UNDP Jobs - 49679- National Project Manager, UNDP-GEF Project (Water

National Project Manager, UNDP-GEF Project (Water Sector)

Location :

Freetown, SIERRA LEONE

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

10-Oct-2014

Application Deadline :

24-Sep-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

Languages Required :

English

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

UNDP supports countries in addressing development, climate, and ecosystem sustainability in an integrated manner. As a Global Environment Facility (GEF) Implementing Agency, UNDP offers countries highly specialized technical services for programme/project formulation, project implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, performance-based knowledge management.

The water sector in Sierra Leone is presently undergoing reforms. Sustainable water supply, which remains a major challenge to local development, is a national priority. There are several climate related challenges that place significant constraints to sustainable water supply, both in the capital Freetown as well as in rural districts. Although sufficient water is available in the rainy season, water shortages are frequent during the dry season. Furthermore, water sources are tapped unsustainably for domestic and industrial purposes, and water infrastructure developments are planned without taking climate change impacts into account

In support of the Government of Sierra Leone, UNDP-GEF designed a country-led intervention on building adaptive capacity to catalyze active public and private sector participation to manage the exposure and sensitivity of water supply services to climate change (Water Sector Project).

To support the implementation of the project and ensure timely as well as quality delivery of the outputs specified in the project document, UNDP Sierra Leone is recruiting a National Project Manager (NPM). The NPM will report to the Project Board and will manage the project on a day-to-day basis on behalf of the implementing partners, and with support from a Technical Advisor. The NPM will work closely with the ministry of Water Resources, the UNDP CO, and stakeholders of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions

Day-to-day project management, ensuring quality and timely implementation of the project;
Facilitate capacity enhancement, including provision of technical and training expertise to the Ministry of Water Resources as required for implementation of the project;
Facilitate knowledge building and management;
Establish and maintain strategic partnerships;
Establish and maintain strategic partnerships.

Project Management

Coordinate the project team in carrying out their duties, ensuring efficient and effective resource utilization;
Coordinate inputs into annual results-based work plans and logical frameworks as endorsed by the Project Steering Committee (PSC);
Manage and monitor project risks, keep the PSC informed for decisions on adaptive management actions, and regularly update the project Risks Log;
Prepare detailed annual and quarterly breakdowns of the work plan using standard UNDP templates;
Facilitate the collection of baseline data, updating of the project M&E framework using SMART indicators, and feedback of lessons learned into Results-Based Management;
Ensure timely delivery of project reports, including an Inception Report, Quarterly Reports, Annual Project Reports, Project Performance and Implementation Review Reports, Midterm Evaluation Report, and Terminal Report;
Prepare quarterly financial reports for review by the Implementing Partner and UNDP;
Make recommendations to the Steering Committee for effective implementation and coordination of project activities.

Capacity Enhancement

implementation of project activities, including monitoring and site operations, while assuming quality control of interventions.
Analyze capacity constraints at the Ministry of Water Resources;
Facilitate interventions to address capacity constraints (e.g. procurement, targeted training, workshops);
Coordinate the establishment and regular meetings of sub-national project Task Teams for sharing of information, and lessons learned.

Knowledge Management

Seek, analyze and apply knowledge, information, and best practices;
Promote knowledge management, document best practices and lessons learned from project implementation, and facilitate dissemination in appropriate format to stakeholders.

Strategic Partnerships

Liaise with project partners, donor organizations, NGOs and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and coordination of project activities.

Impact on Results

The project is designed to enhance national capacity for climate change adaptation in the water sector, through informed planning and decision-making processes, as well as innovative infrastructure development.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Professionalism

Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems;
Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement;
Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Knowledge Management and Learning

Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of the project;
Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
Promotes knowledge management and a learning environment through leadership and personal example;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of project activities;
Ability to apply results-based management;
Ability to apply development theory to the project context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations.

Partnerships

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
Ability to work with diverse partners including Government, donors and civil society.

Communication

Demonstrates outstanding communication skills oral and written communication skills;
Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (MSc degree or equivalent) in hydrology, water management, climate change, or related field;
A first-level university degree in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

Minimum 5 years of relevant experience;
Experience in project management;
Familiarity with M&E and RBM processes;
Demonstrated ability to provide on-the-job training to others;
Previous experience working with the United Nations is an advantage;
Experience working with Government institutions is a strong asset;
Excellent communication and IT skills are essential.

Language Requiremnent

Fluency in both written and spoken English.