UNDP Jobs - 64883- Project Manager (Open to Turkmenistan Citizens Onl

Project Manager (Open to Turkmenistan Citizens Only)

Location :

Ashgabat, TURKMENISTAN

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

02-May-2016

Application Deadline :

30-Mar-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

until 31 Dec 2016 with possible extension

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

Turkmenistan is a water stressed country and has one of the harshest climates in the Central Asian region. Climate change modeling indicates significant increases in temperature and reduction in rainfall. Temperatures are expected to increase by 20C by 2040, with precipitation declining across all agro-ecological zones by 8-17 percent between 2040 and 2100, which coupled with increase in temperature, will lead to a decrease in total volume of water availability that is likely to have a profound impact on agricultural production systems and local farmers. The long-term solution envisaged by the Government of Turkmenistan is to mainstream climate change adaptation at the community, district, provincial and national levels in order to secure climate resilient livelihoods in agricultural communities. To help the Government meet these outcomes, the project will support three inter-related components, namely (i) improving climate related socio-economic outcomes in targeted agricultural communities in Lebap and Dashoguz velayats through the implementation of community-based adaptation solutions; (ii) Mainstreaming climate adaptation measures in agricultural and water sector development strategy and policy; and (iii) Strengthening national capacity for iterative climate change adaptation planning, implementation and monitoring in the country.

The project will directly strengthen the adaptive capacity and reduce the vulnerability of around 40,000 to 50,000 persons in the Lebap and Dashoguz velayets by helping them improve the productivity of farm operations, be better prepared for increasing water scarcity and by introducing alternative income sources. Improved water efficiency and crop production systems will bring approximately 20,000 ha of agricultural and 500,000 ha of pastoral lands under climate resilient technologies resulting in a real net household income increase of at least 15% for participating households. The replication potential of successful efficient water management and climate resilient practices and of new climate-friendly sectoral planning, legislative and capacity development measures would indirectly benefit around 500,000 people in Turkmenistan.

For more detailed information about this project as well as other UNDP Turkmenistan environmental projects please visit: www.undptkm.org.

Project strategy

The objective of the proposed project is to support climate resilient livelihoods in agricultural communities in the Lebap and Dashoguz velayats in Turkmenistan. The project’s incremental value lies in enabling farmers in one of the driest regions of the country to overcome the critical barriers described above that prevent them from reducing the vulnerability to climate change induced water stress and other environmental hazards in the agricultural sector. It will develop and demonstrate a matrix of climate adaptation solutions for further replication outside of the two velayats. The experience will be shared and replicated beyond project boundaries through a serious of lesson sharing events.

The project will attempt to achieve this objective through the design of the following three inter-related outcomes and their respective outputs and activities:

Outcome 1: Improved climate related socio-economic outcomes in the targeted agricultural communities in Lebap and Dashoguz velayats through the implementation of community-based adaptation solutions;
Outcome 2: Mainstreamed climate adaptation measures in agricultural and water sector development strategy and policy;
Outcome 3: Strengthened national capacity for iterative climate change adaptation planning, implementation and monitoring.

To achieve outcome 1, the project will work in two etraps (districts) of two different velayats (provinces) of Turkmenistan. These are the Gerogly etrap of Dashoguz velayat and Galkenesh etrap of Lepab velayat. The etraps were identified at the recommendation of the Government. The project has selected three pilot daikhan associations and a livestock farm in the two velayats and will start working with these daikhan associations and farms, including individual farmers/households and private farms, in the initial phase of the project to demonstrate adaptation options for various types of agricultural activities (crop production, horticulture and livestock). The pilots are the Yagtylyk daikhan association and Garagum livestock (cattle ranch) farm in the Gerogly etrap of Dashoguz velayat and the Vatan and Parakhat daikhan associations in the Galkenesh etrap of Lapab velayat. The criteria that was applied for the selection of the daikhan associations were climate vulnerability, availability of financing from the government, ability to demonstrate a range of demonstrative and replicable adaptation options, good management and etrap/velayat support, accessibility, etc. In year 3 of the project, three additional daikhan associations and a livestock farm would be selected from the two pilot etraps for project support based on the same criteria discussed above. This would bring a total of six diakhan associations and two livestock farms under the project pilot effort.

The Outcome 2 will support the government in the integration of climate resilient policies and measures into the water and agriculture sectors. The project will do it in the following ways: (i) by developing legal, structural and institutional capabilities; (ii) by including adaptation considerations in sector’s strategies and plans; and (iii) by making adjustments in etrap planning and investments. This will build on the proposed measures of the NEPAAM for Turkmenistan. A guidelines will be developed for the water and agriculture sector ministries on identifying and addressing gender specific vulnerabilities and needs and including these in agriculture sector adaptation planning and budgeting processes. Relevant changes in legislation on land and water and institutional structures of relevant ministries and departments will be investigated and addressed to the degree these are found relevant.

