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 Portfolio Manager, the incumbent provides effective and efficient coordination of the confidence building programme through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Programme 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 Project Board for the project results.

The Programme 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 Programme Manager in close cooperation with the project team, under the guidance and supervision of the Portfolio 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 HRBA and GE approaches. 

More specifically:
  • Coordinate and ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Programme 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 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 Project Board, national counterparts, donors and the UNDP office to ensure that Programme results are achieved and resources are managed efficiently and effectively; 
  • Present work-plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the Project Board and UNDP Country Office; 
  • 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 in the UNDP Atlas Project Management Module (software platform);
  • Lead and coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences and related activities relevant to the overall implementation of the Programme; 
  • 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 Programme activities to the mass media and stakeholders;
  • Perform any other duties connected directly with the implementation of the Programme as required;

Key Results:

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Support to Confidence Building Measures project. 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 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 7 years of progressively responsible experience in development activities in the Transnistrian region is required at the national or international level.
  • At least 5 years of previous managerial 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 managing programmes financed by European Commission 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 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.