UNDP Jobs - 52450- Re-advertisement: Project Manager

Re-advertisement: Project Manager - Access to Justice

Location :

Juba, SOUTH SUDAN

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

15-Jan-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-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

The South Sudan Development Plan (SSDP) outlines priorities of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan in the interim period from independence to the end of 2016. The overarching objective of the SSDP is to ensure that: "South Sudan is a united and peaceful new nation, building strong foundations for good governance, economic prosperity and enhanced quality of life for all". The SSDP identifies national policy goals and priorities across four priority pillars: (1) Governance; (2) Economic Development; (3) Social and Human Development; and (4) Conflict Prevention and Security.

The Rule of Law sector is part of the Conflict Prevention and Security Pillar and comprises the following institutions: Ministry of Internal Affairs now Ministry of Interior; Ministry of Justice; SS Police Service; SS Prison Service; SS Fire Service; SS Human Rights Commission; Law Review Commission; Community Security and Small Arms Control Bureau; Customs; Immigration; Judiciary.

The objective of the Rule of Law Sector of the South Sudan Development Plan (SSDP) is "to strengthen the Rule of Law in South Sudan by enforcing and maintaining law and order, providing equitable access to justice and a functioning criminal justice system, increasing security in communities, and promoting and protecting human rights for all." The SSDP identifies strengthening the rule of law institutions as a top priority and emphasizes the need for a sectoral approach to reform. The plan recognizes that the work of the police, prosecutions, judiciary and prisons services is inextricably linked and that gaps in service delivery in one institution could negate the gains in another.

The project also contributes to the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) Outcome 5: “Access to Justice and Rule of Law improves” and aims to support the priorities of the rule of law institutions (Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, MoI (Police and Prison)) as articulated in their institutional mandates and /Strategic plans. UNDP’s support will contribute to the provision of equitable access to justice, and promote law and order through accountable and transparent formal and informal institutions. The Strategic Objectives of the programme are: (i) Increased access to justice through coordinated institutional presence at State and County levels (ii) Reduction in case backlog (iii) Mechanisms to address prolonged and arbitrary detention established in Rule of Law Institutions (iv) Policy framework for the harmonization of the administration of traditional with the formal justice sector put in place and (v) Capacity development and institutional strengthening.

The outbreak of violence in South Sudan 2013, which resulted from disagreements within the ruling SPLM party and spiraled into an armed conflict across ethnic lines, led to review of the Project and the implementation of a two year Crisis Response Plan, which cuts across most UNDP projects. While the conflict is entrenched in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states, an IGAD peace process is on-going, though in a stalled manner. The crisis has led to calls for a comprehensive and credible transitional justice process which is expected to deepen democracy through an integrated constitution making process and the rule of law. In this regard, the Project was reprogrammed to support the development of human and institutional capacities, to respond to a credible accountability mechanisms. Current Project design also includes providing support to civil society to participate in inclusive transitional justice dialogue and advocacy.

UNDP South Sudan now seeks Project Manager to be co-located in the Ministry of Justice and to provide results-based project management for the Access to Justice and Rule of Law Project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions/Key Results Expected

The Portfolio Manager will responsible for day-to-day project management and will be co-located at the Ministry of Justice Headquarters in Juba and work in close collaboration and consultation with the Chief Technical Advisors in the Ministries of Justice, Interior, Judiciary, and manage Law Enforcement Advisors and Rule of Law Officers at national and State levels. The Project Manager will have a reporting line to the team leader of the Governance and Rule of Law Unit for programme direction, harmonization, linkages and coordination; and work closely with the rule of law programme specialist on monitor and reporting results and providing quality assurance.

Summary of Key Functions

Ensure project Implementation;
Financial Management;
Building strategic partnerships and alliance;
Results based management and reporting;
Resource mobilization.

Ensure Project Implementation

Participate in all internal and external (coordination) meetings representing the project;
The management and recruitment of staff in accordance with UNDP guidelines;
Undertake monitoring visits to project sites and report on project progress and constraints;
Ensure the achievement of outputs in line with the approved work plan through the day-to-day planning, management coordination and implementation of activities.

