Background

Notwithstanding a significant period of positive growth, Kosovo still faces deep-seated structural challenges. These challenges are reflected in unsolved macroeconomic imbalances and - particularly - in the persistently high trade deficit, which poses a constant threat to Kosovo’s long-term economic sustainability. The inability to substitute imports and to gradually move towards an export-led growth path is partially explained by a feeble industrial sector, subsistence-driven agriculture, and a low value-added service sector. Growth has been mainly driven by public spending and investment and is largely dependent on remittances and foreign aid, while private sector led growth has yet to pick up steam. While the volume of exports reached almost USD 300 million in 2010, the corresponding import bill surpassed USD 2 billion. The export structure is dominated by low value-added scrap metal exports and unrefined raw materials. Sources of potential growths in agriculture, services and manufacturing - such as abundant natural resources and a large and cost-competitive labor force - remain largely untapped. Ultimately Kosovo has the potential to shift toward faster, private sector–led growth, but accompanying measures need to be put in place to advance the agenda.

The Aid for Trade (AfT) initiative acknowledges the importance trade can play in emerging economies and its positive influence over employment and poverty reduction trajectories. It seeks to strengthen the capacity of countries to participate in and benefit from international trade. Access to foreign markets provides new opportunities for enterprises to expand their productive capacity and to generate more and better jobs. However, access to markets and growth alone would not be sufficient in pursuing a country’s development goal if there is no alignment with social aspirations and understanding of environmental implications. This project focuses on concrete interventions required to improve Kosovo’s long term trade and economic performance and its alignment with social and poverty reduction goals. The link between trade development interventions, employment and equity needs to be better understood in order to undertake proactive measures. Sources of potential growth in agriculture, services and manufacturing remain largely untapped. Ultimately Kosovo has the potential to shift toward faster, private sector–led growth, but accompanying measures need to be put in place to advance the agenda. The key challenge this project addresses is how to promote in Kosovo inclusive and sustainable growth that creates jobs and opportunities through trade development interventions.

Organizational Context

The overall objective (development goal) is to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth through the promotion of trade and the enhancement of the Kosovo’s competitiveness. The gains from trade are numerous, and extend beyond the immediate commercial benefits. Trade and investment can contribute to human development by helping to raise productivity, employment and economic growth. The purpose of the project is to improve implementation of pro-poor trade reforms and trade capacity development measures through the identification of trade policy responses, trade-related needs and capacity gaps, as well as an execution of piloting technical assistance interventions.

The project – that is to be implemented in a 3 years’ phased timeframe - consists of the two main outputs:

 

Output 1: 
Relevant decision-makers’ and MTI staff capacity enhanced to develop and implement evidence-based and pro-poor trade policies

 

Output 2:  
SMEs along trade corridors have better access to market, information and finance, and contribute to improved livelihoods 

The project builds on the long-term UNDP experience in development assistance to the countries of Eastern Europe and CIS focused on poverty reduction, human development, trade and private sector development, good governance and social and environmental policies. The project will be executed under the responsibility of UNDP Kosovo. The UNDP Regional Center for Europe and CIS (based in Bratislava) and the Trade and Human Development Unit (THDU - based in Geneva) will provide assistance and support quality assurance processes. Implementation will build on UNDP’s trade and human development approach which feature specific methodologies.

 

Under the direct supervision of Programme Analyst for the Inclusive Growth Team, and guidance from the Inclusive Growth Programme Coordinator, the Project Manager has the overall responsibility for achieving the project results (outputs) as defined in the approved project document and in the annual workplans through timely and quality implementation and monitoring. The Project Manager supervises the project staff, provides leadership to the project team, outsources project activities to partners and contractors, and builds smooth relationships with partners.

