UNDP goes for open process. The UN is inviting nominations of qualified candidates for the job of replacing Mark Malloch Brown as head of UNDP, rather than allowing the Europeans to perform the traditional stitch-up.

According to the FT (subs), UN insiders believe the move is a "daring departure from the long-established practice of political deal-making." It is also - surely - an attempt by the UN to grab the high ground as George Bush ponders who to pick as World Bank president.

Malloch Brown, now in charge of UN reform, has criticised the process by which top international jobs are parcelled out ("very little proactive outreach to find the world's best; an extraordinary recycling of the same names for each job").

He suggested that Ann Veneman's appointment at UNICEF should be the last political placement and that Europe should be gracious about giving up its right to impose its will:

"I'm sure [the Europeans] are swallowing hard that the first [change in procedure is for] a job considered in their own bailiwick. But Europe recognises it is long overdue that one of the major development institutions is led by someone from a developing country. We have thrown ourselves on the mercy of Europe to be statesmanlike."

What's the betting that some European governments are wondering whether giving up the UNDP job will help them advance higher geopolitical priorities - such as embarassing the US government on the world stage?

David Steven ~ February 09, 2005

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