Background

UNDP Bangladesh, in line with its Country Programme Action Plan (2006-2010) with the Government of Bangladesh, is committed to assist in strengthening the Parliament to improve its (i) legislative capacity, (ii) oversight functions and (iii) democratic practices through institutional and operational reforms.
 
A fifteen month UNDP Preparatory Assistance (PA) programme for Parliament which involved strengthening the capacity of the institution and providing policy advice and technical support concluded on 30 June 2010. Following extensive consultation and planning during the PA and with the approval of the Parliament and the government the Improving Democracy through Parliamentary Development (IPD) project 2010 to 2014 commenced on 1 July 2010.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Coordinator will manage project operations and act as part of a core team supporting the NPD and the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) achieve project objectives and outcome. The position will report directly to the CTA and work closely with other Managers. The position impacts across all functional and programme areas of the project and is therefore critical to project success.

Under the overall guidance of the National Project Director (NPD) and direct supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) the National Project Coordinator will be responsible to;

  • Successfully plan, strategically manage and facilitate the administration of project activities according to deadline and in line with the Annual Work Plan agreed by the Project Steering Committee and UNDP policies guidelines;
  • Effectively manage project finances and administration according to UNDP standards operational procedures and ensure full compliance with UNDP’s financial rules, Internal Control Framework, NEX rules, procedures, regulations and policies;
  • Deliver a client oriented financial resources management system incorporating effective internal controls, quality management, customer relationship management and performance measurement;
  • Effectively manage the project office including its human resources, records management, procurement and asset management to achieve project objectives;
  • Report on and monitor the project performance and manage risk in line of with the project document M&E and risk log framework with special consideration for gender issues; 
  • Manage the development and implementation of the communication and advocacy strategy;
  • Effectively liaise with key stakeholders including the Parliament, the Country Office and managers of other projects working in Parliament; 
  • Coordinate the timely preparation of the draft of annual work plan and budget, quarterly and annual reports and agenda and minutes of the project board and project steering committee and inputs into  the combined reporting of the Democratic Governance Cluster of the UNDP Country Office;
  • Develop a strong team work environment based on open communication. Coach, mentor, motivate and support project team members to achieve project objectives and career development; 
  • Liaison with UNDP Country Office including particularly the senior managers of Operations and UNDP RRMC to facilitate effective HR management, finance management, procurement management and donor coordination and budget control and revision;
  • Represent NPD/DNPD and CTA, when assigned, at meetings at both policy and operational level;

Impact of results

The key results have an impact on the overall success of the UNDP IPD project and as a result impact on UNDP country programme and reaching UNDAF/ CPD goals. In particular, the key results have an impact on the overall effectiveness of the Bangladesh Parliament and its secretariat.

Competencies

Technical Competencies:

  • Proven leadership, management including strategic and risk management, negotiation, mediation and team work skills;
  • Proven leadership in financial and administrative management, including strategic and risk management, negotiation, mediation and team work skills
  • Excellent report writing, policy analysis and analytical skills;
  • Excellent oral and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with the Honourable Speaker, Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior public officials and a range of stakeholders.
  • Skill in adapting policies and techniques to local circumstances;
  • Proven capacity to demonstrate tact discretion and integrity and provide impartial advice and services to Members, Parliament Secretariat and UNDP;
  • Good understanding of the role and functions of Parliament and its Committees and the system of government in Bangladesh; 
  • Proven programme support and project management skills;
  • Excellent computer skills and ability to use information management as a tool and resource for capacity development and institutional strengthening.

Behavioural Competencies

  • High standards of integrity and the ability to handle confidential matters and provide impartial and apolitical advice.
  • Demonstrated capacity to participate effectively in small teams.
  • Demonstrable client based and results-oriented approach to work;
  • Proven ability to work effectively under pressure and in a highly charged environment and produce anticipated results; 
  • Good interpersonal skills and strong networking and representational skills;
  • Ability to promote learning environment, human rights and gender friendly work environment;
  • Neutrality and ability to work successfully in a  political environment; 
  • Initiative and ability to work in an organized and concise manner;
  • Ability to work supportively in a cross cultural environment;

Corporate Competencies:

  • Promotes UN's Values and ethical standards (tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation, impartiality)
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and sensitivity and adaptability
  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling in the UN's values and ethical standards (human rights, peace, understanding between people and nations, tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation, UNDP core ethics, impartiality.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Masters degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Social Science from a reputed university.

Experience:

  • Minimum 3 years relevant experience working with the Parliament or other Constitutional Body, Government, International Organization or relevant NGO.
  • Experience in security management would be an advantage;
  • Experience working with UN/UNDP would be an advantage;
  • Experience in design and implementation of parliament programmes an asset;

Language requirements:

  • Fluency in written and spoken English and Bangla