UNDP Jobs - 32136- Project Manager

Project Manager - re-announcement

Location :

Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

30-Aug-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-9

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months (with possible extension subject to satisfactory performance)

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 months (with possible extension subject to satisfactory performance)

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

Project Title/Department: Social Innovation and Volunteerism in Uzbekistan
Work status (full time / part time): Full-time
Reports To: Head of Good Governance Unit, UNV Programme Officer

The main goal of the project is to establish an enabling environment for promotion of community based volunteerism as the platform to forge collaboration, spotting talents, introducing social innovation tools for youth engagement. In addition, special emphasis will be made for providing evidence of value-added youth-led development and encouraging organizations to launch volunteer programmes for young people.
Under the direct supervision of the Project Board and in close cooperation with the UNDP Head of Good Governance Unit and UNV Programme Officer the Project Manager is fully responsible for the satisfactory achievement of the project objectives and for operational management of the project according to the project document and UNDP corporate rules and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

Overall project management:

Manage the realization of the project outputs as set out in the Project Document through planning and implementing activities;
Provide direction and guidance to the project team;
Liaise with the Project Board and its appointed Project Assurance to assure the overall direction and integrity of the project;
Ensures that project contributes to the promotion of gender equality by reaching, involving and benefiting both women and men in its activities (gender mainstreaming);
Provides assistance with the overall monitoring and evaluation of the project and ensures that all data gathered during project implementation is disaggregated by sex;
Identify and obtain any support and advice required for the management, planning and control of the project;
Bear responsibility for project administration, budgets and outputs;
Acts as a focal point to liaise with auditors and ensures follow-up actions on their recommendations. Ensures the proper accuracy and reliability of submitted financial information and reporting.
Identifies partnership strategies with regard to providers of specialised expertise, with special encouragements for providers with a gender mandate/gender knowledge, and possible co-financiers, and leads resource mobilisation for project components;
Coordinates gender balanced recruitment process of the local and international consultants and ensures timely delivery of services and payments.

Running a project:

Plan the activities of the project and monitor progress against the initial quality criteria;
Supervise accomplishment of the Project work-plans, analyze emerging problems and take adequate measures to ensure timely fulfillment of Project tasks;
Coordinate the process of raising public awareness on Project and related activities through mass media;
Coordinates recruitment process of the local and/or international consultants; monitor timely delivery of their services and payments;
Establish and develop close cooperation with the relevant Government bodies, civil society, private sector and other development partners to ensure effective interaction and follow up on matters related to project activities;
Mobilize goods and services to implement planned activities, including drafting TORs and work specifications;
Monitor financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports;
Manage and monitor the project risks as initially identified in the Project Document appraised by the LPAC, 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;
Be responsible for managing issues and requests for change by maintaining an Issues Log;
Prepare the Project Quarterly Progress Report (progress against planned activities, update on risks and issues, expenditures) and submit the report to the Project Board and Project Assurance;
Prepare the Annual Review Reports, and submit the report to the Project Board;
Report on progress achieved (targets) in Atlas, update project risk log and issues log, report on quality of outputs in Atlas;
Based on the review, prepare the Annual Work Plan for the following year, as well as Quarterly Plans if required.

Closing a project:

Prepare Final Project Review Reports to be submitted to the Project Board;
Identify follow-on actions and submit them for consideration to the Project Board;
Manage the transfer of project deliverables, documents, files, equipment and materials to national beneficiaries;
Prepare final CDR for signature by UNDP and the Implementing Partner.

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 a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the team 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

Ability to lead planning, results-based management and reporting
Ability to formulate and manage budgets
Solid project and personnel management skills, and a consistent record of managing complex and challenging partnerships with governments and bilateral donors
Practical knowledge and skills for resource mobilization focusing on multilateral and bilateral donors
Familiarity with UNDP project management

Leadership and Self-Management

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: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public or Business Administration, Development, Management or other related area
Experience: Proven track of at least 3 years of progressive work experience in youth empowerment and social field of which:
At least 1 year of management work experience in the field of youth engagement and empowerment, civic education, gender, social support, promotion of human rights. Experience with NGOs is an asset.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English, proficiency in Russian and Uzbek
Others:

Excellent understanding of concepts and principles of Human Rights Based Approach, gender equality as well as gender issues in the country, human rights and development issues;
Knowledge of and experience in gender mainstreaming is an asset;
Initiative and strong leadership skills;
Strong analytical, management and communication skills, good ability in partnership, networking and team-work;
Excellent interpersonal and cross cultural communication skills;
Ability to use information and communication technology as a tool and resource;
Initiative, analytical judgment, ability to work under pressure, ethics and honesty.

Application Process:

All interested and qualified candidates are required to apply on-line through the UNDP website at www.undp.uz. The UNDP will only accept applications submitted on-line.

Please ensure that before making on-line application you have completed the UNDP Personal History Form (P11). The electronic version of the P11 can be downloaded from http://www.undp.uz (Vacancies Section). The completed (P11) further to be uploaded while applying on-line.

The deadline for submission of application is COB, 30 August, 2012. Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date (30 August, 2012) will not be given consideration. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.

For more detailed information about UNDP Uzbekistan please visit our website at www.undp.uz. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates, people with disabilities, and minorities are highly encouraged to apply. UNDP Balance in Manage Policy promotes achievement of gender balance among its staff at all levels.

The position is open for Uzbekistan citizens only