UNDP Jobs - 63376- Project Associate - Participation and Local Govern

Project Associate - Participation and Local Governance (Open to Angolan Nationals or Applicants with Residency Status)

Location :

Luanda, ANGOLA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

25-Feb-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English Portuguese

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 principle of decentralization of local governance is an integral part of Angola’s legislative history since the adoption of the country’s first constitution in 1975. With the achievement of peace in 2002, the country began to roll out a more substantially structural process with the launch of the ‘National Strategic Plan for Administrative Deconcentration and Decentralization’. The new constitution adopted in 2010 makes provision for the establishment of decentralized local governance authorities. This provision presents a constitutional imperative for the country to transition from the deconcentration process it has been undergoing for the past 13 years to the decentralization process i.e. the democratization of municipal governance. To realize this milestone, the country needs first to establish the foundations, such as adopting a system of local governance, strengthening the capacity of local administrations and other responsible institutions, and empowering citizens and the civil society in general.

The Project ‘Participation and Local Governance (PLG)’ is an integral part of UNDP’s Governance Programme which has contributed to the implementation of the National Strategic Plan since 2002, and aims to continue to support Angola’s efforts to promote good governance through strong and democratic institutions based on the rule of law, transparency and accountability. Such institutions will be more effective in service delivery and will spearhead the country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the PLG Project, UNDP’s Governance Programme supports Angola’s decentralization efforts in partnership with strategic ministries and other State agencies and civil society organizations.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Governance, the Project Associate supports the design, planning and management of the project by managing data and facilitating its implementation. The Project Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. S/he supports the development and cultivation of partnerships with relevant government institutions and non-governmental organizations, prepares reports on the implementation of the Project’s activities, identifies obstacles and opportunities for the expansion of the Project intervention, collects and systematizes project data, manages and disseminates project’s good practices and follows UNDP’s procedures to enable effective Project monitoring and evaluation.

The Project Associate works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and UNDP HQs staff for resolving complex programme-related issues and information delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Associate will be responsible for the following specific actions related to the PGL Project:

Ensures administration and implementation of programme strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

Presentation of thoroughly researched information for preparation of CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP, effective application of RBM tools and establishment of management targets;
Establishment of the mechanisms to track use of RBM tools and maintenance of RBM database;
Presentation of information/ reports for identification of areas for support and interventions;
Implementation of the CO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies, preparation of reports.

Provides effective support to management of the CO programme focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Presentation of thoroughly researched information for formulation of country programme, preparation of project documents’ drafts, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements;
Initiation of a project, entering project into Atlas, preparation of required budget revisions;
Provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources;
Follow up on performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation of reports;
Organize field visits to monitor and ensure implementation of project activities;
Analysis of the situation in programme, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions;
Coordinate Mid-term and Final evaluations for the project;
Preparation and conduct of audit of NIM projects, implementation of audit recommendations.

Provides administrative support to the Programme Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of NIM projects Financial Reports;
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed and transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas;
Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.

Provides support in creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

Analysis of information on donors, preparation of donor’s profile and database, establishment of contacts with donor counterparts;
Track and reporting on mobilized resources.

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

Prepare quarterly and annual report on project implementation and interventions;
Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme;
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Shares knowledge and experience;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting;
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems;
Good knowledge of Results Management Guide and Toolkit.

Leadership and Self-Management:

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political, Social Sciences or related areas;
Prince2 training and certification, RMG.

Experience:

3 to 5 years of progressively related experience in programme management is required at the national and/or international level;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems;
Knowledge of Angola’s politico-administrative system and its political history would be an added advantage;
Knowledge of Angola’s decentralization experience desirable.

Languages:

Fluency in English and Portuguese with good verbal and written skills.