Outcome 3 is specifically designed to facilitate the operationalization of the National Economic Program of Action on Adaptation and Mitigation to Climate Change (NEPAAM) that is the main vehicle/framework for implementation of the adaptation (and mitigation) priorities identified in the National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) of Turkmenistan. To achieve this alternative, the component will provide hardware (physical set-up) and software to build capacity for operationalization of NEPAAM at different layers of government (national, provincial, district and local levels) in particular for monitoring, verification and reporting, development of statistical systems for data management, enhancing the evidence base for decision-making and enhancing communication and outreach in support of adaptation planning.

Project Management Arrangements

The project will be implemented over a period of five years. The State Committee on Environment Protection and Land Resources (SCEPLR) is the government institution responsible for the implementation of the project and acts as the Executing Agency (EA). UNDP is the Implementing Agency (IA) for the project. A Project Board (PB) will be established and serves as the project’s coordination and decision-making body. The PB is responsible for ensuring that the project remains on course to deliver products of the required quality to meet the outcomes defined in the project document.

The SCEPLR will appoint a National Project Coordinator (NPC) for the project implementation. The NPC will chair the Project Board (PB), and is responsible for providing government oversight and guidance to the project implementation.

UNDP Programme Specialist on Environment is assigned with the responsibility for the day-to-day quality assurance of the project implementation.

The day-to-day administration of the project is to be carried out by a Project Manager (PM) and Project Implementation Unit (PIU). The PM, with the support of the PIU, manages the implementation of all project activities.The PM is accountable to the SCEPLR and the PB for the quality, timeliness and effectiveness of the activities carried out, as well as for the use of funds.

Duties and Responsibilities

Overall responsibilities

The Project Manager has the authority to run the project on a day-to-day basis on behalf of the Project Board within the constraints laid down by the Board. The Project Manager is responsible for day-to-day management and decision-making for the project. The Project Manager’s 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.

Working under the supervision of the UNDP National Programme Specialist of Environment to whom he/she will report, and in partnership with the project staff and PIU, the PM will be responsible for leading the Project Team in the day-to-day implementation of the Project and managing Project resources effectively and efficiently so as to achieve the Project Objective and Outcomes within the set timescale and available budget. More specifically, the PM will perform the following duties:

PM responsibilities would include:

Overall project management:

Management and supervision of project implementation and evaluation across all components. Assurance of successful completion of the project in accordance with the stated outcomes and performance indicators summarized in the Project Results Framework;
Regular communication and coordination with the National Implementing Partner, members of the Project Board, and all other partners and interested stakeholders, with regard to all project activity. Organization of Project Board meetings at least once, or ideally twice, per year, subject to availability of members;
Regular communication with senior UNDP management with regard to all project activity. Assurance of coordination with other UNDP projects and broad strategic initiatives;
Preparation of Annual Work Plans, including monthly targets and deliverables as well as annual spending targets in accordance with the Project Document. Tracking of work outputs throughout the year in light of these Annual Work Plans;
Tracking and managing of project spending in accordance with the project budget, as well as UNDP rules and procedures, to ensure transparency, responsibility, and timely fulfilment of both program targets and budget targets;
Preparation and submittal of annual Project Implementation Reviews and other required progress reports to the Project Board, UNDP, and GEF in accordance with applicable requirements, in all required languages (English, Russian, and/or Turkmen, using outside translation as needed);
Supervision of the experts working for the project, including both Project Specialists as well as international and national consultants;
Supervision of regular data collection and analysis, as well as reporting and public outreach via the mass media, events, and other means, to disseminate the results of the project and to promote energy efficiency, sustainable water management, and sustainable land management in Turkmenistan;
Oversight of the overall administration of the project office;
Regular travel within Turkmenistan to organize and monitor project activity; possible travel outside the country for participation in directly relevant international meetings;
Support of independent Midterm and Terminal Evaluations of the project.

Running a project:

Plan the detailed actions according to annual work plans of the project approved by the Project Board and monitor progress against the initial quality criteria;
Mobilize goods and services to initiative activities, including drafting TORs and work specifications;
Monitor events as determined in the Monitoring & Communication Plan, and update the plan as required;
Manage requests for the provision of financial resources by UNDP, using advance of funds, direct payments, or reimbursement;
Monitor financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports;
Be responsible for managing issues and requests for change by maintaining an Issues Log;
Based on the review, prepare the AWP for the following year, as well as Quarterly Plans if required.

Closing a Project:

Prepare Final Project Review Reports to be submitted to the Project Board;
Identify follow-on actions and submit them for consideration to the Project Board;
Manage the transfer of project deliverables, documents, files, equipment and materials to national beneficiaries;
Prepare final CDR for signature by UNDP and the Implementing Partner.

