UNDP Jobs - 66090- Project Manager-DRM (Open to PNG nationals only)

Project Manager-DRM (Open to PNG nationals only)

Location :

Port Moresby, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jun-2016

Application Deadline :

13-May-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-9

Duration of Initial Contract :

Up to 31st December 2016

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

UNDP has been providing strategic support to the National Disaster Centre (NDC), which is the lead agency for disaster risk management in PNG, to strengthen its position within the wider governance context of PNG. UNDP assisted the Government of PNG (GoPNG) strengthen the current DRM governance arrangements through revision of the National Disaster Risk Management Plan (NDRM Plan) that provides an institutional framework for DRM at all levels and paved the way for the revision of the existing DM legislation. UNDP also provides technical support to mainstream DRM in development processes and planning.

UNDP has recently secured funding for a three year project that proposes to strengthen Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Papua New Guinea. The project is geared towards helping the Government of Papua New Guinea to strengthen its DRM capacities, enhance preparedness and reduce risks. The project has both national and sub-national focus and will support interventions at the provincial and district levels to reduce vulnerabilities through strengthening of DRM systems and processes. The project also envisages enhancing the capacities within the country for better early warning, preparedness, response and early recovery planning. In addition, the project also aims at assisting the GoPNG in developing a DRM framework in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. In view of UN OCHA’s departure and the continued need for ongoing support to the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP will assume the humanitarian coordination role in addition to its overall responsibility to conduct operational activities for disaster mitigation, prevention, preparedness and recovery.

In the above context, the services of a Project Manager (PM) are required to oversee the overall implementation of the project. The Project Manager will report directly to DRM Technical Expert, and will work under the overall guidance of Project Steering Committee and in close collaboration with the personnel from the National Disaster Centre. On day-to-day project implementation matters, the manager in consultation with the DRM Technical Expert and Director, NDC will work closely with other government agencies, private sector and civil society organisations to coordinate and manage the DRM project. In line with the UN division of Labor, the incumbent shall also work closely with other UN agencies and Environment Task Team members in PNG, to ensure coordination of interventions and avoid overlap with other DRR/DRM initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of DRM Technical Expert, the Project Manage will plan and implement the following:

Lead and supervise the day-to-day functioning of the project, supervision and coordination of project staff including consultants recruited to support project implementation;
Plan, facilitate and organize project implementation as determined in the Annual Work Plans (including quarterly plans), Project Monitoring Plan, Procurement Plan and update these plans as and when required;
Ensure monitoring of progress is against planned activities and inputs provided by the project;
Mobilize goods and services to initiate activities including drafting TORs and work specifications;
Manage requests for the provision of financial resources by UNDP, using advance of funds, direct payments, or reimbursement using the FACE (Fund Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures);
Prepare yearly procurement plans for the project in line with the activities indicated in the Annual Work Plans;
Monitor carefully financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports;
Prepare and submit financial and technical reports to UNDP on a quarterly and annual basis;
Manage and monitor the project risks initially identified, submit new risks to the Project Steering Committee for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; update the status of these risks by maintaining the Project Risks Log;
Be responsible for managing issues and requests for change by maintaining an Issues Log;
Prepare regular progress reports (progress against planned activities, update on Risks and Issues, expenditures) and submit the report to the Project Steering Committee, Director NDC and UNDP;
Update the Atlas Project Management module if external access is made available;
Manage working relationships with all co-financing partners to ensure that their activities/programs are integrated and complementary with those of the DRM-funded project;
Ensure effective and efficient implementation of DRM project titled “Strengthening Disaster Risk Management in Papua New Guinea”;
Support enhancing disaster preparedness mechanisms and response procedures at the provincial and sub-provincial level through establishment and strengthening of disaster risk management committees to strengthen the DRM planning processes;
Ensure strengthening of Provincial Disaster Management offices through provision of emergency communication systems/equipment, strengthening of disaster response and preparedness through development of disaster management plans and associated operation plans including development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for early warning dissemination, SOPs for disaster response (including control, command and coordination) and SOPs for damage assessment and reporting;
Support humanitarian coordination mechanism within the UN System and provide secretariat support to the UN Resident Coordinator, UN Country Team and the Disaster Management Team;
Guidelines, Procedures and Plans for Disaster Preparedness and Response for communities and their respective provincial, district and local level governments are in place;
Annual Work Plans, Project Progress Reports, Consultant’s Terms of References for project implementation are in place in a timely manner;
Timely and quality learning opportunities facilitated by the project for key stakeholders in forums as and when required; and
Support NDC and CO staff to facilitate enhanced capacities of the stakeholders on disaster risk management including ensure adequate stakeholder dialogue on project implementation.

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 ;
A strong understanding of political sensitivities and ability to work positively with all partners in a politically dynamic environment

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Demonstrated capacity in knowledge sharing and knowledge management and ability to promote a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
Ability to advocate and provide top quality Disaster Risk Management advisory services;
In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
Ability to conduct research and analysis and strong synthesis skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to develop innovative approaches to program design, implementation, monitoring evaluation of development programmes and projects;
Ability to mobilize resources;
Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback; consensus-oriented;
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 good oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Proactive and have the ability to discuss openly with all senior government staff;
Results-orientation and efficiency in a multi-tasking environment;
Capacity to perform effectively under pressure and hardship conditions;
Highly develop inter-personal, negotiation and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, ability to work in multi-cultural environment;
Highly developed inter-cultural communication and skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Bachelors Degree in natural resource management or related field with knowledge in environment/ disaster management and climate change issues. Masters Degree in the relevant field would be an advantage.

Skills & Experience

Minimum 4 years work experience in project management including management of financial resources within the disciplines of natural resource management, environment, engineering or other related development field;
Sound understanding of DRM issues in PNG and basic knowledge of the international, regional and national DRM/climate change discourse is an asset;
Proven track record of experience in policy formulation working with government, donors, private sector, NGOs and other key stakeholders in PNG is an asset;
Strong management skills, including ability to supervise people and monitor other project staff as well as being responsible, honest, with strong sense of integrity and professional ethics;
Extensive information exchange contacts with national and international partners involved in DRM and planning is an asset;
Demonstrated commitment to work and experience in working in a multicultural team environment, high level inter and intra-personal and communication skills;
Adequate working experience in a multi-disciplinary and multicultural environment including sensitiveness to local cultures and traditions;
Experience in facilitating and conducting stakeholder consultations at various organizational and societal levels;
Management experience, including supervision of staff and coordination of research teams in an multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;
Proven record in the research and writing of research papers, policy analysis and recommendations, reports and publications;
Knowledge and experience with variety of stakeholders including government, private sectors, civil society organisations, communities and donor;
Ability to work in a team, under pressure and meet deadlines; and
Excellent computer skills, including full working knowledge of standard word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software packages.

Language Requirements

Fluency in written and spoken English. Demonstrated writing and editing skills in English and in Tok Pisin including relevant local languages.