UNDP Jobs - 34267- PROJECT MANAGER - EUROPEAN HIGH-LEVEL ADVISORY MIS

PROJECT MANAGER - EUROPEAN HIGH-LEVEL ADVISORY MISSION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA (EUHLPAM) - Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Feb-2013

Application Deadline :

13-Jan-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

till September 2013

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

till September 2013

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 objective of the Project “EU High-level Policy Advice Mission to the Republic of Moldova” is to provide support the Government to implement its wider reform agenda, the Government Activity Programme 2011-2014 and the National Development Strategy Moldova 2020, and in particular to assist the Government to develop the capacities required for the preparation, negotiation and implementation of the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and visa liberalisation through strengthening the policy-making, strategic planning and policy management capacities of selected line Ministries and State Agencies involved in the negotiation and implementation of the Association Agreement and visa liberalisation and enhancing stakeholders’ knowledge and awareness of EU policies, legislation and regulations in sectors strategic to the conclusion of the Association Agreement including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and to the implementation of visa liberalisation plan.

The Project employs a team of international and local high-level experts in key areas to act as advisers to the Ministries and other Government and public institutions. The Project has been implemented since 2010. The present phase, which started in April 2012, will continue until end of September 2013.

The Project is funded by the European Union and co-funded and implemented by UNDP with a total budget of EURO 3,126,000.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative and direct supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative – Governance, Justice and Human Rights the incumbent provides effective and efficient management of the project through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management, monitoring and reporting of project activities. 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. He/she is responsible and accountable to the UNDP for the project results.

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 contributing to resolving complex programme/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.
The Project Manager, in close cooperation with the EUHLPAM high-level advisors and local experts, UNDP; European Union Delegation to Moldova and the State Chancellery, 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.

More specifically:

Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Project outputs and products leading to the achievement of expected results;
Within the strategic framework concerted with the national counterparts and the European Union, prepare work plans reflecting the scope of activities, timing, sequencing, cost and other inputs for the implementation of the Project activities;
Be responsible for the implementation of the Project work plan and budget according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as for the overall management of the Project in accordance to prevailing UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;
Liaise with the national counterparts, European Union Delegation to Moldova and the UNDP office to ensure that Project results are achieved and Project resources are managed efficiently and effectively;
Present work plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the European Union Delegation, Project Board and UNDP Country Office in appropriate formats (for expenditure status and financial status according to FAFA) and the agreed reporting schedule (as per Description of Action);
Ensure the effective management of human resources pertaining to the Project, including both staff, consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals; build, lead and motivate a solid team of professionals; prepare and validate terms of reference for international and national consultants;
Oversee preparation and implementation of advisors´ individual work plans and their periodic updates; coordinate work of advisor team; ensure periodic performance appraisals by beneficiaries;
Manage efficiently and according to the financial rules of UNDP and EU, the financial resources of the Project, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting;
Continuously record and maintain relevant Project activities, issues, risks, etc in the UNDP Atlas Project Management Module (software platform);
Supervise and coordinate the organisation of meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, study tours and related activities relevant to the implementation of the Project;
Identify key performance indicators as well as develop and maintain a monitoring system to ensure effective information sharing, provision of feedback and elaboration of top quality progress reports;
Ensure high quality information and visibility of the Project activities to the mass media and stakeholders following EU´s visibility requirements;
Support the Portfolio Manager and CO Programme section in general in programme development, formulation and strategic processes with substantive contributions;
Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation of the Project as required.

Key Results:

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Government’s wider reform agenda, the Government Activity Programme 2011-2014 and the National Development Strategy Moldova 2020, and in particular the preparation, negotiation and implementation of the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and visa liberalisation. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the European Union Delegation to Moldova, Project Steering Committee, the Beneficiary 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.
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 in public administration, economics, law or related areas. Additional training and certification in project management would be an advantage.

Experience:

At least 10 years of progressive working experience in the design, management and implementation of projects and/or working in a relevant position to this post.
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.
Excellent knowledge of UNDP’s administrative rules, regulations, procedures (including finance, procurement, asset management, contracting, human resources, general services, etc) best practices and related documentation;
Strong knowledge of the Government of Moldova EU integration agenda and of EU assistance instruments;
Extensive experience in managing multidisciplinary teams.
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:

Full proficiency in oral and written English and Romanian.

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.