UNDP Jobs - 55633- Project Manager (Capacity Development for Nation B

Project Manager (Capacity Development for Nation Building of Curacao)

Location :

Willemstad, CURACAO

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

30-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-9

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year (renewable)

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 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Trinidad and Tobago, in partnership with the Government of Curacao, is looking for a Project Manager to coordinate the initiative entitled “Capacity Development for Nation Building of Curacao”.

The new Government of Curacao was established in October 10, 2010 and is now seeking to develop a Development Planning Framework that will drive the country’s development in the short and medium term. The development Plan should be a comprehensive one that should address social, economic and environmental planning. The new Government of the country has already prepared a Governing Programme which provides overall guidance on the direction that the country’s development path will take. An implementation Plan has also been drafted for the nine Ministries that are responsible for policy making and administratively heading the various sectors of the economy.

Development planning should at all times be grounded on sound, current statistical data and its implementation should ideally be supported by a resource base, that is adequately resourced in terms of human, financial and technological inputs. To ensure that this capacity is built, the Government of Curacao, to build human capacity and systems for development planning, create and maintain a national socio-economic database and develop resource mobilisation and aid coordination strategies in accordance with priorities set in the development plan.

Under a previous project with the Netherlands Antilles, UNDP supported the then federal Government of the Netherlands Antilles to prepare the first Millennium Development Goals Report for Sint Maarten and Cuarcao. Building on the findings and recommendations contained in that Report the project will assist the Government to make advances on Millennium Development Goal 1 and 7 and localise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2016. The project will attempt to boost capacity through training and other knowledge building techniques, as well as, support ongoing national efforts in natural resource conservation with links to promoting awareness of solid waste management and disaster risk reduction.

Under the direct supervision of the Sector Director, of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the project manager will be required to bring expert project management skills to ensure timely management of the project in the field and in his/her relationship with UNDP. He/she will be expected to develop proper management systems and use the PRINCE2 methodology to ensure successful implementation of the project.

The project manager will be stationed at the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) in Curacao for the duration of the project.

The project manager will report to the Project Board, the Sector Director, Foreign Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Economic Development and the UNDP assigned Programme Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage the implementation of the project “Capacity Development for Nation Building for Curacao”;
Ensure coordination of all project activities between all parties, (Ministry of Economic Development – UNDP and others). Participate in project board meetings, prepare project progress and quarterly reports, biannual and final reports along with annual work plans and be able to demonstrate the impact of the project in Curacao;
Provide technical information on administrative support (connected to the rules and regulations of the Ministry and UNDP) to enhance the link between UNDP, the project and the Ministry. Provides support to staff in implementing project activities;
Effectively manage the relationships among the various project stakeholders;
Ensure a transfer of knowledge to the project personnel and other staff from among the beneficiary organisations in the area of project management and the use of relevant software;
Assist in the development of appropriate project management systems, procedures and practices for the achievement of project goals and for future project management in the Ministry of Economic Affairs;
Identify training needs, plan and organise and conduct training exercises where possible and necessary, within the context of the project;
Develop and maintain Knowledge Management tools;
Establish technical support teams for the cross-cutting themes related to the project outputs (National development plan, DevInfo and MDGs); and
Position the UN system strategically in Curacao to collaborate with the government of Curacao in various areas of Development.

Competencies

A sound knowledge and application of project management software programmes, tools and techniques are essential;
Knowledge of results based management techniques and their application;
Ability to establish and manage a Project Management Office (PMO) as well as train personnel in the establishing managing and operating of PMOs would be an asset; and
Knowledge of developmental issues faced by SIDS and expertise dealing with countries in transition;
Proven knowledge regarding Governance, Public Policies and National Development Plans;
Knowledge and capacity to facilitate Democratic Dialogue processes and coordinate multiple stakeholders;
Proven capacity to create knowledge products and to systematize lessons learned;
Good monitoring and evaluation skills; and
Knowledge of Project Management software would be an asset;
Works effectively in cross-functional teams, as well as through networks of diverse people;
Strong oral and written communication skills;
Good listener and responsive to the opinions of others;
Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
Cultivates productive relationships with partners and other important institutions and individuals;
Mobilizes additional resources to achieve strategic results;
Speaks confidently and exercises diplomacy in dealing with governments, the UN system and national partners;
Ability to think strategically, develop initiatives as well as provide innovative solutions and advice through learning and partnerships;
Efficient and timely delivery on the four outputs of the project; and
Ability to meet deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A post-graduate qualification in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Development Studies, Economics or any related fields.

Experience:

5 years significant experience in project management with prior experience in managing complex projects;
Experience in working with public institutions and international organizations would be an asset;
Demonstrated experience in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects;
Proven experience in resource mobilization;
Experience in communication, the dissemination of knowledge, knowledge management and sharing;

Languages:

Fluency in the English Language; and
Good written and oral skills in Dutch and Papiamentu.