UNDP Jobs - 13657- Project Manager

Project Manager

Location :

Kigali, RWANDA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

08-Dec-09 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 Year

Languages Required :

English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :

2 years

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

Objective:

Follow up and advise the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on all the issues regarding the Support Programme to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

Background:

The NISR is mandated to track and monitor the economic development and poverty reduction performance indicators. In particular it manages and produces all the statistics for national development. The NISR has a strategic plan with a number of strategic themes identified in order to focus and guide the Institute over the next five years (2007-2011). These strategic themes include: a) providing relevant, high quality statistical information to meet user needs; b) developing and promoting statistical advocacy and partnership; and c) building and retaining human capacity throughout the National Statistical System (NSS).

In early 2007, a project with a pooled fund (Basket fund) financing mechanism to support NISR was formulated. The main aim of the support project was to strengthen the capacity of NISR. The key contributing partners to the basket fund include, the United Kingdom Department For International Development (DFID), the European Commission (EC) and UNDP. The World Bank is also partner in the support project but its funding is through a capacity building trust fund.

UNDP has been managing the support project on behalf of the other partners in the transition phase for two and half years now. The transition phase for UNDP management of the project is due to end on 31st December 2009. There will still be activities to be rolled out in the current support to NISR in transition to the next phase before the partners start to support NISR directly.

For the next phase of the direct support by partners to NISR, UNDP will continue the project management role for only its support and it will also support NISR on strategic issues in the area of statistics.

Services of a highly qualified Project Manager to follow up and provide advice to UNDP on all the issues regarding the support to NISR programme are required.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Manager for the Support to NISR will overall report to the Country Director. He or she will be directly supervised by the Senior Economic Advisor. His/her responsibilities will include:

Provide advice to UNDP on all strategic issues in the area of statistics regarding the support to NISR;
Liaise with key partners supporting NISR;
Follow up on the current support project activities and ensure that there is a smooth transition to the new direct support by UNDP to NISR;
Oversee and coordinate the programmatic management of the UNDP support to NISR Programme;
Perform the strategic planning role for the support to NISR programme;
Advise and inform the UNDP management on the impact of the support programme to NISR, the risks and any changes that would affect foreseen and agreed upon expected outcomes;
Ensure timely preparation of reports for UNDP. Particularly ensure that quality progress reports both narrative and financial are prepared and submitted as required under the UNDP support to NISR programme;
Provide assistance to the NISR to elaborate the work plans;
Draft technical terms of references, and follow up on all the procurement of goods and services including international and national experts as required in the framework of the UNDP support programme to NISR;
Support the NISR to ensure compliance with the UNDP Procedure and guidelines for the support programme to NISR;
Facilitate and train NISR project counterparts on UNDP National execution project modalities;
Perform other duties as may be required by the supervisor in relation to the UNDP support to NISR programme.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

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

Functional Competencies:

Excellent managerial and analytical skills;
Project management skills;
Strong communication, Organizational and interpersonal skills;
Knowledge of the UNDP rules and regulations;
Computer literate.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in statistics, economics, management or a related field;

Experience:

At least 5 years of relevant working experience in international development and project management;
Experience in management and coordinating of statistics programmes would be an asset;
Experience working with bilateral or multilateral donors.

Language requirements:

Working knowledge in English and French including excellent writing skills.