UNDP Jobs - 35249- Project OFFICER - Joint Integrated Local Developme

Project OFFICER - Joint Integrated Local Development Programme

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

20-Feb-2013

Application Deadline :

08-Feb-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

11 months

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

36 months

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 that decentralization represents an essential item on the reform agenda of the country. The goal is to provide quality services to women and men equitably - including the rights of persons from vulnerable groups - through building autonomous and democratic local governments, able to manage efficiently their responsibilities. Thus, on April 5, 2012 the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova adopted the National Decentralization Strategy that represents the main policy document in the field of local public administration and establishes the national mechanisms in the field of decentralization to ensure genuine local autonomy.

During the implementation of the Strategy in 2012-2015, the Government aims to achieve the following objectives:

A functional system of allocation of competences between Central and Local Government correlated to local governments’ resources, and capacity to provide quality public services;
A system of local public finance that would ensure local governments’ fiscal autonomy and maximize efficiency and equity in resource allocation;
Full and effective public property management and local economic development;
Increasing local governments’ administrative capacity and reduce their fragmentation;
Creation of an institutional and legal system to ensure local governments’ transparent decision-making and functional autonomy.

Prior to Strategy’s approval, the Government has benefited from the support provided by the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme (JILDP) implemented by UNDP and UN Women and funded by the Government of Sweden and UNDP. Given the stringent need to further advance with the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy, and building on the successful cooperation with the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme, the State Chancellery together with United Nations have designed a new Programme phase of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme to support the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy at policy and local levels.

The Overall Objective of the Programme is to support better and equitable service provision and sustainable local development, facilitated by the improved legal and institutional framework resulting from the implementation of the National Decentralization Strategy. The Immediate Objectives of the Programme are:

To support the Government in improving the policy and legal framework as mandated by the National Decentralization Strategy to ensure local autonomy, availability of resources, and more effective local management for better and equitable service provision.
To improve the capacity of LPAs to deliver efficient, equitable and accessible local public services, to facilitate sustainable development and foster social inclusion.

Key components of the programme:

Component 1. Policy Framework Support for the Implementation of the Decentralization Strategy

The Government will be supported in the implementation of the National Decentralization Strategy to ensure local autonomy, availability of resources, and more effective local management for better and equitable service provision. More specifically, the JILDP will provide assistance in the implementation of fiscal decentralization policies, in improving the territorial-administrative structure of the country, and in clarifying the competences in key sectors for LPAs. In addition, the Programme will work to strengthen the capacity of the Government to carry out the reform by partnering with key local institutions like Academy of Public Administration, Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova and CSOs.

Component 2. Viable models of Operational Local Governments in line with the changes brought by the Decentralization strategy.

The interventions at the local level will aim at developing models of operational local governments - ‘champions of change’ - by providing support to implement changes in the operation and structure of local governments in line with the changes brought by the Decentralization strategy. JILDP will assist Local Public Authorities in improving their capacity and operations, will support target communities and their local authorities to provide quality public services to achieve sustainable economic and social development, in the main areas affected by the Decentralization strategy. The quality of life of local communities as well as empowerment of the most vulnerable women and men, will be increased through further support to implementation of community projects using innovative tools such as inter-municipal cooperation, private-public partnerships and e-governance, among others, to serve as best examples of decentralized arrangements for service provision at local level.

The Programme will be implemented and will advocate for using Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) and Gender equality (GE) which calls for greater participation, accountability, transparency and non-discrimination in all national and local development processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme Manager and in close cooperation with other Project officers and advisors, the Project Officer ensures the effective and efficient management of the Viable models of Operational Local Governments Component by supporting the design, planning and management of project as a part of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme. The Project Officer 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 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 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:

Strategic visioning for Viable models of Operational Local Governments Component of JILDP and guidance to project staff in close cooperation with UN Women team:

Advise on national developments relevant to JILDP programmatic objectives in local development;
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);
Conduct analytical work (e.g. institutional and risk analyses, capacity assessment, policy reviews) community development highlighting UNDP support and strategy.

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.

3. Support JILDP Resource Mobilization and Partnership Building:

Maintain and animate effective dialogue with partners and among stakeholders in close cooperation with UN Women.
Engage with relevant donors and contribute to the JILDP 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 JILDP, 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.

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. Additional training and certification in project management would be an advantage.

Experience:

At least seven 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, Romanian and Russian is a must.
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Russian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

UNDP is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications should be submitted on line and preferably include Personal History Form (P11). 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. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted. Only citizens of the Republic of Moldova are eligible to apply.