UNDP GEF Jobs - 63684- Project Manager (EWS)

Project Manager (EWS) - Zambian Nationals Only

Advertised on behalf of

UNDP GEF

Location :

Lusaka, ZAMBIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

19-Feb-16 (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

As the UN system's development programme and a GEF Implementing Agency since 1991, UNDP supports countries in addressing development, climate, and ecosystem sustainability in an integrated manner. As a GEF Implementing Agency, UNDP-GEF further offers countries highly specialized technical services for programme/project formulation, due diligence, mobilization of required co-financing, project implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, performance-based payments and knowledge management. UNDP-GEF’s Green, Low-emission, Climate-resilient Development Strategies team works to support countries to attract and direct public and private investment towards catalyzing and supporting sustainable economic growth through initiatives focused on integrated Climate Change Strategies, Advancing Cross-Sectoral Climate Resilient Livelihoods and Strengthening Climate Information and Early Warning Systems for Climate Resilient Development.

Recently, UNDP-GEF designed a set of 10 country-led projects that focus on strengthening climate information and early warning systems (CI/EWS) for climate resilient development and adaptation to climate change. The countries receiving support include Benin, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. As part of the implementation phase the project in Zambia is looking for a Project Manager to supervise and oversee the project activities and deliver the objective, outcomes and outputs of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Results Expected

The Project Manager will report to the Zambia Meteorological Department Director and the UNDP Assistant Resident Representative and Environment Advisor and will lead the project team through the planning and delivery of the Project. The Project Manager will have the authority to run the project on a day-to-day basis on behalf of the Zambia Meteorological Department, within the constraints laid down by the Committee. The Project Manager prime responsibility is to ensure that the project produces the results specified in the project document, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost. The Project Manager will be responsible for financial management and disbursements, with accountability to the Zambia Meteorological Department and UNDP. The Project Manager will work closely with other responsible parties, the UNCP CO and the Regional Bureaus.

Day-to-day oversight and coordination of implementation of project activities:

Recruitment and supervision of technical and training expertise as required for implementation of the project;
Developing and maintaining close linkages with relevant sectoral government agencies, UNDP, NGOs, civil society, international organizations and implementing partners of the project;
Coordinating the project team in carrying out their duties at an optimum level through ensuring efficient and effective resource utilization;
Coordinating inputs into annual results-based work plans and logical frameworks as endorsed by the management;
Preparing detailed annual breakdowns of the work plan for all project objectives. And preparation of quarterly work plans;
Coordinating inputs into all project reports as required (including Annual Project Reports, Inception Report, Quarterly Reports and the Terminal Report);
Preparing quarterly status and financial reports for comments and approval by the Implementing Partner and UNDP Country Office;
Coordinate the establishment of sub-national project Task Teams;
Organize annual task team meetings for experience sharing and lesson learning.

Provision of Monitoring and Progress Controls:

The Project Manager will report to the Zambia Meteorological Department Director and the UNDP Assistant Resident Representative and Environment Advisor. He/she will work closely with other staff involved in the programme, UNDP Country Office staff and project counterparts as appropriate.

Preparation of project reports:

Preparation of project progress reports (financial and technical), background material for use in discussions and briefing sessions.

Project Management:

Preparation of required budget revisions and drafting requests for disbursements of funds under the project;
Compilation of required documentation for project audits;
Support the Project Manager in the implementation of the audit recommendations in a systematic manner;
Supporting the monitoring of project activities by previewing a variety of records, including control plans, progress reports, project inputs, budgets and financial expenditures;
Undertaking visits to project sites and preparing reports on them.

Knowledge Building and Sharing:

Preparation, updating and maintenance of project publicity materials such as brochures;
Distribution of project literature to all interested parties.

Asset management:

Maintenance of stores and office equipment associated with the project;
Maintaining and updating asset registers.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to objectives and mission of the project;
Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Promotes knowledge management in the project and learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of the project.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development project;
Ability to apply development theory to the specific project context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations;
Ability to manage for results: translates strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitors them, making periodic adjustments as required.

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 humoured even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A Master of Science Degree in Project Management, Public or Business Administration, with specialized training in Meteorology, Hydrology or Environment.

Experience:

Minimum 3 years relevant work experience at national or international level providing management advisory services;
Hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
Experience in working with government and implementing partners, is an added advantage.

Language:

Written and spoken proficiency in English.