Background

The project is funded by the European Union and administered by UNDP with the overall objective to support trade facilitation in the region of Palanca with the creation of a jointly operated border crossing point (JOBCP) at Palanca, on the territory of Republic of Moldova, which meets all EU standards and principles of a JOBCP, and can contribute to the economic stabilization and sustainable development of the region. The project will also contribute to a wider objective, namely "safer and more open borders" between Ukraine and Moldova. The expected long-term impact is to contribute to the strengthening of good neighborly relations, as well as to the facilitation of trade and migration flows between two countries.

The construction and equipping of the JOBCP Palanca will contribute to the acceleration of the cross-border traffic flow due to simplified border crossing procedures, unification of activities and by avoiding duplication of functions, with using the hand-to-hand and one-stop-shop principle at BCP. It will enhance cooperation among the two countries’ agencies responsible for border control - border guard and customs agencies and other relevant authorities, such as veterinary and phyto - sanitary agencies, will raise the level of trust and will lead to a higher level of efficiency in trade facilitation and combating cross-border crime.  The JOBCP will allow establishing a more rapid and securing exchange of information on persons, vehicles and goods, and will reduce the corruption risks. It will strengthen combating cross border crime, will reduce administrative costs due to the abolishment of the BCPs Mayaki and Udobne in Ukraine, and will facilitate the free movement of persons and will enhance the control over the migration flows.    

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Democratic Governance Cluster Leader and in close coordination with the National Project Coordinator (Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova), 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 towards the achievement of its main objectives in line with European Union and UNDP rules of procurement, recruitment, and financial 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 incumbent is responsible and accountable to the Project Board 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 will coordinate the work of project support team and of the international and national consultants contracted under the project.

The Project Manager in close cooperation with Democratic Governance Cluster Leader 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 HRBA and GE approaches.  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, 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 according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as for the overall management of the Project in accordance to prevailing UNDP and EU rules, regulations and procedures;
• Ensure compliance with monitoring and reporting guidelines by producing relevant operational and financial reports according to the rules and procedures of EU and UNDP;
• Present work-plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the Project Steering Committee and UNDP Country Office; Coordinate and organise, together with the national counterparts, UNDP and donors, periodic meetings of the Project Steering Committee and follow up on the recommendations made to evaluate  achievements and to monitor the progress of the Project towards its outputs and outcomes;
• Liaise with the national counterparts, donors and the UNDP office to ensure that Project results are achieved and Project resources are managed efficiently and effectively; Maintain close coordination with partners, ensure synergies, avoid overlaps in project implementation, collaborate with other projects working in the same area, and provide information relevant to the project;
• 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; validate terms of reference for international and national consultants;
• Manage efficiently 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);
• Ensure high quality information and visibility of the Project activities to the mass media and stakeholders in compliance with the UNDP and EU visibility rules and guidance;
• Promote knowledge sharing and building among partners and stakeholders. Research, collect and analyze any relevant information;
• Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation of the Project as required:
• Support the Portfolio Manager and CO Programme section in general in programme development, formulation and strategic processes with substantive contributions.  Engage with relevant donors and contribute to the CO resource mobilization efforts.
• Support the implementing partner in managing donor contributions towards the common project objectives that are outside the project.

Key Results:

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the CO programme.  Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner.  The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project 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
• 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 constructions, border management, economics, law or related areas. Additional training and certification in project management would be an advantage.

Experience:    

• At least nine 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, preferably related to infrastructure projects, is a very strong advantage.
• Proven knowledge of the construction/infrastructure works and processes and practical experience in its implementation is a very strong advantage.
• Experience in the implementation and/or management of the EU-funded projects is 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.

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.