 

Summary of key functions:

Management of the project, implementing activities by mobilizing goods and services, in accordance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policy and Procedure and the UNDP Kosovo Standard Operating Procedures:
• Prepare annual project workplans and related sub-plans (procurement plan, quarterly plans if required, and others as necessary);
• Build, motivate and lead a high-performing project team; coordinate and supervise the work of the project personnel;
• Ensure timely and good-quality implementation of workplan activities;
• Continuously monitor progress against the approved work-plan; identify changes in the external environment and promptly agree necessary solutions/actions ( i.e. related to the planning and implementation of activities, need for new activities) with UNDP office and Project Board;
• Mobilize personnel, goods and services, including drafting terms of reference and work specifications and overseeing all contractors’ work;
• Manage requests for the provision of financial resources by UNDP, through advance of funds, direct payments, or reimbursement using the FACE (Fund Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures);
• Monitor financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports; ensue preparation of budget revisions as necessary; follow up with UNDP programme associate and finance staff on issues;
• Coordinate an exit strategy at least 6 months ahead of the project closure date; ensure closure of the project is done according to the established procedures.

Monitoring of progress and risks, ensuring that changes are controlled and problems addressed; Reporting on progress including measures to address challenges and opportunities:
• Monitor events as determined in the project monitoring schedule plan, and update the plan (in Atlas and off-Atlas) as required;
• Periodically update the project information Atlas Project Management module;
• Manage and monitor the project risks initially identified and submit new risks to the Project Board for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; update the status of these risks by maintaining the project risks log;
• Organize regular Board meetings and perform regular progress reporting to the project board as agreed to with the board;
• Prepare progress reports with the frequency and using the template recommended by the UNDP office; Submit the report to supervisor in the UNDP programme team for review and clearance, according to the agreed timetable; Share report with the project board;
• Ensure reporting to donor is prepared timely and the reports are meeting the standards;
• Support the preparation of reviews and evaluations as defined in the project document;
• Prepare final project reports and papers.
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Support partnerships and advocacy activities at project level

• Be familiar with the activities of other development projects in the area of trade, establish contact and keep up-to date with their work;
• Create and maintain partnerships with local institutions and private sector in the AFT project target areas;
• Support the partnerships and advocacy activities agreed by the UNDP office in the area/sector covered by the project.

 

Ensure implementation of knowledge management activities

• Regular exchange of information/experience with other projects, cross-learning and sharing results and good practices;
• Ensure the project has the required communication package and preparation, upon request of the UNDP office, of information materials for dissemination within UNDP globally and regionally, and to external stakeholders;
• Capture lessons learnt during project implementation – a lessons learnt log can be used in this regard;
• Participation in regular internal meetings;
• Participation in training events, communities of practice, codifying and sharing knowledge facilitation and organization of training for project staff to enable them to perform at the required level.

 

Impact of Results

• The results of the work of Project Manager have a direct impact on the implementation of the project and the achievement of results. 
• Specifically, the results have an impact on the planning, implementation, monitoring and coordination of project activities and resources (human, financial, material assets etc) in order to meet expected results, and contribute to the overall success and impact of the UNDP office work in Kosovo. 

 

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

 

 

• Ability to conduct strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to analyze data, apply conceptual models and understand policy frameworks
• Ability to lead business process
• Ability to affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change
• Analytical and strategic thinking. Results orientated.
• Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment
• Excellent supervisory, leadership and team-building skills. Conflict resolution skills.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, as well as constructive, attitude
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Responds positively to critical feedback

Education: 
Master’s degree or equivalent in a social science discipline (preference given to those with a master’s degree in development studies/international development, economics, or business administration)

Experience:
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant and progressively responsible post-master’s working experience in the field of economy/trade/development;
• Demonstrated hands-on experience on project/programme management or managing staff and operational systems, and/or establishing relationships among international organization and local institutions/communities is a must;
• Previous experience in private sector development, external trade policymaking and trade promotion, government or development assistance or related  work for an international agency or donor organization or NGO;
• Proven track record in understanding relevant development issues regarding trade and development;
• A solid understanding of private sector responses to poverty reduction and development; 
• A solid understanding of economic development context and trade sector in Kosovo;
• Ability to coordinate complex programs with diverse range of partners;
• Experience in relationship management and facilitation skills;
• International experience will be considered an asset;
• Fluency in written and spoken English;
• Knowledge and experience of gender equality and women’s empowerment will be considered an asset;
• Knowledge of Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of projects, managing data and reporting will be considered as an asset
• 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 and Albanian