage in the development process of the country. In line with the overarching Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Leave No One Behind” (embedded among others in SDGs 1, 5,10 and 13) UNDP Programme interventions will target localities characterized by high levels of poverty and exclusion and / or affected by conflict.

Country office vision is to strengthen resilience and prompt inclusive sustainable development in Sudan. This vision is fully aligned with UNDP’s corporate Strategic Plan as well as with the UNDAF currently being developed and embedded in the global SDG framework.

To that end, UNDP will support stabilization and governance for peace as well as environmentally sustainable development. UNDP pays attention to the inclusion of marginalized groups, including women and youth representing the most promising potential for change in Sudan.

Under Matrix Management of the Resident Representative (RR) and the Deputy Resident Representative (Operations), the Government Relations and Coordination Specialist (GCRS) is responsible for various operational matters, including liaison and coordination, travel, transportation, facilities management and protocol. He/she analyzes and interprets operations related rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex operational issues. The incumbent promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

He/she supervises and leads the staff of the OSS Unit and works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and project teams in the CO, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials ensuring successful CO operational performance

Summary of Key Functions:

Liaison and coordination between UNDP Sudan Senior Management and the Government of Sudan
Implementation of operational strategies
Enhances the quality of operational support services
Lead OSS team to ensure provision of high-quality operations support services:
Resource mobilization and organization of the cost-recovery system
1- Liaises and coordinates between UNDP Sudan Senior Management and the Government of Sudan (GoS) focusing on achievement of the following results:

In close coordination with the RR and Deputies, develop relationships with the various (GoS) offices and agencies that pertains to UNDP Programmes and operations.
Manage and coordinate UNDP high profile events with the Government, key stakeholders and partners;
Develop and update Government Relationship Officer Standard Operating Procedures, whilst maintaining the highest standards of impartiality independence and integrity.
In collaboration with Senior Management Team, develop and maintain relationships with Government Counterparts, and with other influential stakeholders at the highest level in the country.
Review and improve existing protocols with the GoS procedures and update the Country Office Senior Management of any new rules that are expected to be in place;
Draft official letters in Arabic to communicate formally with relevant government bodies;
Ensure that Arabic/English translation of relevant documents are factually and are grammatically correct;
Maintain a contact list of national and sub-national Government Counterparts (GCs) and ensure the RR and the Deputies are kept updated on any changes to the structures of government;
Maintain notes, files, and records related to any legal cases involving UNDP in Sudan;
Facilitate and follow up on all meetings with government at the national level;
Take minutes of meetings with GCs, finalize and distribute to all stakeholders;
Research and report on new GoS policies and Guidelines or any regulatory development changes which may affect UNDP Programmes and operations with the Government.
2- Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

Conceptualize and develop effective working strategies for Operations Support Services unit (OSS) by keeping abreast of the latest UNDP operations trends and the Secretary General’s policies and objectives on operational services.
Ensure full compliance of operational activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies, strategies and the internal control framework. Advises the DRR (O) on policy matters relating to administration, export/import, visa, travel, UN Common Services, etc.
Formulate the yearly unit plan for OSS in synchronization with the UNDP Country Office Management Plan considering business needs and identifying possible risks and opportunities for improving operational processes
Coordinate CO business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures in OSS, control of the workflows in the OSS Unit.
3- Enhances the quality of operational support services in the UNDP Sudan CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provide on-going comprehensive review of existing administrative systems aimed at being efficient, results oriented, applying integrity and respect. Responsibly manages the work of and supervises the staff of the OSS unit. Conducts regular meetings to monitor the work plans and ensures the smooth functioning of the unit.
Prepare TORs for new or revise existing contracts for outsourced services such as shipping, cleaning, travel etc. Collaborates with the Procurement Unit for the development of long-term agreements to support streamlining processes and expediting the delivery of quality operational services.
Initiate innovative methods to enhance efficiency of the travel agency services for timely response, ensuring the application of appropriate rules and regulations.
Negotiate with vendors to obtain quality goods at comparative rates.
Ensure the efficient and safe management of UNDP transport fleet, controls and monitors vehicle usage, mileage, petrol consumption and drivers’ performance over-time.
Ensures the management and control of an accurate and updated inventory record of office non-expendable goods.
Ensure timely action for the transfer or disposal by auction of project and obsolete vehicles and equipment.
4- Lead OSS team to ensure provision of high-quality operations support services focusing on achievement of the following results:

Lead the OSS team through results-oriented work planning, guidance, direction, supervision and performance assessment, promoting a work environment conducive to producing the expected outputs and delivering quality services for managing facilities, transportation, fleet maintenance, travel and protocol.
Provide overall supervision and guidance in the management of the outsourced services (Cleaning, Generator Maintenance, etc), maintenance of the UNDP and UNCS utilities (electricity, telephone, water etc), facilities (fuel pump, cafeteria, dispensary etc), and assets (buildings, garden, and premises) to enhance the office premises for better economies of scale.
Establish and assure quality standards of the business services delivered.
Report and communicate results of continuous improvement strategies, aiming at improving the overall economy, efficiency and effectiveness of expected results.
Make recommendations for the improvement and enhancement of the entire office facilities and utilities and its maintenance and up-keep.
5- Ensure optimal utilization of UNDP financial resources, implementation of resource mobilization strategies and an optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provide technical assistance to the DRR (O) in planning, forecasting, managing and monitoring financial resources of UNDP and ensure the timely implementation of audit recommendations.
Prepare the projection of administrative resources and requirements, identify deficiencies and foresee CO needs based on a continued analysis of business requirements and evolving priorities.
Ensure application of effective mechanisms for billing projects and other UN Agencies for services provided by the OSS Unit, as well as for verifying bills and establishing internal controls for proper cross-checking, processing and disbursement.
Ensure clearance of all bills related to office compound utilities (fuel, water, electricity, telephone etc.) and UNDP (personal call bills, over-time payments).
Elaborate and implement cost savings and reduction strategies.
Assist the DRR (O) in administering cost recovery arrangements for services provided by UNDP to other UN Agencies and UN Programmes as a resources mobilization strategy and ensure implementation thereof.
Core:

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them.

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers.

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others.

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others.

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions.

Technical/Functional:
Partnerships:

Ability to engage with Government, other agencies, donors, and development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Resource Mobilization:

Ability plan, forecast, manage and implement strategies to generate resources through cost-recovery of services provided: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to provide technical/policy advice to UNDP Management and key stakeholders: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Liaison and Coordination:

Ability to manage complex relationships through pathways of knowledge exchange, capacity development, relationships and strategic engagement: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Education:

Master’s Degree in Political or Social science, International Relations/Development, Public Administration, Economics, Government relations, Business Administration or any related field.

A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

5 years with a Master’s degree or 7 years with a Bachelor’s degree of progressively responsible professional experience in liaison and coordination with Government, donors, and various stakeholders.
An in-depth knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures, rules and regulations and knowledge of the UN system.
Proven experience in developing and managing high level events with institutional donors, Government, corporations, and other stakeholders;
Experience in building and maintaining relationships with government institutions and other partners, civil society, private sector and UN agencies in sensitive political environments;
Experience in resource mobilization, cost-recovery, accountability and application of effective mechanisms for billing for services provided;
Ability to think strategically and translate that thinking into action plans that accomplish goals;
Strong interpersonal skills coupled with ability to negotiate and effectively advocate on behalf of the organization’
Experience in the usage of office software packages and handling of web-based management systems;
Strong networks in the local Sudan environment will be an asset.
Language Requirements:

Proficiency in both oral and written English and Arabic languages.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension