Human Resourses Expert

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) supports national efforts towards the realization of children’s rights to Survival, Development, Protection and Participation.

Closing date: 20 Mar 2009

Location: Malawi - Lilongwe

CONSULTANCY POSITION BackgroundIn July 2008, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MOWCD) with technical and financial support from UNICEF and the United States Government (USG) embarked upon a series of human capacity development initiatives.

In January 2008, MOWCD led a team comprised of Ministry of Local Government, Department of Human Resources, Ministry staff, USG, UNAIDS and UNICEF upon a capacity assessment which took place in numerous districts.

Interviews were carried out with District Commissioners, District Planning Directors, DSWOs, Community Development Officers (also part of MOWCD) and NGOs.

Questions were asked around mandate and capacity of district based staff as well as headquarters.
Visits were also made to training institutions such as Magomero Training College and other universities.
A capacity plan was also introduced and developed around July 2008.

Since the development of the capacity assessment, the Ministry has undergone a functional review.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has requested for technical support to assist the Ministry to develop the job descriptions in accordance with functional review.

UNICEF is seeking the services of a highly qualified individual consultant with expertise in Human Resource (International and National) to assist the Ministry of Women and Child Development in revamping all the Job Descriptions for new positions and to create a career ladder document.

Expected skills and qualifications:

1. Education: Human resource and/or capacity development expertise preferably with an Advanced Degree
2. Work Experience: - Each member of the two-consultant team must have a demonstrated understanding of Government functions related to social services, particularly in relation to human resource capacities around community development, child development, women’s issues and planning.
- Each member of the two-consultant team must have a minimum 10 years experience and clear professional expertise in the area of human resources and capacity building, preferably in the social service or related sector.
- Demonstrated ability to work with government and development actors in a complex political environment is critical.- Excellent communication and report writing skills are necessary;

3. Duration: National Consultant (30 days) International Consultants (20 days)Specific duties and responsibilities include:

Phase 1: National Consultant- Working closely with the Ministry Human Resource Officers, and with regular reflections on the findings and recommendations of the MOWCD Human resource Gap Analysis, engage the Ministry in a process to write the job descriptions for the Ministry - Working with MOWCD to develop a career path document

Phase 2: International and National Consultant- Carry out an assessment of the human resources management system and capacities within the MOWCD
- Make recommendations regarding an appropriate computerized human resource system which captures all relevant human resource data, drawing, wherever possible, on relevant experiences both within Malawi (including lessons from other ministries) and in other country contexts.
- Develop a training plan to strengthen capacity including the use of the computerized system) of the Ministry Human Resource Officers
- Include a cost estimate in the training plan including both short term investment and longer-term training to address turn over, new learning, changes in policy and other long term issues

Only candidates who meet all of the above requirements need to apply submitting their applications along with their curriculum vitae on or before 20 March 2009 Please note: UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff.

Well qualified candidates, particularly female are strongly encouraged to apply.

UNICEF is a smoke FREE Environment ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED

How to apply
Clearly indicate the Title of post on the subject (MOWCD HR Expert) enclosing yoru application together with CV to mpearce@unicef.org