UNDP Jobs - 52416- Programme Manager:Improving the quality of Moldova

Programme Manager:Improving the quality of Moldovan democracy through parliamentary and electoral support Project (Democracy Programme)

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

02-Feb-2015

Application Deadline :

07-Jan-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

11 months

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

3 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

Improving the quality of Moldovan democracy through parliamentary and electoral support Programme (Democracy Programme) aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Parliament and Central Electoral Commission, improving their main functions and entrenching gender and human rights considerations in formal political process. In particular, the Programme will improve the legislative, oversight and representation functions of the Parliament, provide a solid basis for the improvement of the electoral process and supporting, when necessary, an inclusive process of constitutional reform. The Programme will assist the Parliament to increase the participation of civil society and citizens in policy making and oversight processes. It will also build the capacities of Members of Parliament in budget understanding, development and monitoring of its implementation. At the Central Electoral Commission, the Programme will support the further development of an enabling environment for the delivery of modern and inclusive electoral services, also partnering with other relevant institutions.

The Programme activities will be implemented in close coordination and cooperation with the on-going joint UNDP/UN Women programme “Enhancing Women’s Political Representation through improved capacity and enhanced support in Moldova” (Women in Politics) aiming at ensuring an increased participation of women in politics and in the decision-making process by creating an environment conducive to their meaningful participation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP Democratic Governance Cluster Leader and in close coordination with Programme parliamentary and electoral specialists, the incumbent provides effective and efficient coordination of all components under the Democracy Programme through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management, monitoring and reporting of programme activities in line with the programme document and the UNDP Strategic Plan for 2014-2017. The Programme Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP corporate rules and regulations. He/she is responsible and accountable to the Programme Board for the programme results.

The Programme Manager works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other teams in the UNDP Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/programme-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 Programme Manager, under the guidance and supervision of UNDP Democratic Governance Cluster Leader and in close coordination with Programme Parliamentary and Electoral specialists, will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the Programme) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) and Gender Equality (GE) approach. More specifically, he/she will perform the following tasks:

Programme Management and Coordination

Ensure sound management of programme from the planning to evaluation stages;
Coordinate and ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Programme outputs and products leading to the achievement of expected results;
Ensure overall coordination of the programme activities and their coordination with other relevant UNDP projects;
Within the strategic framework concerted with the national counterparts, based on inputs provided by both parliamentary and electoral specialists, prepare work-plans reflecting the scope of activities, timing, sequencing, cost and other inputs for the implementation of the Programme activities;
Be responsible for the coordination of the overall Programme work plan according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as for the overall management of the Programme in accordance to prevailing UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;
Liaise with the Programme Board, national counterparts and donors to ensure that Programme results are achieved and resources are managed efficiently and effectively;
Ensure the effective management and supervision of human resources pertaining to the Programme, including both staff, consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals; build, lead and motivate a solid team of professionals; validate terms of reference for international and national consultants;
Coordinate the efficient use of financial resources of the Programme, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting;
Continuously record and maintain relevant Programme activities, issues, risks, etc. as per existing rules and procedures.
Lead and coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences and related activities relevant to the overall implementation of the Programme;
Ensure high quality information and visibility of the Programme activities to the mass media and stakeholders.

Monitoring and Reporting

Monitor programme implementation and activities versus set targets and indicators;
Ensure timely and quality delivery of baseline, monitoring, evaluation plans and reports (flash, progress and final);
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;
Present periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the Programme Board and UNDP, based on inputs provided by parliamentary and electoral specialists and component officers;
Monitor overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure funds are properly allocated and appropriate actions are taken to optimize use of programme funds;
Contribute to UNDP reporting by providing inputs from Democracy programme activities and results.

Knowledge Management and Sharing

Ensure timely and proper documentation of the programme implementation process and products produced in accordance with the UNDP guides;
Document and analyze lessons learnt that might be useful to UN system at large and UNDP in particular;
Advise UNDP on strategies and approaches for developing Parliament and CEC institutions based on the lessons learnt;
Contribute to the exchange of information and knowledge product within the programme and outside.

Partnership and advocacy

Facilitate partnership building among Parliament, Central Electoral Commission, civil society organizations, political parties, media and the communities on the implementation of the programme;
Ensure effective partnership, networking and coordination between other ongoing UNDP programmes, particularly Women in Politics programme, and other projects and activities in the country for a more holistic and coherent approach to programme implementation.

Key Results:
The post has an impact on the overall effectiveness and success of UNDP interventions and activities in the assigned sectorial/thematic area of promoting democratic governance. By helping ensure effective design, planning, implementation, and M&E of assigned sectorial/thematic area, and building networks and helping mobilize resources for these areas, the incumbent enhances the organization’s capacity and credibility in implementation of highly effective programmes with strong impact on democratic frameworks to become representative, accountable and transparent for the benefit of citizens.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standard;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
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;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional and Managerial Competencies:

Leadership and self-management

Proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives
Proven ability to lead and manage “smart” business solutions in challenging environment;
Focuses on impact and results and responds positively to feedback;
Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on programme and capacity development activities;
Ability to establish priorities for self and others, achieve results and meet strict deadlines in an effective manner, maintaining a high quality standard throughout;
Tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Remains calm, in control and good humor even under pressure.

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.
Sound knowledge of the political context in the Republic of Moldova and of the governance institutions and structure;
Strong knowledge of the parliamentary development and electoral systems and processes;

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 Programme 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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in public administration, law, political sciences or other related areas. Additional training and certification in programme management would be an advantage.

Experience:

At least 9 years of progressively responsible experience in implementing and/or managing complex and multi-component programme interventions, preferably related to parliamentary development and strengthening elections systems and processes;
Previous experience in development assistance or related work for public institutions or NGOs on capacity development is a very strong advantage;
Proven experience in working with international organizations (successful experience working with UNDP) will be a very strong advantage;
Extensive experience in managing a multidisciplinary team;
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 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.

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

It 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.