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.

Peace and Development 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; South Sudan Police Service; South Sudan  Prison Service; South Sudan Fire Service; South Human Rights Commission; South Sudan DDR Commission; Law Review Commission; Community Security and Small Arms Control Bureau; Customs; Immigration Directorate, Judiciary, South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission and South Sudan Customs Service. The SSDP identifies promoting peace and reconciliation as a top priority and emphasizes the need for a sectoral approach to reform.

UNDP contributes to the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) Outcome 4: “Violence is reduced and community security improved” and aims to support the priorities of the peace and reconciliation institutions namely, the South Sudan Peace & Reconciliation Commission, Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control as well as other partner institutions including the National Platform for Peace & Reconciliation and a diversity of civil society organizations. UNDP’s support, through the Community Security and Arms Control (CSAC) Project will contribute to the provision of conflict-sensitive service delivery through enhanced national capacities for community security, peacebuilding and reconciliation.

UNDP’s Community Security & Arms Control (CSAC) project is an integral part of the United Nations’ support to South Sudan’s efforts to build confidence, stability, peace and security for communities in South Sudan – a key contribution towards responsive democratic governance, rule of law, improved recovery & development planning. CSAC provides technical and financial support to the Bureau for Community Security & Small Arms Control (BCSSAC), the South Sudan Peace & Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC), and the National Platform for Peace & Reconciliation (NPPR) in fostering dialogue, peace and reconciliation, while improving community security and strengthening broader post-conflict recovery initiatives. The Project will also engage CSOs/CBOs to foster grassroots voice, accountability and civic engagement.

The expected outputs of the project are:

• (i) The Bureau for Community Security & Small Arms Control (BCSSAC)’s capacity is strengthened to advance the agenda for small arms control in South Sudan;
• (ii) Conflict-sensitivity and community participation integrated into early recovery and development programming to improve the local stability and peacebuilding environment;
• (iii) South Sudan institutions, constituencies and communities are supported to work together for inclusive peace and reconciliation;
• (iv) Operational capacity of county governments in conflict-prone counties improved through infrastructure rehabilitation and provision of equipment; and
• (v) Strengthen civil  society voices, promote accountability and engender social cohesion.

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 a review of the CSAC 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 the National Platform for Peace and Recompilation (NPPR) and the civil society to participate in promoting peace and reconciliation.

UNDP South Sudan now seeks to hire a Manager to provide results-based project management for the Community Security and Arms Control (CSAC) Project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Democratic Governance and Stabilization Unit Team Leader, the Project Manager will be responsible for day-to-day management and will be co-located at the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control (BCSSAC) Headquarters in Juba and work in close collaboration and consultation with the Chief Technical Advisor and Peacebuilding Specialist co-located in the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC). The Project Manager will also work closely with the Crisis Prevention and Recovery Programme Specialist on monitoring and reporting results and providing quality assurance.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Ensure project Management, implementation and coordination;
• Financial Management and Reporting;
• Building strategic partnerships and resources mobilization;
• Results based management monitoring and evaluation and reporting;
• Ensure Knowledge Building and management.

Ensure Project Management, Implementation and Coordination:

• Establish the work plan, activities, targets, budget, standards for measuring progress and results and determine the processes, tools and methodologies to be used to ensure effective and efficient project implementation and operations;
• The management and recruitment of project 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 and implementation of activities;
• Ensure full coordination between the CSAC and other relevant projects and initiatives for coherent design and complementary execution of projects at national and sub-national levels.

Financial Management and Reporting:

• 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 programme and contractual framework for project activity implementation;
• Design the scope of works and ToRs for the Expression of Interest (EoI) and Request  for Proposals (RFP);
• Ensure the integrity of financial system and, overseeing the administrative, financial and budgetary aspects of the project activities;
• Ensure integrity of financial systems and consistent application of UNDP Internal Control Framework (ICF),  rules and regulations.

Building Strategic Partnerships and Resources Mobilization:

• Participate in inter-agency working groups and initiatives to promote community security, peace and reconciliation;
• 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 and UNDP South Sudan Country Office Country Programme Document;
• Establish and maintain dialogue with government officials, both local and national, NGOs, partners, donors and communities to provide knowledge and understanding while ensuring accurate interpretation of the project objectives;
• Identify areas of cooperation and coordination with UNMISS  and other UN agencies for the implementation of joint activities related to the Community Security, Peace and Reconciliation;
• Project Support establishment and functioning of  CSAC Coordination Forums at National and State level;
• Provide professional opinions in areas of expertise to promote linkages, synergistic, relationships, networking and teamwork between counterparts, donor community and UN system;
• Create tools and communications materials to promote project objectives, establish contact as a focal person for project in support to the UNDP CO cooperation with donors;
• Catalyze mobilization of resources from the government, donors and Regional partners to widen the support base to CSAC project;
• Maintain relationships between the CSAC 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;
• Support CO resource mobilization efforts.

Results based management, monitoring and evaluation and reporting:

• Lead and provide support to the project team on the achievement of specific results of the project as per the AWP;
• Prepare concept notes, project proposals, 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 issues and update the status of these risks and issue in ATLAS;
• Plan and prioritize work activities to meet organizational goals;  and organize and oversee work processes efficiently to achieve quality results;
• Ensure proper monitoring and evaluation procedures are instituted in all project activities and proper monitoring of project progress against annual and quarterly work plans and budgets;
• Facilitate proper monitoring of project inventory, attendance records, filing system;
• Undertake any other duties as may be required by counterparts and UNDP.