More specifically, PM will be in charge of the following:

Project personnel management:

Assume responsibility for all professional staff directly, and for all support staff indirectly (project team and PIU); this includes all Consultants and Contractors;
Endeavour to create a strong team spirit, cohesive and mutually supportive; encourage collaboration between individuals, the sharing of experiences and the solving of problems as a group; organize regular (weekly or fortnightly) staff meetings for this purpose;
Mentor and guide project team to increase their understanding and capacities on project issues;
Assign specific duties and tasks to specific individuals according to their Job Descriptions or Terms of Reference; ensure their full understanding of what is expected through agreement on deliverables and timescales; and agree on the resources and support that will be provided by the Project;
Undertake individual performance assessments on an annual basis (or other period for Consultants/Contractors), acknowledging achievements and providing analysis and advice on problem aspects;
While giving all professional personnel the “space” to carry out their professional duties, ensure that guidance and support are available whenever needed;
Ensure that Project staff enjoy the conditions of employment as stipulated by UNDP, together with the responsibilities of their positions;
Require regular (as agreed), formal and informal reporting on progress with the achievement of assigned tasks.

Financial resources management:

Act as financial manager and retain the ultimate responsibility for financial resources for accountability purposes;
Ensure total accuracy and the highest level of transparency in the management of the Project financial resources in accordance with UNDP and national regulations and procedures;
Work with the project team and PIU to prepare all necessary financial reports to accompany Project quarterly and annual work plans and reports.

Project outreach:

Serve as the Project’s ambassador and advocate within the broader Central and Local Government systems and with local communities;
Create and foster a good working relationship with the media (print, radio and television);
Represent and promote the Project at national and international meetings;
Contribute to the production and publication of public information materia;
Establish and maintain good working relationships and cooperation with peer project managers from other related projects within Turkmenistan and the Central Asia region.

Project planning and implementation:

Lead the process of quarterly and annual planning of project activities, with the participation of all Project personnel; retain the ultimate responsibility for the finished plans and submit them to the NPC and UNDP for their concurrence;
As noted under A.6 above, professional staff should be given the “space” to carry out their assigned tasks; but be alert to needs for support and advice; require progress reporting and accountability for resources used;
In cooperation with relevant Project personnel build effective working relationships with the Project’s key partners at the local level (Local Government, village leaders, communities, locals NGOs, the private sector, etc);
Work closely with co-funding partners to ensure that their activities/programmes are integrated and complementary with those of the CRL project.

Monitoring and adaptive management:

Lead the implementation of the Project M&E Plan;
Carry out monitoring visits to Project sites on a regular basis; survey (informally) the intended beneficiaries and other stakeholders;
Collate the results of monitoring, analyze them, and formulate proposals for adaptive management measures for consideration by the PB;
Implement the decisions and advice of the PB.

Reporting and accountability:

Provide a report to each PB meeting noting progress and achievements, acknowledging difficulties and proposing possible solutions for consideration and guidance by the PB;
Assume the lead responsibility for the preparation and content of the annual Project Implementation Review (PIR), with the full participation of relevant Project personnel;
Delegate to the PIU the task of preparation of implementation reports for UNDP (such as Atlas reports) but retain a supportive role;
Jointly with the project team and PIU, prepare quarterly and annual project plans and reports and present them to the PB;
Respond to request for reports on Project management and performance from any key stakeholders, through the NPC;
Report to the NPC and the UNDP on any aspect of Project management whenever required.

Competencies

Technical expertise to appreciate project aims, ability to speak the “language” with experts;
Good analytical and planning skills; ability to set forecasts and refine/review them in the light of experience and further analysis;
Excellent inter-personal skills; good communicator at all levels from political decision-makers to grassroots communities;
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders;
Strong managerial skills, results-orientation, team-building and leadership skills;
Decisiveness, independence, good judgement, ability to work under pressure;
Demonstrated ability to work effectively under close supervision, as well as under minimal supervision.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree in management, water/land issues, engineering, agriculture, natural resource management, or another field with relevance to the project.

Experience:

5 years of managerial experience, preferably in managing projects related to environment, in particular, to climate change adaptation, mitigation, water management, and/or sustainable land management and development issues in Turkmenistan;
Close familiarity with the roles, activities, and priorities of the Government of Turkmenistan, and particularly the State Committee on Environment Protection and Land Resources and other national partners, with regard to water management, agriculture, and sustainable land management;
Basic technical understanding of water management, irrigation and sustainable land management;
Superior skills in organization and management, including past experience with planning, tracking, evaluation, and supervision of consultants and/or employees;
Strong skills in financial tracking and budget management;
Ability to use information technology as a tool and resource;
Demonstrable skills in office computer use - word processing, spread sheets, etc.

Language:

Fluency in Russian and English, in reading, writing, and speaking;
Fluency in Turkmen will be viewed as a strong asset.