UNDP Jobs - 54348- Project Officer (JPLG) - (Open to Somali Nationals

Project Officer (JPLG) - (Open to Somali Nationals Only)

Location :

Garowe, SOMALIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jul-2015

Application Deadline :

18-Mar-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-10

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 five UN agencies (UNDP, UN-Habitat, UNCDF, ILO and UNICEF) of the UN Joint Programme for Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (JPLG) phase II 2013-2017, supports Local Governments, State and Federal governments, as well as civil society and private sector to promote improvements in local governance quality; which will contribute to peace consolidation, development and equitable service delivery for the citizens of Somalia. JPLG II builds on the successes of the first phase (2008-2012) of the joint programme and seeks to support Somalia to expand decentralized service delivery through 1) strengthening policy and legislative frameworks; 2) developing capacity of local government and; 3) improving decentralized service delivery. JPLG II is in line with the New Deal development cooperation framework as well as the United Nations’ Integrated Strategic Framework for Somalia (2014). The joint programme also aligns its support to the Somali Compact, including the Special Arrangement for Puntland, and has a special focus on the Somali Peace and State building Goals (PSG) 1, 4 and 5.

In order to ensure an effective and efficient management of UNDP’s contribution to the JPLG, UNDP will hire a Project Officer (PO) to provide day-to-day management of the project. The PO will be based at the UNDP Somalia office in Garowe.

Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager for Local Governance and the Head of the UNDP Garowe Area Office as a second supervisor, and in close coordination with other JPLG staff, he/she will provide programming, administrative and financial support to the JPLG, ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work for the Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (JPLG). He/she will promote a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations, and pay special attention to providing support to the project staff operating in the field.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Ensure timely implementation of the programming activities in Puntland;
Efficient procurement, administrative and logistic services and representation;
Financial resources management;
Deliver capacity building and training initiatives, and ensure a timely implementation of capacity building activities.

Ensure timely implementation of the programming activities in Puntland focusing on the achievements of the following results:

Develop common project work plans among UNDP/JPLG, the Ministry of Interior’s Department of Local Governance, and Local Government Councils and Administrations;
Technically support the proper implementation of all activities with the Ministry, and Local Authorities serving as the liaison officer between the UNDP/JPLG Management and the Puntland authorities;
Provide constant and timely monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, suggesting quick readjustments of the programming activities;
Elaboration of monthly work plans and budget as well as monthly narrative and financial report;
Collaborate closely with other UN JPLG Team Members in the delivery of support to Puntland counterparts and in the preparation of narrative reports to the government, donors and partners as well as in the planning and revision of project work plans.

Provide efficient administrative, procurement, and logistic services focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Provide all necessary support as required in terms of administrative and DEX reporting requirements, and all relevant clearance procedures for finance, procurement, recruitment, travel, etc;
In liaison with the Project Manager and with support from the UNDP Operations Unit update and initiate processing of project financial entries in Atlas; ensure transmission of project financial data for inclusion in Atlas;
Reconcile the records of payments with activities and recommends new disbursements to the Project Manager;
Under the guidance of the Project Manager and in close collaboration with the Procurement Unit, carry out and submit required preparatory work for contracts, tendering, bill of quantities and works, according to UNDP procedures, rules and regulations;
Ensures there is an adequate and retrievable filing system for all UNDP JPLG documents including soft and hard copies;
Supervise logistical arrangements for visiting missions, ensure briefing kits are compiled, liaise with Field Security Coordination Officer (FSCO) and ensure security clearance and visas are obtained for all project staff and consultants traveling to Garowe.

Ensure efficient financial resources management to the UNDP JPLG focusing on the achievements of the following results:

Proper control of the supporting documents for UNDP payments and financial reports from counterparts; preparation of all types of vouchers for development and management projects and on-behalf of client agencies; PO vouchers for development and management projects; and payment execution;
Monthly expenditures tracking in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
Review of financial reports from partners and sub-contractors;
Provide support, backstopping, and quality control to counterparts in financial reporting and identify areas for improvement in the management and use of the budget;
Liaise and cooperate with the Finance Unit and the Project Assistant in Nairobi to ensure consistency in financial reporting.

Deliver capacity building and training initiatives focusing on the achievements of the following results:

In collaboration with the Project Manager, design and review capacity building plan for ministry, regional and district officials;
Design a relevant work plan in consultation with the Project Manager and ensure a timely implementation of capacity building activities;
Participate in project training and other relevant activities at district level, and be updated on all training and implementation activities in the districts;
Advice the Project Manager on appropriate action to secure implementation of training and M&E activities in line with agreed work plans, project documents, etc.;
Conduct regular and frequent visits to the districts, regions and Ministry offices to review operations, supervise the monitoring and training officials, and to allow for a proper overview of all training activities;
Carry out any other relevant duties requested by the Project Manager.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the implementation of UNDP’s contribution to the UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (JPLG), through support to projects, financial, administrative and operational aspects.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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;
Knowledge sharing & continuous learning.

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;
Seeks and applies knowledge information, and best practices within and outside of UNDP.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to conduct results-based management and reporting;
Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration;
Ability to manage complex problems proactively and effectively, including responses to field based emergencies;
Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Management and Leadership:

Builds strong relationships with clients (primarily Government), focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates strong analytical and project management skills;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences or related field with at least 2 years of relevant work experience;
A first level university degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience in the areas of Social Science, International Relations, Political Sciences or related field, in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization in a multi-cultural setting may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree with 4 years of experience.

Experience:

Minimum of 4 years’ experience in similar position including promoting capacity building in local governance;
Experience in governance issues is a requirement;
Experience with local governance and/or public financial management is desirable;
Experience in the usage of PeopleSoft/Atlas Enterprise Resource System in financial management and application of IPSAS is a distinct advantage;
Understanding of the current economic, social and political dynamics of Somalia is desirable;
Work experience within a UN Joint Programme is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English and Somali.