Knowledge building and management:

• Promote cross-unit teamwork and skills development for the CSAC Project team members through coaching and mentoring;
• Capture and disseminate lesson’s learned and best practices to contribute to learning on CSAC  project;
• Participate in international knowledge networks and other fora to draw on best practice and lessons learned in other similar contexts to apply to South Sudan;
• Coordinate project strategies and activities with other UNDP projects to ensure the effective implementation of the Country Programme Document.

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;
• Discretion and sound reasoning in dealing  with sensitive  matters;
• Ability to independently solve complex  and challenging problems;
• Strong  planning and organizational skills; ability  to handle  planning and budgeting or multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Demonstrated financial management and accountability skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Ability  to work under  pressure and meet  deadlines.

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda:

• Advocates for the inclusion of UNDP’s focus areas in the public policy agenda;
• Brings visibility and sensitizes decision makers to relevant emerging issues;
• Builds consensus concerning UNDP’s strategic agenda with partners on joint initiatives;
• Leverages UNDP’s multidisciplinary expertise to influence the shape of policies and programmes;
• Demonstrates political/cultural acumen in proposing technically sound, fact based approaches/solutions;
• Develops internal organizational policies promoting strategic approaches to UNDP’s focus areas (HQ);
• Dialogues with national counterparts and other stakeholders to strengthen advocacy efforts, incorporating country, regional and global perspectives;
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity, political savvy and intellectual capacity in handling disagreements with UNDP’s policy agenda in order to promote and position UNDP in complex environments.

Results-Based Programme Development and Management:

• Identifies country needs and strategies using a fact-based approach;
• Sets performance standards, monitors progress and intervenes at an early stage to ensure results are in accordance with agreed-upon quality and timeframes and reports on it;
• Makes use of a variety of resources within UNDP to achieve results, such as cross-functional teams, secondment and developmental assignments, and collaborative funding approaches;
• Oversees and documents the process of strategy formulation for programmes at country level;
• Ensures the integration of UNDP’s strategic concern in interagency, other multilateral initiatives and multi-sectoral development frameworks;
• Ensures the full implementation of country programme and Financial Resources to obtain results;
• Ability  to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Ability  to go beyond  established procedures and models,  propose  new  approaches which  expand  the range  of programmes;
• Ability  to work  with  minimal supervision.

Technical Expertise:

• Specialist  knowledge in the  area of Community Security  and Arms Control  with  in-depth expertise in issues relating to the deepening of security  and recovery measures;
• Demonstrated practical knowledge on peace, reconciliation and arms control;
• Strong  understanding of political dynamics in government, civil society  and the  donor  community in a conflict context;
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of the current programme guidelines and project management tools and manages the use of these regularly in work assignments;
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself personally.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Shares knowledge and experience and works  towards  personal learning and development;
• Ability  to provide  top quality policy  advice services  on security and disarmament issues;
• In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

• Identifies and prioritizes opportunities and obstacles in the political environment to advance UNDP’s agenda; identifies common interests and goals and carries out joint initiatives with partners;
• Makes effective use of UNDP’s resources and comparative advantage to strengthen partnerships;
• Builds partnerships with non-traditional sectors by translating UNDP’s agenda into messages that reflect the pertinence of their values and interests;
• Creates networks and promotes initiatives with partner organizations;
• Leverages the resources of governments and other development partners.

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches:

• Influences and coaches others inside and outside UNDP in developing and implementing innovative approaches;
• Creates an environment that fosters innovation and innovative thinking;
• Conceptualizes more effective approaches to programme development and implementation and to mobilizing and using resources;
• Leverages resources in support of new approaches;
• Facilitates change and influences senior decision makers to implement change strategies.

Management and Leadership:

• Focuses on impact  and result  for the  client  and responds  positively to critical feedback;
• Encourages  risk  taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation;
• Leads teams  effectively and shows conflict  resolution skills;
• Consistently approaches work with  energy and  a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong writing, facilitation, and presentation skills;
• Builds strong  relationships and nets  with clients  and external actors;
• Negotiation skills: capacity  to work  with diverse  partners including Government, donors  and civil society;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under  pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in relevant areas such as Sociology, Peace Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Law, Development Study, Conflict Management, or related Social Science fields.

Experience:

• At least Seven (7)  years relevant working experience in project management  with at least five (5) of those working experience on project development and management in a post-conflict  setting, with emphasis  on arms  control, conflict management and development support to conflict war-affected populations;
• Demonstrated strong  understanding of diplomatic practices;
• Planning and consensus building, strong analytical skills  combined with  good  judgment;
• Proven experience in partnership building and networking;
• Demonstrated experience in the planning, management, implementation and/or evaluation of community security, conflict mitigation and/or small  arms  and light  weapons programs and processes  - preferably in the a conflict context;
• Sound understanding of developmental strategies - particularly focusing  on community empowerment and participation;
• Experience with (or understanding of) peace support operations, particularly large scale and the ability to manage the safety and security of staff in diverse security environments;
• Experience of conflict sensitivity analysis and arms control issues in the South Sudanese context;
• Proficient  computer skills  and use of relevant software and  other  applications;
• Knowledge of UNDP programme management procedures and policies, including experience with Atlas (Resource Management System) is an asset.

Language:

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