UNDP Jobs - 36292- Project Manager/ Business Development & Civil Soci

Project Manager/ Business Development & Civil Society - Support to Confidence Building Measures Programme

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

22-Apr-2013

Application Deadline :

04-Apr-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English

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 overall objectives of the project are:

to address the needs of Transnistrian communities by increasing their access to basic social and economic services, as well as to objective and diversified sources of information.
to increase confidence between Chisinau and Tiraspol by involving municipalities and civil society organizations in various economic and social confidence building projects.

Project specific objectives:

To enhance economic development in the Transnistria region and contribute to economic rapprochement between the two banks of the Nistru River by promoting cross-river exchanges and expanding the range of catalytic business support services;
To empower local communities and actors from both sides to participate in collaborative projects addressing pressing development needs and ensure the delivery of essential public services;
To address common environmental development concerns by creating opportunities and platforms for joint collaboration from both banks;
To foster civil society development by enhancing the capacity of NGOs to generate activities which promote cross-river collaboration and addressing key development needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the incumbent provides effective and efficient coordination of confidence building project component related to business development and civil society strengthening activities, through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring 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.

The Project manager works in close collaboration with the Project team as well as the team 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 (Business Development/Civil Society) in close cooperation with the project team, under the direct guidance and supervision of the Programme Manager, 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 and gender sensitive approaches. The incumbent will provide overall support to the Programme manager and to the Country Office, providing support in strengthening UNDP role in its capacity of integrator of the UN System.

More specifically:

Ensure practical management of assigned Business Development &Civil Society component in terms of project activities as well as human and financial resources.
Serve as a focal point to ensure coordination with UN agencies to put to use their expertise in relevant areas, ensure joint UN implementation of relevant projects, strengthen inter-agency communication and knowledge sharing.
Contribute to the annual activity and procurement work plans as well as budgets based on expected yearend outputs. Ensure close monitoring of activities and disbursements under the assigned project component.
Be responsible for the coordination of the assigned component work plan according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as for the overall management of the component in accordance to prevailing UNDP rules, regulations and procedures.
Manage project development and formulation. Engage key stakeholders, identify areas of common interest, coordinate the design, planning and monitoring of sub-projects for the current and next phases of Business Development/Civil Society components;
Ensure the quality of concept papers, terms of references, proposal outlines and agreements in close cooperation with the project team and recipients.
Identify key performance indicators as well as develop and maintain a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure effective information sharing, provision of feedback and elaboration of top quality progress reports.
Lead and ensure compliance to UNDP standards of all procurement activities under the assigned project component.
Ensure and coordinate the timely submission of financial and activity reports covering the assigned component of the project, to be incorporated in the overall project financial and narrative report.
Contribute to the wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Support mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local and national levels.
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 Support to Confidence Building Measures 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 Board, 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 see knew and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit.
Keeps a breast 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:

University/Master’s Degree in public administration, political science, economics, law or related areas.Additional training and certification in project management would be an advantage.

Experience:

At least five years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in the areas of CSO development. (Experience of work in Transnistria region and/or in managing programmes financed by European Commission is a very strong advantage).
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.
Extensive experience in managing a multidisciplinary team.
Strong analytical, drafting and communication skills.
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.

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.