Republic of Moldova

Background

The project supports the preparation and publication of National Human Development Reports (NHDR) for Moldova. The preparation of these Reports is based, stylistically and theoretically, upon the annual Human Development Reports of UNDP, and will serve as a vehicle through which the Government of Moldova, as well as UNDP, will be able to study, identify and prioritize Moldova's socio-economic and human development needs. This research will permit the Government to better define target areas for its development policies, as well as to better communicate its needs to donors, NGOs, international and regional organizations when seeking technical and financial assistance.
  The main objective of the project is to promote the understanding and identify the stakes of the concept of human development in society, government and the media through the process of research and analysis for development of the National Human Development Report and the integration of its findings into public policy discourse in Moldova. The process of producing NHDRs primarily involves national institutions, such as Government at the national and local levels, academia, civil society organizations and the media.
Since 1995 the National Human Development Report is produced annually or bi-annually. Currently UNDP Moldova is working on/contributing to the following Human Development Reports:
- National Human Development Report on Socio-economic Impacts of Climate Change and Policy Options to Adapt
- Regional Human Development Report on Social Inclusion

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Portfolio Manager, the Project Manager ensures the effective and efficient management of the project “Formulation of the National Human Development Report” and other analytical studies or research projects. The Project Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
  The Project Manager ensures the full compliance with the minimum standards and the six principles of the UNDP corporate policy on NHDRs throughout the entire process:
- National Ownership
- Participatory and Inclusive Preparation
- Independence of Analysis
- Quality of Analysis
- Flexibility and Creativity in Presentation
- Sustained follow-up

The Project Manager will also draw upon the UNDP corporate guidance on the specific topics covered by the reports and on the experiences of NHDRs of other countries.
The Project Manager works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other project teams in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and resolving complex project-related issues and information delivery.
The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager will be involved in all key steps in the NHDR process - preparatory stage incl. selection of the theme and building of the team, research and writing, production, and advocacy and follow up - and will be responsible for the day to day management of the project. The Project Manager has the overall responsibility for leading and implementing the NHDR process, coordination and delivery of outputs, facilitating and managing the production of the NHDR including administrative support.

In addition to the NHDR, the Project Manager will also conduct similar functions in view of providing support to ongoing research / policy work undertaken by the UNDP CO.

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Project Management:
 

• Assume full responsibility for and manage effectively and efficiently all project activities and resources (human, financial, physical / material assets, etc) in order to meet expected results. Develop annual activity and procurement work plans as well as budgets based on expected year-end outputs, ensure close monitoring of activities and disbursements.
• Apply UNDP programming tools and policies as explained in the Results Management Guide, including the utilization of the Project Management Module in Atlas (Prince2, etc). Keep abreast of UNDP programming practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning.
• Prepare results-oriented Terms of Reference for national and international consultants and service providers. Undertake proper observance of all personnel/contracting actions: preparation and negotiation of contracts, timely initiation of payments and performance appraisal. 
• Prepare qualitative substantive and financial progress reports as required by the project. Prepare periodic procurement/contracting and financial delivery reports for UNDP management. Prepare budget revisions as needed.
• Plan activities, identify and set procedures for project evaluation, data collection and recording, project implementation and follow up, optimization of use of human and financial resources, team performance monitoring and analysis;
• Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Establish and manage mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local and national levels;
• Maintain close coordination with project partners, ensure synergies, avoid overlaps in project implementation, collaborate with other donors working in the same area, provide information relevant to the project.

2. Research and NHDR Process Management and Facilitation:

• Establish timeframe and formulate work plan for the NHDR preparation process and manage it on an annual/cycle basis, ensuring the close monitoring of progress;
• Identify the technical needs of the process, including research and drafting teams or consultants, based on qualifications, credibility and independence.
• Provide information, reports and other documentation related to the NHDR process and provide support in compiling and editing of any documents related to he NHDR project;
• Facilitate strategic consultations with all stakeholders on the respective topic;
• Organize meetings (such as Project and Advisory Boards) and provide administrative support during the meetings incl. translation and preparation of minutes;
• Facilitate and incorporate the Advisory Board’s review of inputs and other findings of review of the report’s content, conclusions and recommendations incl. identification of main messages or policy recommendations;
• Organize workshops, round tables and conferences involving specialists from Government, Academia, NGOs, Mass Media and other parts of Civil Society;
• In collaboration with the Communications Unit, elaborate and monitor the implementation of a communication strategy, assist in other outreach activities through mass media and effectively manage the follow-up and dissemination efforts;
• Develop, draft and review based on consultations with the NHDR core team, preliminary outlines for the NHDR to be presented to the Project/Advisory Board;
• Facilitate the preparation of and/or draft background papers and statistics and provide support in any research and data collection efforts related to the NHDR or other analytical products;
• Make appropriate arrangements for technical review of the report’s contents, including substantive inputs on thematic area, data and statistical crosschecking with other relevant sources, calculations of indices etc.
•  Help in and make arrangements for the editing, formatting, finalizing of the layout and production of the respective reports; agree with the core NHDR team on relevant material (including all graphics, boxes, case studies, charts, photos, maps etc.);
• Manage the entire printing process of the report, including identification, tender and selection;
•  Ensure that the NHDR is in a format suitable for online presentation and upload on the UNDP website.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
• Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures.  Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting.
• Ability to provide input to business processes, re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.

Leadership and Self-Management

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Process Management

• Strong analytical and statistical skills
• Excellent drafting and report writing skills
• Excellent facilitation and process skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree in any of the following areas: Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Management, Economics, Public or Business Administration

Experience:

 At least five years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in the areas of development and/or research.

Strong analytical skills, in particular in the area of social policy and development related issues

At least three years of progressively responsible project management experience at the national level is required in the area of Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Management, Economics, Public or Business Administration.

 Experience in writing and producing analytical products including editing, layout, formatting and printing. Excellent writing skills.

Experience and advance knowledge in the usage of information technology and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc) and spreadsheet and database packages; experience in handling of web based management systems.

Experience with UNDP NHDR processes and in the preparation of NHDR’s is a great asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in both oral and written English and Romanian is a must.

Application Instructions

All interested candidates must complete a PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P-11) Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued.

Interested persons should apply on-line at the following link: http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?job_id=18749 by 05 September 2010.

Apply Now