UNDP Jobs - 55762- Project Officer – JPLG (Open to Somali Nationals O

Project Officer – JPLG (Open to Somali Nationals Only)

Location :

Baidoa, SOMALIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

SC-9

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year (with possibility of renewal)

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 UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Services (JPLG) for Somalia is a joint programme executed by UN ILO, UNCDF, UNICEF, UN-HABITAT and UNDP. The first phase of the programme commenced in 2008 and completed 2012. The programme’s second phase (JPLG II) covers the five year period 2013 – 2017. JPLG works with Somalia Government Institutions, Regional authorities, District Councils, Legislatures, Municipal Associations, International and Local NGOs/CSOs, and the private sector.

The Programme is aligned to the programming frameworks of the Somalia Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), the UN Transition Plan (UNTP) and the UNSAS. The outcome of the programme is that local governance contributes to peace and equitable priority service delivery in selected locations.

It is envisaged that JPLG II will achieve as wide coverage in Somalia as resources and conditions allow with a comprehensive approach to assist local governments to be credible, professional service providers, increasing public investment in basic services, and strengthening civic awareness and participation in local decision-making and development.

The strategy pursued will comprise:

Policy and legal frameworks for decentralization, local government, service provision and land management;
Institutionalizing local government systems, vertical and horizontal inter-government linkages and civic education initiatives;
Investment in public services and goods through testing a Local Development Fund model, direct service provision and promotion of public-private partnerships; and
Processes and systems for housing, land and property disputes and resolution.

Throughout the Programme, strong emphasis is placed on gender and women in local government, human rights and local governance, and good governance principles of transparency, accountability and participation.

UNDP wishes to strengthen its presence in Baidoa and as part of this effort, UNDP wishes to recruit a Project Coordinator to support implementation of the JPLG work plan.

Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager for Local Governance and the Head of the UNDP Mogadishu Sub Office as a second supervisor, and in close coordination with other JPLG staff the Project Officer will provide programming, administrative and financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work for JPLG and UNDP. The Project officer promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Project Officer works in close collaboration with the UNDP operations and programme and JPLG project staff, Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

The Project Officer will support the project management in project planning, design, implementation, administrative/financial and monitoring and evaluation and will be accountable for the following results:

Ensure timely implementation of the programming activities in Baidoa and South Central Somalia;
Efficient procurement, administrative and logistic services;
Ensures effective and efficient financial resources management;
Deliver capacity building and training initiatives, and ensure a timely implementation of capacity building activities;
Ensure advocacy, planning and programming, monitoring and evaluation, and representation;
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensure timely implementation of the programming activities in Baidoa and South Central Somalia focusing on the achievements of the following results:

Develop common project workplans among UNDP/JPLG, the Ministry of Interior’s Department of Local Governance, Regional Administrations and Local Government Councils and Administrations;
Technically support the proper implementation of all activities with the Ministry, Regions and Local Authorities serving as the liaison officer between the UNDP/JPLG Management and the Somali 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 Somalia counterparts and in the preparation of narrative reports to the government, donors and partners as well as in the planning and revision of project workplans.

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 Baidoa.

Ensures effective and efficient financial resources management, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Consolidate and organize, in collaboration with Operations Unit, Expression of Interest (EOI) and other procurement processes on behalf of the project, analyze partner applications and recommend partnerships in accordance with UNDP processes;
Oversee partnership arrangements with local partners;
Provide leadership in oversight of effective provision of services to counterparts including fair and transparent procurement, efficient logistics and sound financial management;
Liaise with operations staff and project administration in Nairobi on all operational matters and financial expenditures and transactions;
Ensures integrity of financial and administrative operations in the JPLG area through oversight of financial and budgetary aspects of the projects, under advice of the Project Manager;
Ensures strict and consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations and ensures the implementation of clear accountability mechanisms throughout the programme portfolio;
Participates in internal control mechanisms for adherence to UNDP rules and regulations in contracts, assets, procurement, recruitment, etc. as required.

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;
Design tender documents for procurement of training service provider and follow through with a procurement and selection process;
Supervise the implementation of the capacity building plan by regular monitoring of activities and frequent field visits;
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.

Efficient support to tasks related to advocacy, planning and programming, monitoring and evaluation, and representation:

Ensures monitoring and evaluation of the project, including regular field visits and support to the organization of Project Board and Steering Committee meetings and reports on project progress and constraints;
Coordinate and cooperate with initiatives of other JPLG Agencies and sections of the UNDP country office;
Liaise with all UNDP counterparts, government authorities, UNSAS and other stakeholders regularly.

Ensures knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Contributes to the identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned from the Local Governance and JPLG for organizational sharing and learning;
Actively participates in the knowledge networks related to Local Governance and takes advantage of best practices and lessons learned that are available at the zonal, national, regional and global levels;
Supports capacity-building of national counterparts;
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the CO.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the execution of the CO financial services management and the JPLG/UNDP in terms of quality and accuracy of work. Accurate data entry and presentation of financial information and a client-oriented approach enhances UNDP’s capability to effectively and efficiently manage financial resources.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays strong cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

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, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
Experience in monitoring and evaluation preferred.

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.

Management and Leadership:

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Results oriented, flexible and problem solving skills;
Previous experience in working with stakeholders on design of training manuals and/or monitoring and evaluation approaches is an asset.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters Degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences or related field with at least 2 years of relevant work experience with monitoring, evaluation, and/or capacity building;
A first level university degree in the Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences or related field with a combination of 5 years of work experience in a related field may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.

Experience:

4 years experience in similar position including promoting capacity building in local governance;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems;
Management experience is an asset.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali is required.