Financial Management

Ensure accountability for, and efficient use of project funds;
Manage and monitor requests for financial resources and ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports;
Supervise requisitions, purchase orders and payment requests in ATLAS, and ensure monthly delivery updates to the Programme Officer on financial delivery performance;
Provide leadership in overseeing of effective provision of services to counterparts including fair and transparent procurement process, efficient logistics and sound financial management;
Liaise with the Technical Advisors and other project staff on financial management of the project activities, including monitoring project financial expenditures and transactions;
Managing calls for bids and for proposals and selection of implementing partners within the UNDP contractual framework for project activity implementation;
Design the scope of works and TORs for the bids and call for proposals;
Ensuring the integrity of financial system and, overseeing the administrative, financial and budgetary aspects of the project activities;
Ensure strict and consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations.

Building strategic partnerships and alliances

Participate in inter-agency working groups and initiatives to promote rule of law, protection and human security;
Engage in a constructive dialogue with partners in South Sudan, the Region and UNDP HQ to maximize consistency and synergy between the various support components, as informed by the priorities of the Government of South Sudan;
Maintain continuous dialogue with the Government and other key partners to ensure proper integration and co-ordination of other related development efforts;
Support the institutionalization of sector-wide approach to justice sector reform;
Support establishment of Criminal Justice Sector Coordination Forums at National and State level;
Provide professional opinions in areas of expertise to promote networking and teamwork between counterparts and the general donor community.

Results based management and reporting

Advise the project team on the achievement of specific results of the project detailed in the Annual Work Plan;
Identify synergies between the institution specific interventions and other projects of the Access to Justice and Rule of Law programme to maximize impact and results;
Prepare reports, work plans, regular donor progress and impact reports for the project;
Participate in all internal and external (coordination) meetings representing the project;
Manage and monitor identified project risks and update the status of these risks;
Plan and prioritize work activities to meet organizational goals; and organize and oversee work processes efficiently to achieve quality results;
Assist the UNDP project team to achieve results as identified in the Annual Work Plan;
Undertake any other duties as may be required by counterparts and UNDP.

Resource Mobilization

Catalyze mobilization of additional cost-sharing resources from the government, donors and Regional partners to widen the support base to institutional development in the justice sector;
Develop partnerships with other individuals and organizations to ensure wide participation and sharing in development issues;
Maintain relationships between the Sector and the donors and present a clear analysis of how their financial support has contributed to the results they requested, and promote the institutional development efforts to new donors.

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;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Ability to work with a multi-cultural and diverse team.

Functional Competencies:

Sound understanding of issues related to law and development;
Demonstrated strong management, coordination and facilitation skills;
Excellent communication skills (oral and written);
Results oriented, flexible and problem solving skills;
Ability to work under pressure, analyzing large amounts of sensitive information and supporting crucial decision making at the highest levels of government;
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to initiate discussions about complex security subjects;
Ability to work in an environment which is evolving from a military into one protective of the rights of civilians, by leading from behind;
Sound judgment, maturity, flexibility and adaptability, with regard to cultural sensitivity;
Willing to live and work in a hardship environment;
Knowledge of ATLAS.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree Public Policy and Management, additional qualification in Law and/or Human Rights will be an advantage

Experience:

At least 7 years’ professional experience in project management, with at least 5 years focus on justice sector reform and/or access to justice and rule of law programming;
Experience of managing development projects in post-conflict situations in the area of justice sector reform;
Proven understanding of law and development issues and the administration of justice;
Proven experience in partnership building and networking;
Demonstrated experience in managing development projects, particularly in the area of justice sector reform;
Substantial previous experience in project management and working with senior government officials;
Proven strong analytical ability and written and oral communication skills is a requirement;
Computer skills and strong knowledge of various software including Excel, PowerPoint and Word;
Knowledge of UNDP programme management procedures and policies, including experience with Atlas (Resource Management System) is required;
Experience from previous UN assignments in a post-conflict environment and work in a Country Office would be an asset.

Language Requirements:

Excellent knowledge of English and ability to communicate clearly in written and spoken English.