Expert in Local Development – UNDP Tunisia: A Comprehensive Role Overview and Impact Analysis
1. Introduction to UNDP and the Job Contexthttp://UNDP Job Posting – Expert in Local Development (Tunisia)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the key agencies of the United Nations, committed to promoting sustainable development, poverty reduction, and good governance worldwide. It works in over 170 countries, offering support to governments and communities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This specific position—Expert in Local Development—is a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9) role, indicating that it is open to Tunisian nationals or residents with legal work authorization in Tunisia. The job is aligned with UNDP’s efforts in governance, transparency, and local economic development.
The position falls under UNDP Tunisia’s portfolio titled “Governance as a Lever for Socio-Economic Development in Tunisia.” The goal of this initiative is to strengthen governance mechanisms that foster economic development and social inclusion.
2. Key Objectives of the Job Position@vacancyspaces.com
The Expert in Local Development will play a crucial role in achieving the goals outlined under Effect 2 of the portfolio:
✔ Ensuring the rights of vulnerable populations to participate in local development initiatives.
✔ Providing inclusive access to basic services and economic opportunities.
✔ Enhancing transparency, governance, and accountability in local development projects.
✔ Supporting local stakeholders—including municipalities, civil society organizations, and private sector players—to work together towards sustainable development.
3. Responsibilities of the Expert in Local Development
The expert will be responsible for a variety of tasks, categorized into different areas:
A. Identifying and Planning Local Development Projects
- Conduct an analysis of Local Development Plans to identify priority projects that can be implemented.
- Work closely with local communities, government institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and private sector partners to assess their needs and ensure their engagement in development initiatives.
- Facilitate meetings, workshops, and public consultations to discuss development priorities with stakeholders.
- Prepare project documentation, including functional programs, terms of reference (ToRs), presentations, and fact sheets, to ensure proper planning and execution.
B. Technical and Financial Support for Project Implementation
- Provide technical assistance in mobilizing financial resources, working closely with public and private sector entities to secure funding for development projects.
- Offer strategic guidance on legal and operational procedures for project execution, particularly in areas such as public procurement and contract management.
- Collaborate with engineers and sectoral experts to ensure smooth implementation of infrastructure and basic service projects.
- Prepare and review terms of reference (ToRs) for the recruitment of technical experts and firms.
- Oversee the quality assurance of project deliverables, including technical reports, feasibility studies, and bidding documents.
- Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks for tracking project progress and impact.
C. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Quality Control
- Participate in field visits and on-site inspections of project implementation sites.
- Work closely with engineering teams to resolve any implementation challenges and ensure compliance with UNDP quality standards.
- Assist in adjusting project plans if needed due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in programmatic priorities.
- Document lessons learned and best practices to enhance future development initiatives.
D. Communication, Advocacy, and Knowledge Sharing
- Contribute to the communication strategy of UNDP by preparing reports, success stories, case studies, and policy briefs.
- Support the creation of communication materials, including fact sheets, blogs, videos, and reports, to showcase project impacts.
- Organize and participate in national and international forums, highlighting UNDP’s work on local development in Tunisia.
E. Cross-Team Collaboration and Strategic Support
- Work in coordination with other UNDP teams involved in governance, economic development, and social cohesion.
- Provide technical support to other initiatives under Effect 2, ensuring alignment with Tunisia’s 2035 Vision and National Development Plan (2023-2025).
- Participate in internal meetings, strategic discussions, and expert panels related to local development.
4. Institutional Arrangements and Reporting
The Expert in Local Development will work under the supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of Effect 2.
- In the absence of the CTA, the expert will report to the Team Leader for Inclusive Growth and Human Development.
- The role requires close collaboration with other UNDP thematic experts, government officials, donor agencies, and local authorities.
5. Required Skills and Qualifications
A. Education Requirements
Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
✔ Master’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, economics, management, or a related field with at least 2 years of professional experience.
✔ Bachelor’s degree in the same fields, with at least 4 years of professional experience.
B. Professional Experience
The applicant must have professional experience in local development or governance-related projects.
Additional preferred experiences include:
- Experience working with United Nations agencies, especially UNDP.
- Knowledge of project management tools and methodologies.
- Experience in public infrastructure and community-driven development.
C. Required Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data management tools.
- Ability to analyze and interpret development indicators and policy documents.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
D. Language Proficiency
- Fluency in Arabic and French (both written and spoken) is mandatory.
- Knowledge of English is preferred but not required.
6. Competency Framework
The UNDP has outlined core and technical competencies required for the role:
Core Competencies
✔ Achieving Results – Ability to deliver quality work efficiently and on time.
✔ Thinking Innovatively – Ability to identify creative solutions to complex development challenges.
✔ Adapting with Agility – Willingness to adjust to new conditions and uncertainties.
✔ Building Relationships – Ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders and foster trust.
Technical Competencies
✔ Client-Oriented Approach – Ability to respond efficiently to stakeholder needs.
✔ Data Analysis & Decision-Making – Ability to analyze evidence-based data for policy decisions.
✔ Systems Thinking – Understanding interconnected governance structures and policies.
✔ Partnership Management – Building and maintaining effective relationships with key partners.
✔ Project Management – Skills in planning, organizing, and monitoring project implementation.
7. Application Process
Candidates need to submit the following documents:
✔ Updated CV or UNDP Personal History Form (P11), including contact details and three professional references.
✔ Cover letter highlighting their motivation and relevant experience.
8. Equal Opportunity and Ethical Considerations
- UNDP follows a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment, misconduct, and discrimination.
- The organization does not charge application fees, and candidates should be aware of possible recruitment scams.
- Diversity and inclusion are central principles, and applications from marginalized groups are encouraged.
9. Conclusion
This role presents an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about local governance, socio-economic development, and community participation. The Expert in Local Development will contribute to transparent, inclusive, and impactful local development projects in Tunisia, aligning with UNDP’s broader goal of sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Would you like assistance in preparing your CV or cover letter for this position?
Sure! Below is a detailed and comprehensive explanation of the UNDP job posting for the Expert in Local Development position in Tunisia. This version expands on various aspects of the role, including UNDP’s global and local objectives, Tunisia’s development context, key responsibilities, skills required, the importance of local development, and how this position contributes to sustainable development in Tunisia.
Expert in Local Development – UNDP Tunisia (In-Depth Explanation)
1. Introduction to UNDP: A Global Development Leader
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the leading agencies of the United Nations. It plays a critical role in international development, focusing on areas such as:
✔ Poverty reduction
✔ Good governance and democracy
✔ Sustainable economic growth
✔ Climate action and environmental protection
✔ Conflict prevention and recovery
UNDP operates in over 170 countries and works closely with governments, civil society, private sector partners, and local communities to implement projects that drive long-term, sustainable development.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—adopted by the United Nations in 2015—serve as the foundation for all UNDP projects. These 17 goals aim to end poverty, reduce inequality, improve education and healthcare, promote peace, and protect the environment.
In Tunisia, UNDP has been actively supporting governance reforms, economic development, and social inclusion. This job position aligns with the organization’s governance and socio-economic development strategy for Tunisia.
2. The Role of Local Development in Tunisia
Local development plays a pivotal role in ensuring economic growth, social equity, and community empowerment. Tunisia has been undergoing a decentralization process, transferring more power from the central government to local municipalities. This process has led to new opportunities and challenges in local governance, service delivery, and economic development.
Challenges in Tunisia’s local development sector include:
- Unequal development between regions – Coastal areas are wealthier than inland and southern regions.
- Limited financial resources for municipalities – Many local governments struggle to fund projects.
- Weak governance structures – Transparency and accountability in local institutions need improvement.
- Youth unemployment – Many young people in Tunisia lack access to jobs, especially in rural areas.
- Inadequate infrastructure – Poor roads, water supply issues, and lack of public services affect many communities.
This job—Expert in Local Development—is designed to address these challenges by supporting inclusive, transparent, and effective local development initiatives.
3. Objectives of the Expert in Local Development Role
The primary goal of this position is to enhance local governance and socio-economic development in Tunisia. The role is part of UNDP Tunisia’s governance portfolio, specifically within the framework of Effect 2:
✅ Ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable populations in local development initiatives.
✅ Promoting participatory governance where citizens actively engage in decision-making.
✅ Improving local service delivery to ensure equal access to essential infrastructure and resources.
✅ Strengthening partnerships between local governments, civil society, and private sector actors.
✅ Enhancing financial and technical capacities of local development stakeholders.
The expert will work on project identification, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge-sharing, ensuring that development initiatives meet international best practices.
4. Key Responsibilities of the Position
This position requires multifaceted expertise, as the expert will be involved in project design, policy implementation, financial management, monitoring, and advocacy. The main responsibilities can be categorized as follows:
A. Identifying and Planning Local Development Projects
- Analyze Local Development Plans to identify priority projects that align with community needs and national strategies.
- Conduct needs assessments through field visits, public consultations, and data collection.
- Facilitate dialogue between municipalities, civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector stakeholders, and government agencies to ensure participatory development.
- Prepare project proposals, feasibility studies, and funding applications for international donors and investors.
- Assist in drafting technical documents such as Terms of Reference (ToRs), guidelines, and operational plans.
B. Technical and Financial Support for Project Implementation
- Provide technical expertise on the implementation of local projects, ensuring they meet quality, efficiency, and sustainability standards.
- Support municipalities and local stakeholders in securing financial resources from government budgets, international donors, and private investments.
- Offer guidance on public procurement processes, contract management, and compliance with legal frameworks.
- Work closely with engineers, architects, and sectoral experts to ensure that infrastructure and service delivery projects meet community needs.
- Develop risk mitigation strategies to address challenges in project execution.
C. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Quality Control
- Establish monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to measure the impact of local development projects.
- Conduct site visits and field inspections to assess project progress.
- Assist municipalities in implementing corrective measures when challenges arise.
- Document best practices and lessons learned to improve future development projects.
D. Communication, Advocacy, and Knowledge Sharing
- Develop communication strategies to highlight project success stories.
- Prepare reports, presentations, case studies, and research papers on local development trends in Tunisia.
- Engage with media outlets, social platforms, and public events to raise awareness about local governance challenges and solutions.
- Participate in national and international conferences to showcase Tunisia’s local development efforts.
E. Cross-Team Collaboration and Strategic Support
- Work closely with UNDP’s inclusive growth, governance, and human rights teams.
- Provide expert advice on policy development and capacity-building programs for local authorities.
- Support the alignment of local development projects with Tunisia’s National Development Plan (2023-2025) and the 2035 Vision.
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5. Required Skills and Qualifications
The ideal candidate must possess a strong academic background, technical expertise, and practical experience in local development.
A. Educational Requirements
- Master’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, economics, development studies, or a related field (with at least 2 years of experience).
- Bachelor’s degree in the same fields (with at least 4 years of experience).
B. Professional Experience
- Experience in local development, governance, public administration, or community-driven projects.
- Previous experience working with international organizations, donor agencies, or government institutions.
- Experience in public procurement, financial management, and project planning.
C. Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data analysis tools, and project management software.
- Strong report writing, research, and policy analysis skills.
- Knowledge of governance frameworks, municipal finance, and urban planning.
D. Language Requirements
- Fluency in Arabic and French (both written and spoken) is mandatory.
- English proficiency is preferred but not required.
6. Importance of the Position in Tunisia’s Development Context
This position plays a crucial role in advancing Tunisia’s socio-economic and governance reforms. Tunisia has been working towards decentralization and democratic governance, and this position contributes by:
✔ Supporting local governments in effectively managing development projects.
✔ Ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, especially vulnerable groups.
✔ Enhancing public participation in governance.
✔ Promoting transparency and reducing corruption in local governance.
✔ Improving economic growth through better infrastructure and service delivery.
7. Application Process
Interested candidates must submit:
✔ An updated CV or UNDP Personal History Form (P11), including three professional references.
✔ A cover letter highlighting their motivation and relevant experience.
8. Conclusion
This role is a unique opportunity for professionals passionate about local governance, inclusive development, and sustainable economic growth. The Expert in Local Development will directly shape Tunisia’s governance landscape by driving transparent, participatory, and impactful development initiatives.
Would you like assistance in optimizing your CV, drafting a cover letter, or preparing for the interview? Let me know how I can help! 😊
Expert in Local Development – UNDP Tunisia: A Comprehensive Role Overview and Impact Analysis
Introduction
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a leading global development network that works to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable development, and improve governance. As part of its mission, the UNDP engages in various initiatives across different countries to address pressing socio-economic challenges. In Tunisia, the UNDP has launched a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9) position for an Expert in Local Development to support governance and socio-economic progress.
This position is integral to UNDP’s broader strategy, aimed at fostering transparency, social inclusion, economic growth, and governance effectiveness. The expert will work under the governance practice area and within the framework of the Regional Bureau for Arab States to support local development projects, infrastructure enhancement, and capacity-building initiatives.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the job description, its key responsibilities, qualifications, and how this role aligns with UNDP’s broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Tunisia.
1. Background and Context of the Role
Tunisia has faced significant socio-economic and governance challenges over the years. Since the Arab Spring in 2011, the country has been undergoing a democratic transition, with a growing focus on decentralization, governance reforms, and economic development. However, issues such as corruption, regional disparities, and economic inequalities remain major obstacles to sustainable growth.
The UNDP Tunisia Country Programme (2021-2025) aims to accelerate progress toward the Vision 2035 of Tunisia and the National Development Plan (2023-2025). This program is built on past lessons from UNDP’s SDG 16+ Portfolio (2018-2023) and seeks to integrate governance as a key driver of socio-economic transformation.
The Expert in Local Development will contribute directly to this vision by identifying, implementing, and managing local development projects in Tunisia. The focus is on empowering vulnerable populations, improving access to essential services, and ensuring that governance mechanisms are transparent, inclusive, and accountable.
2. Key Responsibilities of the Expert in Local Development
The Expert in Local Development will play a multi-dimensional role, covering technical assistance, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and project execution. Their main duties include:
A. Identifying and Designing Local Development Projects
- Conduct needs assessments by analyzing Local Development Plans and engaging with communities.
- Work with local governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and private sector actors to ensure inclusivity in project planning.
- Develop project documentation (e.g., Terms of Reference, proposals, technical reports) to support funding and implementation.
B. Supporting the Implementation of Local Development Projects
- Assist in the mobilization of financial resources from public and private sources.
- Provide strategic guidance on legal, financial, and operational procedures to execute local development projects.
- Coordinate with engineering teams to oversee procurement, project design, and contract management.
- Develop progress reports that track project indicators, challenges, and success stories.
C. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Quality Assurance
- Participate in field visits and stakeholder meetings to assess project progress.
- Ensure that infrastructure projects and basic services adhere to UNDP quality standards.
- Support teams in addressing programmatic changes or modifications in project implementation.
D. Knowledge Management, Communication, and Advocacy
- Document and share best practices and lessons learned from local development interventions.
- Develop knowledge-sharing tools such as case studies, reports, blogs, and videos to highlight project impact.
- Organize events, forums, and knowledge exchange platforms for policy discussions on local governance.
E. Supporting Policy and Strategic Engagement
- Engage with government institutions to align local projects with Tunisia’s national development priorities.
- Contribute to UNDP’s broader strategy on inclusive economic growth and governance reform.
- Assist in drafting policy recommendations for local development frameworks.
3. Key Impact Areas and Expected Results
The role of the Expert in Local Development is expected to contribute to four major outcomes:
1. Strengthening Transparency and Accountability
- The expert will promote good governance practices by ensuring local projects are implemented in a transparent and accountable manner.
- The goal is to prevent corruption and enhance public trust in government institutions.
2. Promoting Social Inclusion and Economic Development
- Vulnerable populations, including women, youth, and marginalized communities, will benefit from improved access to basic services and economic opportunities.
- The expert will work on initiatives that bridge regional disparities in Tunisia.
3. Enhancing Trust in Justice and Security Services
- By working closely with local governments, the expert will help improve security and justice services.
- This will create a safer environment for citizens and encourage greater civic participation.
4. Strengthening Data-Driven Governance
- The expert will support evidence-based decision-making by helping collect, analyze, and use local governance data.
- This will improve policy planning and program effectiveness in Tunisia.
4. Qualifications and Competencies Required
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
A. Educational Background
- Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Economics, Governance, or Local Development with at least 2 years of experience; OR
- Bachelor’s Degree with 4 years of relevant experience.
B. Work Experience
- Experience in local development planning, governance, or infrastructure projects.
- Previous work with international organizations, government institutions, or NGOs is an asset.
- Strong knowledge of project management, procurement, and financial mobilization.
C. Language Requirements
- Fluency in Arabic and French is required.
- English proficiency is desirable.
D. Core Skills and Competencies
- Results-Oriented Approach – Ability to meet deadlines and deliver quality outputs.
- Analytical Thinking – Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Communication and Stakeholder Engagement – Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders (government, private sector, civil society).
- Project Management Expertise – Understanding of budgeting, risk management, and performance evaluation.
5. Institutional and Reporting Framework
The expert will report directly to:
- The Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) for Effect 2.
- In case of CTA’s absence, the expert will report to the Team Leader for Inclusive Growth and Human Development.
- Collaboration with other UNDP teams on governance, social inclusion, and infrastructure projects is expected.
6. Application Process and Required Documents
Candidates must submit:
- A CV or UNDP P11 form, detailing work experience and references.
- A cover letter explaining motivation and alignment with the role.
7. Conclusion: The Significance of this Role in Tunisia’s Development
The Expert in Local Development role is a crucial position in Tunisia’s governance and socio-economic reform efforts. By focusing on transparency, service delivery, social inclusion, and economic growth, this expert will directly contribute to achieving SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and other related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).wordpress-6.7.1
This position represents an opportunity for experienced professionals to drive positive change, strengthen local governance, and enhance economic opportunities for marginalized populations in Tunisia. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in implementing impactful projects that improve the lives of Tunisians, ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable future.
