UNDP Jobs - 48826- Project Manager, "Expert support for the establish

Project Manager, "Expert support for the establishment of a national ODA system in Kazakhstan", UNDP (only for Kazakhstan citizens)

Location :

Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

27-Aug-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 months

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

In 2013 the Government of Kazakhstan pronounced the establishment of the national Official Development Assistance system, which aims to form an Agency known today as KazAID. This initiative specifically focuses on aligning internationally bound Kazakh aid into a single coordination unit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sanctioned institutional capacity building support in efforts to operationalize Kazakh-led development assistance. In partnership with the MFA, the United Nations Development Program further extends the project’s potential by facilitating knowledge sharing of relevant global expertise and partnerships.

The overall project objective is to systematically coordinate Kazakh official development assistance via an effective and efficient implementation of joint project activities as set by the MFA and the UNDP in the Project Document.
Under this project, the UNDP is hiring a Project Manager (PM) to head the secretariat supporting the aid coordination unit, formally known as KazAID. The project manager will; 1) prepare legislature, 2) initiate and uphold project conceptualization, communication and stakeholder engagement, 3) prepare pilot triangular projects 4) and expedite capacity building of involved human capital.
The PM will provide supervision of consultants, contracted companies, as well as technical and administrative staff forming the Secretariat.
The prescribed responsibilities will fall under the legal framework of the Project Document, which stipulates that the PM will work under the general oversight of the National Project Director and UNDP Resident Representative, and the direct supervision of the Head of the Strategic Support Unit of the UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected

The Project Manager will be responsible for Project implementation and the dissemination of its results.

Summary of Key Functions:
- Overall technical support to the MFA in building the ODA system (Secretariat)
-Day-to-day management of the ODA project planning, monitoring and evaluation vis-à-vis the Kazakhstan-UNDP partnership, in accordance with the specific rules and procedures
-Day-to-day management of the Project’s human resources, finances and procurement

1. Overall technical support to the MFA in building the ODA system (Secretariat)
-Organize the work of the project team in order to establish a so-called secretariat that will provide overall technical support to KAZAID Unit at the MFA
-Ensure qualitative implementation of the entire project management cycle (planning, implementation, monitoring, risk assessments and result dissemination);
-Monitor the project implementation, in order to insure that both the beneficiaries and the contractual partners fulfill their contractual obligations
-Provide policy advice and on-demand support to the KAZAID Unit at the MFA for the establishment of the ODA system, including written input and participation in various meetings
-Support development of the ODA related legislation and strategic documents for submission to the Parliament
-Facilitate the participation of Kazakh MFA in relevant global and regional events;
-Ensure institutional capacity assessment/gap analysis to help identify already existing capacities and strengths
-Ensure that the project team focuses on:
- development of strong communication and visibility strategies for the Operator and establishment of knowledge-sharing between ministries within Kazakhstan and ODA agencies abroad
- development of demonstration triangular cooperation projects with engagement of existing development initiatives and other stakeholders operating in country
- training of MFA staff on the above mentioned issues, where necessary
- development of the database for all national ODA projects developed; inventory of ODA projects for last 5 years and those planned for near future done and mechanism of their transfer to the Operator for its future coordination developed

2. Day-to-day management of ODA project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation vis-à-vis the Kazakhstan-UNDP partnership, in accordance with the specific rules and procedures
-Ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the joint project activities focusing on achievement of the project’s results
-Daily liaison between UNDP and the Kazakhstan MFA, other state institutions, NGOs, academia, etc.
-Regular reporting and communication with the Project Board and UNDP about project status, including problems
-Preparing the key project documentation, including analytical pieces and periodic updates on the status of the partnership, codifying the acquired learning and ensuring effective sharing of information with all key stakeholders
-Ensuring contribution of the Kazakhstani perspective into the regional thinking and action of UNDP, relevant to the overall objectives of the project
-Networking with beneficiaries, contractual partners as well as co-financers on the project implementation
-Evaluation of results and of the project impact; providing feedback for increasing the impact of future initiatives
-Networking with international organizations active in the field for coordination and cooperation

3. Day-to-day management of the Project’s human resources, finances and procurement
-Oversee the project team (project assistant, long-term expert(s)) on an ongoing basis as well as temporary consultants as necessary
-Prepare and submit financial reports, quarterly progress reports, annual project implementation review reports, annual work plans and other reports as may be required
-Where necessary, perform the function of ATLAS User, approving requisitions and performing other relevant ATLAS processes
-Initiate and manage the procurement actions required by the project’s work plan as well as the necessary administrative action related to hiring of consultants
-Lead in organization of events/trainings/study visits, including project external missions’ arrangements and other logistical arrangements
-Lead administrative support to the project in full compliance with UNDP procedures, while ensuring effective utilization of the funds and in full compliance with the project documents and agreements
-Perform budget revisions, annual inventory and auditing, and assist external evaluators in fulfilling their mission
-Carry out other project-related tasks assigned by the direct supervisor

Impact of Results
Results of the work of the Project Manager will have an impact on the overall establishment of the national ODA system in Kazakhstan

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
-Demonstrating ethics and integrity
-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

Functional Competencies
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
-Ability to perform a variety of project management related tasks
-Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting

Leadership and Self-Management:
-Focuses on impact and result for the project beneficiary
-Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
-Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
-Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
-Builds strong relationships with project beneficiary and external actors
-Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
-Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
-Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view
-Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior

Knowledge Management and Learning:
-Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP practice areas
-Promotes a learning environment in the office
-Demonstrates strong coaching/mentoring skills, regularly providing helpful feedback and advice to others in the office
-Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in public administration, law, social sciences, communications, international affairs or other relevant field.

Experience:
-At least 5 years of relevant work experience in project management or UN or government civil service
-Experience with project management and in liaising and cooperating with government officials, NGOs, media, academia is a strong advantage. Previous experience in development assistance or related work for UNDP or other international organization/ NGO/ public institutions is a strong advantage.

Language Requirements:
-Fluency in written and oral Russian and English
-Knowledge of Kazakh is preferable

How to apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through this site by clicking "APPLY NOW" button. Please ensure that you upload your UN Personal History Form-P11 (on the 2nd page of the application by selecting "UPLOAD RESUME" option) Incomplete applications will not be given consideration. Please note that only short-listed applications will be contacted.