UNDP Jobs - 31245- Senior Project Officer (Electoral Component Manage

Senior Project Officer (Electoral Component Manager): Improving the Quality of Moldovan Democracy through Electoral and Parliamentary Development

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

03-Sep-2012

Application Deadline :

08-Aug-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

till 31 December 2012, with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

30 June 2014

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

In 2012 UNDP has launched a new programme aimed at improving the quality of Moldovan democracy through electoral and parliamentary development. The electoral component of this programme provides multi-year institutional development for the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Moldova. Following a hectic period of electoral events, from 2012 to 2014 the project will focus on assistance to the CEC that will:

improve the institutional environment for electoral management bodies so as to aid in the delivery of inclusive and modern electoral processes;
improve the public registration process for Moldovans and support the modernisation of Moldovan electoral processes; and
embed gender and human rights concerns in formal political processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (Elections), the incumbent provides effective and efficient contribution to the management of the electoral component through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Electoral 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. He/she is responsible and accountable to the Project Steering Committee for the project results.

The Senior Project Officer 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 contributing to the resolution of complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery. The Project Manager also collaborates with other UNDP projects and other development partners in supporting the Central Electoral Commission. 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 effective internal control systems.

The Improving the Quality of Moldovan Democracy through Electoral and Parliamentary Development Programme has another component that works with the Parliament of Moldova, and the Electoral Project Manager will engage in continuous collaboration with Parliamentary Project colleagues, including on the delivery of joint initiatives and activities.

The Senior Project Officer under supervision of the CTA and in close cooperation with all members of the project team, will ensure the provision of high quality development services and products, as outlined in the Project’s plans, for the Central Electoral Commission and their Moldovan partners. All work will be based on an appreciation of human rights and gender equality. In particular, the Senior Project Officer will:

Contribute to the timely and efficient delivery of Project outputs and products leading to the achievement of expected results;
Ensure all Project actions are fully compliant with UNDP policies and procedures;
Within the project framework agreed with the national counterparts, contribute to the preparation and implementation of joint workplans that reflect the scope of activities, timing, sequencing, cost and other inputs for the implementation of the Project activities;
Liaise with the CEC (and their Moldovan partners), donors and the UNDP office to ensure that Project results are achieved and Project resources are managed efficiently and effectively;
Work with the Project team to present work-plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditure status reports to the Project Board and UNDP Country Office;
Support the CTA in ensuring the effective management of human resources pertaining to the Project, including consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals and validate terms of reference for international and national consultants;
Supervise and manage the work of the Project Assistant and the Project Interpreter;
In collaboration with the Project Assistant, manage efficiently the financial resources of the Project, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting;
Lead on project procurement activities, with the support of the Project Assistant;
Continuously record and maintain relevant Project activities, issues, risks logs, etc in the UNDP Atlas Project Management Module (software platform);
Along with other team members, develop and maintain a monitoring system to ensure effective information sharing, provision of feedback and elaboration of top quality progress reports;
Ensure appropriate visibility of the Project activities in mass media and with stakeholders; and
Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation of the Project as required.

Project specific tasks:

14. Support the National Coordinator to convene the Elections Component Steering Committee as required;
15.    Support increasing collaboration between the Central Electoral Commission and the Parliament;
16.    Support the development of a shared approach to human rights and gender equality in the Commission and the Parliament
17.    Design and lead activities in a designated area(s) of the project’s intervention.

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Moldovan UNDAF outcome 1.1: Institutional strengthening which is to increase the transparency, accountability and efficiency of central and local public authorities.

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.
Ensures that programmes and projects are consistent with UN/UNDP values.
Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility.
Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience.
Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on programme and capacity development activities.
Promotes a supportive environment to enhance partnerships, leverages resources and build support for UNDP’s strategic initiatives.
Collaborates with regional, national and local partners to create and apply knowledge and concepts that will help partners achieve UNDP’s development objectives within the country and regional context.
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise / In-depth knowledge of the Subject-matter

Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines.
Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff.
Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit.
Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally.
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

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 engage with various partners and stakeholders at different levels, to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government and represent UNDP in national and regional fora.
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.
Capacity to implement the strategic vision and programmatic goals as laid down in the Project Document.
Proven performance in organizing and coordinating major initiatives, events or challenging inter-organizational activities.
Adapts flexibly to changing situations, overcomes obstacles and recovers quickly from set-backs.

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
Ability to achieve results and meet strict deadlines in an effective manner, maintaining a high quality standard throughout.
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively.
Demonstrated ability to manage a team and to foster team spirit and synergy.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in public administration, economics, law or related areas. Additional training or certification in project or financial management would be an advantage.

Experience:

At least four years of progressive working experience in the design, management and implementation of project based activities related to democratic governance and/or working in a relevant position to this post.
At least one year of experience providing substantive advice on democratisation topics to counterpart organisations.
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 managing a team.
Extensive experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), experience in handling of web based management systems.
Knowledge of the Moldovan electoral and political system.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English, Romanian and Russian.
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

This position requires working closely with the independent Central Electoral Commission. This post is therefore only available to applicants who are, and are seen to be, politically neutral.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova 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.