UNDP Jobs - 55475- Project Manager (Operations and Internal Control,

Project Manager (Operations and Internal Control, PCU)

Location :

Port-au-Prince, HAITI

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

01-Sep-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English French

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 Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR), representing the Government of Haiti (GOH), signed a Project Document (Prodoc) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen the administrative and financial management capacity of the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) of the Development of Small Irrigation (PPI-II / PPI-III) funded by the conventions of grants and loans (PRETS 715 HT & 1140 P, DONS DSF 8041 & G-I-DSF 8103 HT) concluded between the Government of Haiti, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Organization of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The audit of fiscal year 2012 showed a weakness in the administrative and financial management of projects, which determined the suspension of funding for projects by IFAD. The recruitment of an accredited international institution in Haiti to support the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in the administrative and financial management was one of the conditions required by IFAD to lift the suspension.

Taking into account the technical and financial proposal submitted by UNDP and accepted by IFAD and the MARNDR for the management of the funds and capacity building of the UCP, UNDP will establish a team of experts: (i) for UNDP to manage the project ; (ii) to accompany the MANRDR in planning of project activities implementation; (iii) provide support for the management of the funds by UNDP; (iv) strengthen the capacity of PCU staff for financial and administrative management for a responsible and independent management of projects.

In this context, UNDP wishes to recruit a Project Manager, Specialist in operations and internal control.

Under direct supervision of the Head of Unit Livelihood (UNDP), in close collaboration with the PCU coordinator (MARNDR), the Specialist in Operations and internal control/ Project Manager is responsible for the quality control of the financial and operational management of the project in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. This includes strategic financial, planning, organization, coordination, monitoring and implementation of operations activities. The main role is to lead the operations activities (Finance and administration), ensuring smooth functioning of the PCU, consistent services delivery and constant monitoring, evaluation and

readjustment of the operations to take into account changes in the operating environment as and when needed.

The Specialist in Operations and internal control/ Project Manager works in close collaboration with programme and project teams in the CO, and Government officials (MARNDR) to successfully deliver operations services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure Project management and proper monitoring procedures and quality control focusing on the following tasks:

Perform Financial analysis and oversight for all resources managed by FIDA and provisions of high-quality professional advice;
Takes the lead on operational management of the Project. This includes management of day-to-day procurement, human and financial resources and services operations.
The incumbent is responsible for achieving results in line with the outputs and activities outlined in the Project Document by managing the financial resources through planning, guiding, monitoring and controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
Oversees preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports and organize, quarterly progress reviews;
Liaise with UNDP on the conduct of project audit ensure access by auditors to all project documentation, personnel and institutions involved in the project;

Assume direct responsibility for managing the project budget by ensuring that:

project funds are made available when needed and are disbursed properly,
expenditures are in accordance with the project document and/or existing project work plan,
accounting records and supporting documents are properly kept, required financial reports are timely prepared,
financial operations are transparent and financial procedures/regulations for NEX projects are properly applied and prepared to respond to audits and interact with auditors at any time;

Works closely with the M&E team to undertake integrated and joint M&E plan and activities with the Ministry of Agriculture National Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR) to improve data collection, quality and management together with its used in informing decision making;
Participate in strengthening the M&E function within the PR across all areas (Programme, CD and Operations) by providing guidance to the regional teams on impact monitoring and facilitate exchange of best practices.

Ensure elaboration and implementation of Strategic Operations management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance of operations with UNDP rules: regulation and policies, implementation of internal operational strategies and monitoring achieved results;
Establish a mapping of activities and internal implementation of standard procedures of operation for finance, human resources management, procurement and logistics;
Permanent monitoring and analysis of the environment, readjusting operations chronogram, consulting on legal issues and risk management;
Supervision the proper implementation of IPSAS procedures;
Supervision and performance evaluation of the local staff;
Provide technical support to the annual audit process of performance review, including the dissemination of evaluations and lessons learned from said processes to inform enhanced programming.

Ensure the efficient and effective management of financial resources and the supervision of financial processes and the transfer of skills PCU staff to address the following results:

Ensure transparency of financial processes and the use of funds according to IFAD and UNDP guidelines;
Provide strategic support and capacity building to MARDNR, partners and sub-recipients on finance issues: contracting, banking, accounting and reporting;
Review contracts with partners to ensure UNDP compliance (operational and financial compliance);
Make recommendations to improve financial and accounting management, to improve the information system for both the unit for the project and assist in the implementation of the proposed solutions;
Supervise the integrity and consistency of project information in the ATLAS management system (management " Level 2" in ATLAS) and in the accounting software (TOMPRO) available and functional at MARNDR;
Check the monthly disbursements prepared by the finance assistants, supervise its changes, and ensure the implementation of necessary corrections;
Check the payments made by the assistants in ATLAS and ensure regular payments of the beneficiaries and implementation partners ;
Ensure financial reporting to the MARNDR and to IFAD in accordance to the project document provisions;
Provides technical guidance and operational support to implementing partners to enhance performance and quality assurance, share knowledge and build capacity;
Supervise the preparation and submission of project document;
Ensure the timely submission of high quality and transfer of competencies for its preparation to national counterparts;
Ensure support to strengthen implementing partner systems are strengthened to support programming, M&E and financial management ot improve grant implementation and performance.

Partnership and resources mobilization:

Building strong relationships with external actors in general and donors, partners and important institutions in particular;
Cultivate productive relationships with donors, partners and other important institutions and individuals;
Elaboration of clear strategic plans prioritizing interventions, and allocate resources according to priorities;
Development of innovative solutions and tools to address challenging stituations.

Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provide ongoing training and guidance to the team within the PCU of the MARNDR and develops work plans and priorities, monitors achievements and evaluates performance of staff;
Provide relevant support for the management of all project assets in compliance with the IFAD and UNDP Asset Management Rules and Regulations including but not limited to recording, coordinating and reconciling asset inventory including physical verification of assets on sites, asset transfer, disposal, write-off and synchronization of Asset Inventory and ATLAS;
Maintaining electronic and hardcopy files and records to ensure proper accountability;
Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN 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;
In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP;
Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects as well as mobilization of resources;
Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit;
Good ICT skills, knowledge of Atlas;
Strategic vision and strong planning and analytical capabilities. Good political judgment;
Excellent organizational and management skills;
Ability to negotiate at decision-making level;
Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks without compromising quality, team spirit and positive working relationships;
Ability to operate effectively in a changing and complex environment, and to produce results under stress;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
Good work capacity in joint management and knowledge transfer.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters degree or equivalent in development economics, political science, international development and/or management.

Experience:

At least 7 years of professional experience in Operations Management ;
At least 3 years of experience in management counseling, team management, system management with international organizations and governments;
Work experience with the government and other state organs;
Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
Excellent knowledge of UNDP procedures and policy as well as the ones of the donors;
Knowledge of the political and economic situation in Haiti.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in French;
Knowledge of English is essential;
Creole is an asset.