UNDP Jobs - 60325- Project Manager / Local Development Component Mana

Project Manager / Local Development Component Manager: Integrated Migration Local Development Programme

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

15-Oct-2015

Application Deadline :

06-Oct-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

till the end of the year, with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

two years

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. 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.

Background

The Government of Moldova explicitly acknowledges its commitment to link migration and development at the local level. Institutions at all government levels are becoming increasingly aware that migration is one of development factors; this is especially true for emigrees and their potential support to the home communities through local essential service improvement (water, sanitation, education, health and social services), skill and knowledge transfer and income generating opportunities.

Given the stringent need to further advance with the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy and embedding migration aspects into development processes, the State Chancellery together with United Nations Development Programme have designed a new Programme phase of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme. The project is designed to support Central Public Authorities (CPAs) and LPAs to develop and implement strategic policies, methodologies and procedures related to temporary, permanent and circular migration and link them to local development processes, which will enable further design and implementation of joint service improvement and income-generating initiatives, ensuring equal access for women, children, young people the elderly, the disabled, and other population groups in selected localities. Moreover, the project is developed as a replicable approach with potentials for scaling up, with intensive capacity building and strengthening of national and local public authorities to better plan, manage, budget, and implement public service management with participation of community members, including migrants.

Thus, as seen above, integrating migration into local development requires a systematic, tangible and programmatic approach. The current project is proposed on the basis of the results achieved during the implementation of 3 phases of JILDP (2007-2015), which has put a series of methodological approaches and strategic frameworks in place. It supports integrated and systematic local development planning and management, by tackling both central and local levels.

The Overall Objective of the Programme is Communities affected by migration benefit from improved essential local services, namely water and sanitation, health, social and education services, and have access to income-generating opportunities, including improved employment reintegration support for returnees.

Considering the specific local development context, current situation and needs, the project sets two primary outcomes:

Outcome 1: The Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family and the National Employment Agency have mandates, capacities and resources to provide qualitative employment reintegration services to all returnees.

Outcome 2: Local public authorities have the capacities and resources to engage with community members, including migrants, and to promote know-how transfer from abroad with a view to improving local essential services and offering opportunities for income-generating activities.

Both areas of the project emphasize the national ownership and strengthening capacities at national and local levels to enable a socio-economic environment, secure employment support, reduce disparities and inequalities, provide income generating opportunities, and ensure sustainable local development. The project intervention will apply human rights based and gender equality approaches, including community empowerment and mobilization models with migrants’ engagement, and various tools for efficient service provision.

The intervention supports the implementation of national development priorities, while responding to challenges of European Union driven reform. It is built on the priorities of the Government Programme 2015-2018, the National Development Strategy Moldova 2020, the National Decentralization Strategy 2012-2015, the Strategy on Migration and Asylum, the United Partnership Framework (for 2013-2017), and Swiss Cooperation Strategy Republic of Moldova 2014-2017.

In order to ensure an impact maximization and tangible results, the project intervention envisages strong synergies with BRD/IOM and NEXUS, as part of the programmatic intervention funded by Swiss Cooperation Office SDC.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP Programme Specialist, the Project Manager/Local development component manager ensures the effective and efficient management of the Integrated Migration and Local Development Project by supporting its design, planning and management. 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/Local development component manager works in close collaboration with the Project team as well as 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.

Summary of Key Functions:

The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying HRBA and GE approaches. More specifically:

1. Strategic visioning for the overall Project (with particular focus on Local Development Component of IMLDP), and guidance to project staff in close cooperation with BRD/IOM and NEXUS:

Advise on national developments relevant to IMLDP programmatic objectives in local development;
Enhance analytical and professional capacities of the national stakeholders (including central and local public authorities, NGOs, etc.) in terms of decision-making within the framework of decentralization process and migrants’ engagement, providing ad-hoc advice and technical support;
Provide substantive research input; accurate analysis, data entry and presentation of information to ensure proper policy advice and programme implementation;
Conduct analytical work (e.g. institutional and risk analyses, capacity assessment, policy reviews and briefs) on the project key areas, highlighting UNDP support and strategy.
Promote information sharing with the relevant donor community by initiating and/or participating in consultative meetings with the donors and preparing briefs on local development processes and activities;
Promote flow of information and resources between and among the various levels of governance from national to local and local to national to improve effectiveness and cost effective service delivery (create a feedback mechanisms top-down vice versa);

2. 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.
Build, motivate and lead a high performing team consisting of project personnel, expert consultants, translators, etc.Undertake personnel performance appraisals and career development coaching at project level.
Apply UNDP programming tools and policies as explained in the Results Management Guide, including the utilization of the Project Management Module in Atlas.Keep abreast of UNDP programming practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning, including in the areas of HRBA and GE.
Prepare qualitative substantive and financial progress reports as may be required by the project.Prepare periodic procurement/contracting and financial delivery reports for UNDP management. Prepare budget revisions as needed.
Effectively manage other project-related activities and components, to be part of the broader IMLDP.

3. Support IMLDP Resource Mobilization and Partnership Building:

Maintain and facilitate effective communication with public, national partners and among stakeholders, and ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements.
Engage with relevant donors and contribute to the IMLDP resource mobilization efforts.
Ensure that local development projects are implemented in a Human Rights Based Approach and respect principles of Gender Equality. Raise awareness of local authorities on HRBA and GE.

4. Knowledge Management:

Promote information sharing within IMLDP,with national and local stakeholders and the relevant donors community by initiating and/or participating in consultative meetings and preparing briefs on local self-governance progress and activities
Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Participate in national and international fora, making substantive contributions as appropriate.

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the JILDP programme. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Programme Steering Committee and UNDP management.

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
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
Understands more advanced aspects of migration and development as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;
Keeps abreast of new developments in area of migration and development, and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools, and utilizes these regularly in work assignments;
Have effective interpersonal and negotiations skills and ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder projects and be able to think in a strategic manner on complex and difficult projects
Strong drafting, presentation and reporting skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Proven ability to problem-solve, and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment
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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master Degree in public administration, economics, social sciences law or related areas. Training and certification in project management would be a strong asset.

Experience:

At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in the local/regional development preferably in an international organization, national agency, national ministry, non-governmental organization/think-tank, or private sector. Practical experience in community development.

Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is a very strong advantage.

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

Language Requirements:

Fluency in both oral and written English and Romanian. Knowledge of Russian desired.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply. Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.