UNDP Jobs - 31254- Project Manager (For Rwanda nationals only)

PROJECT MANAGER (FOR RWANDA NATIONALS ONLY)
Location :	Kigali, RWANDA
Application Deadline :	25-Jul-12
Additional Category	Poverty Reduction
Type of Contract :	Service Contract
Post Level :	SB-4
Languages Required :	English French
Duration of Initial Contract :	One year renewable
Background
The Government of Rwanda’s (GoR) medium-term strategy for economic growth, poverty reduction and human development, is set out in the”Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy” (EDPRS). The EDPRS covering the five year period from 2008 to 2012 identifies the country’s developmental objectives, priorities and policies through three flagship programs: i) Growth for Jobs and Exports; (ii) Governance; (iii) Vision 2020 Umurenge that aims to reduce inequality and extreme poverty. The EDPRS is fully supported by country level stakeholders, including development partners and assigns a high priority in accelerating private sector-led growth. Three years down the road of the implementation of the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS), it is clear that progress is being made. The EDPRS results and policy matrix is organized around the three EDPRS flagship programs, which have been aligned to the three clusters (Economic, Social and Governance). In 2007, the UNDP country office elaborated the current Country Programme (2008-2012). The Country Programme Document articulates UNDP’s responsibilities with the implementation of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). The UNDAF (2008-2012) conveys the UN system’s response to the Government of Rwanda’s Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS). As part of the effort to improve system-wide coherence and reduce duplication, UNDP will refocus its programme around the central issue of governance, where it has a clear comparative advantage. Given UNDAF’s emphasis on Good Governance, UNDP will focus its interventions in this area. In addition, UNDP will work in the area of environment in partnership with specialized non-resident agencies. A strong, coordinated response from Rwanda’s development partners and the UN system is needed to meet current challenges, including the rehabilitation of the country’s human and social capital, and service delivery to the poor. In order to help Rwanda meet the MDGs, a scaling-up of aid flows is currently under discussion. If implemented, this will create a whole new set of challenges in terms of strengthening public financial management and the macro-economic framework, as well as addressing institutional weaknesses in service delivery and decentralization. Finally, the long term sustainability of Rwanda’s development strategy will require a deepening of the reconciliation process, and strengthening of democratic governance, as well as a mainstreamed approach to conflict prevention and peace building. From 2005 to 2007 the Support to Increased Country Office Delivery and Technical Support Capacity project produced the following results for the in support of the Government of Rwanda: Africa Governance Forum VI essential documents for Rwanda were prepared; AGF VI were organised and effectively convened in Kigali, Rwanda; A study on “Pro-Poor Economic Policies in Rwanda” was undertaken and published; Rwanda’s National Human Development Report (NHDR) were published; UNDP/RBA Women’s Governance Forum was undertaken in Rwanda; UNDAF was prepared. Between 2008 and 2010, the project provided, among others, the following support to the Government of Rwanda: Production of Rwanda National Human Development Progress Report (NHDR); Production of the 2010 MDG Progress Report; Publication of the 2008 UNDP Annual Report; Launch of the 2009 Global Human Development Report (HDR); Numerous Workshops/Trainings, including one on MDG Scaling Up Activities. Managed through the DIM modality, this project provided targeted support for the development of reports that generated wide ranging debate and discussion on pertinent development issues as well as informed national policy and planning. The publication and dissemination of the Rwanda Human Development Report 2007 was a timely and a useful contribution to the ongoing debate on translating development goals in Vision 2020 and the Millennium Development Goals into effective policies and concrete action plans. During the current programme period, UNDP will continue its contribution to evidence based policy making through the development of a follow up support project managed by the country office. This project will seek to contribute to UNDAF outcome 1.5 “Policy and socio-economic planning based on quality and disaggregated data strengthened” particularly through continued support to the development of Rwanda Info and the production of policy documents such as National Human Development Reports (NHDR) and MDG Progress Reports
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions: Manage the realization of project outputs through activities; Provide direction and guidance to project team(s)/ responsible party (ies); Liaise with the Project Board or its appointed Project Assurance roles to assure the overall direction and integrity of the project; Identify and obtain any support and advice required for the management, planning and control of the project; May also perform the role of Team Manager. 1. Ensures implementation of the project focusing on achievement of the following results: Identification of strategic and innovative programme areas of cooperation; Operationalization of UNDAP/CCPD in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies; Analysis and presentation of UNDP poverty reduction policies, and their implementation in the Country Office (CO); Ensuring the linkages of the MDG portfolio with other UNDP practice areas in CO: governance, disaster risk reduction, environment, HIV/AIDS, and gender. 2. Ensures effective management of the DIM project focusing on quality control of the full cycle of project management:focusing on quality control of the full cycle of project management: Ensure that funds are made available to the project; Ensure that risks and issues are properly managed, and that the logs in Atlas are regularly updated; Ensure that critical project information is monitored and updated in Atlas, using the Activity Quality log in particular. 3. Maintains advocacy and promotion of awareness of UNDP’s mandate and mission focusing on achievement of the following results: Advocacy for the Millennium Development Goals, Human Development and equitable economic growth by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings; Support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals; Management of events and publications on economic issues.
Competencies
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. Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example; Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills. Development and Operational Effectiveness Good knowledge of economics and current development issues particularly those pertinent to UNDP’s Practice Areas; Ability to analyze data, apply conceptual models, policy frameworks; Ability to lead formulation and evaluation of development programmes and project; Ability to apply economic theory to the specific country context, carry out high-quality economic research. Management and Leadership Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills; Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Master’s Degree or equivalent in management, economics, social sciences and related areas Experience: At least 5 years progressive experience at the national or international level in providing project management support; Sound understanding of Rwandan development context and MDGs; Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems. Language: Excellent knowledge of English and French (written and oral).

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.