UNDP Jobs - 63530- Project Manager (BOMNAF)

Project Manager (BOMNAF)

Location :

Dushanbe, TAJIKISTAN

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Jun-2016

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year initially

Languages Required :

English Russian

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 Programme Manager (PM) will report to UNDP Country Director in Tajikistan and will work under the guidance of the UNDP ARR/Programme and respective Programme Analyst. The PM acts as a manager and advisor to Senior Management on all aspects of Border Management Programme. The PM has an overall responsibility for the implementation of the EU funded Border Management in Northern Afghanistan (BOMNAF, 70%) and JICA funded Promoting Cross-border Cooperation through effective management of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan (BM Project 30%) projects. The PM is responsible for the implementation and providing overall supervision of the envisaged project activities. He/she will coordinate Project activities with relevant Government institutions and other stakeholders in both Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

The Border Management in Northern Afghanistan Project

The primary objective of the project is to support cross-border security and cooperation by improving the ability of the Afghanistan Border Police to practice Integrated Border Management in northern Afghanistan. This will improve cross-border cooperation, the capacity to reduce crime, and improve legal trade, travel, and commerce along Afghanistan’s border with Central Asia. It will also contribute to mutual trust, regional development, conflict resolution and prevention, and enhanced human security, as well as to indirectly enhance and expand economic development on both sides of the border. This will be achieved by building capacity through the provision of infrastructure, training and equipment to the Afghan Border Police deployed on Afghanistan’s northern frontier.

‘Promoting Cross-border Cooperation through effective management of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan’
The primary objective of the project is to enhance security in the border areas of Tajikistan and Afghanistan, which in turn will strengthen resilience and stability that reduce the threat of terrorism and religious extremism, illicit narcotics trade and cross-border crimes, including human trafficking. This will be achieved through capacity building efforts at the national and local levels. At the national level, the project will enhance the capacity of relevant state institutions in the implementation of Border Management and Counter Narcotics Strategies of the Government of Tajikistan. At the local level, the project will build/upgrade 6 Border Crossing Points and 2 cross border markets in Tajikistan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions

The main role of the Programme Manager is to provide management, technical expertise and liaison to UNDP CO and the Border Management Programme. The incumbent will be responsible for delivery of the project outputs in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, and will report to the UNDP Country Director in Dushanbe, with a parallel reporting responsibility to the European Commission (EC) Task Manager in Kabul for delivery of the BOMNAF Project outputs in Afghanistan and JICA Officer in Dushanbe, Tajikistan for the delivery of BM Project.
The PM manages overall projects implementation, monitoring and advocacy. The main role is to manage the Border Management programme including continued monitoring of implementation. The PM leads the projects teams in strategic planning and identifies new activities while ensuring consistency with CPAP and Annual Work Plan priorities and efficient responses to emerging challenges and opportunities related to border management and cross border cooperation.

PM heads and supervises relevant projects’ teams and works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations teams in the CO, Programme staff in other UN Agencies, Government officials both in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to successfully implement the UNDP BOMNAF and BM projects.
The Programme Manager will guide the BOMNAF and BM projects and liaise with the project’s beneficiaries and stakeholders regarding practical, political, financial and diplomatic aspects of project activities. The PM will also provide technical expertise in project formulation and planning, implementation, assessment and reporting, as well as advocacy, representation and coordination.
S/he will have more than ten year’s international experience in management of cross border cooperation, regional development, customs, border management, counter narcotics or other relevant programmes in developing countries.
Experience in liaison and professional interaction between wide range of stakeholders is required.
With proven management skills, coupled with strong communication and leadership ability, including excellent written English communication and presentation skills and the ability to speak clearly and effectively, the successful applicant will be able to adapt the tone, style, and format of the communication to successfully interact with audiences at all levels, on both sides of the border, without prejudice or partiality.
The successful candidate will be fully conversant with security and socio-economic development trends at the regional, national and local levels. S/he must also have experience of working together with UNDP’s business and project administration systems, encompassing financial, human and technical resources management.

The Programme Manager will work with a considerable degree of delegation based on qualification, experience and trust and will be responsible for all aspects of project design, planning, implementation, management and reporting, as well as monitoring and coordination of the project, from start to closure.

Specifically, the Programme Manager will undertake the following tasks:

Proactively identify potential sources of funding and mobilise resources for the programme through development of concept notes and funding proposals to the potential donors and promoting project deliverables at the relevant development platforms;
Substantive analysis of the border management situation in the target countries, particularly within the areas of project implementation and cross border cooperation to advise to the Governments of Tajikistan and Afghanistan, donors, beneficiaries and to the UNDP, EU and JICA Programme Teams in both countries;
Establish and maintain sound partnerships with the Government, namely Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan, donors and other strategic partners; Liaise with programme partners to ensure their co-financing contributions are provided within the agreed terms;
Develop annual work plans and execute programme activities in consultation with the UNDP CO and the Steering Committee. Ensure adherence to the programme work plan in line with the Project Documents, prepare revisions if required, and ensure synergies with other donor funded initiatives focused on civil registration;
Ensure conformity of results with the Programme Document and UNDP rules and procedures through budget preparation and management, planning and general monitoring of the programme implementation;
Ensure adequate information flow, discussions and feedback among the various stakeholders of the according to the agreed management arrangements;
Represent the programme at the Steering Committee meetings, technical meetings and other appropriate fora in coordination with UNDP;
Manage all financial obligations, including contracts, payments and financial revisions and submit regular reports in accordance with EU, JICA and UNDP regulations;
Monitor and report on project implementation following EU, JICA and UNDP guidelines and reporting schedules;
Attend regular meetings with Tajik and Afghan government representatives, EU, JICA and other donor agencies’ representatives in Tajikistan and Afghanistan. In consultation with EC and JICA Task Managers, organize regular management coordination meetings in order to monitor work plans and the implementation process of the project, and propose adjustments wherever necessary;
Ensure compliance of project communication materials/visibility with EU, JICA and UNDP communication/visibility strategies.

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.

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 in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources;
Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology and general administration;
Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery;
Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side) and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change;
Ability to interact across a wide spectrum of people, as well as at the meeting table within managerial and government offices.

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;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Communication and networking:

Excellent oral communications skills and conflict resolution competency to manage inter-group dynamics and mediate conflicting interest of varied actors;
Excellent writing skills, with analytical capacity and ability to synthesize project outputs and relevant findings for the preparation of quality project reports;
Maturity an confidence in dealing with senior and high ranking members of national and international institutions, government and non-government.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University Degree (Masters degree or equivalent) preferably in International Development, Public Administration, Security sector reform or related field.

Experience:

At least 7 years of professional experience in management of complex development programmes focused on cross border cooperation, border management, regional development or other relevant development areas in developing and/or post-conflict settings;
Previous experience in working with high level government officials, donors and wide range of stakeholders. Experience in resource mobilisation is a MUST;
Demonstrated experience in collaborative relationship management across donor agencies, government, project implementing partners and civil society;
High sense of responsibility and a willingness to take initiative;
Good general knowledge about Tajikistan, Central Asia and its development context; Previous experience in Central Asia is a strong advantage;
Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills;
Excellent computer skills, including command of MS Word and Excel, and familiarity with imaging software and databases.

Language:

Excellent command of spoken and written English;
Knowledge of Dari and/or Russian languages is an advantage.