Project Manager (Enhancing Human Security in the Chernobyl Affected Areas of Belarus)


Location : RE-ADVERTISED, MINSK, BELARUS
Application Deadline :05-Aug-10 (Midnight New York, USA)
Type of Contract :Service Contract
Post Level :SB-5
Languages Required :
 English   Russian  
Duration of Initial Contract :1 year (with possibility of extension)
Expected Duration of Assignment :3 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
The radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster has affected human security in three key ways. Firstly, it has created significantly destabilized income security by disrupting agricultural production. Secondly, it has created health risks – mostly relating to the consumption of radioactively contaminated foods. Thirdly, many people still lack the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to live safely in conditions of low-dose radiation exposure.
The project covers five administrative districts of twenty one affected by radioactive contamination: Slavgorod, Chechersk, Bragin, Stolin and Luninets. These target districts are broadly representative of the Chernobyl-affected areas of Belarus. They have a total population of over 220,000 - mostly rural and relying on agricultural employment and smallholdings for their livelihood.
Objectives:
The overall goal of the project is to enhance human security in the Chernobyl affected communities of the Slavgorod, Chechersk, Bragin, Stolin and Luninets Districts. Residents will be given the means to improve income security, minimize radiation exposure and practice healthy lifestyles. The project focuses on specific communities to develop and test new approaches; these can later be extended to cover other Chernobyl-affected areas in Belarus.


Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Manager (PM) assumes overall responsibility for the successful implementation of the project activities and the achievement of the planned project outputs. He/she oversees the day-to-day development of the project. The PM works closely with the Implementing Agency (the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus), the UNDP Country Office (CO) and project partners.
The Programme Manager supervises project personnel and provides direct supervision to the personnel with accordance to the project structure. The Project Manager works under direct supervision of the UNDP Country Office and in coordination with the National Project Coordinator.
 
Summary of key functions:
  1. Implementation of project strategies;
  2. Creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy; 
  3. Provision of top quality advisory services to the National partners and facilitation of knowledge building and management.

Ensures implementation of project strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Be responsible for the daily management of the project – both organizational and substantive matters
  • Prepare annual work plans in consultation with the Implementing Agency and the UNDP Country Office
  • Supervise and coordinate the project implementation to ensure its results are in accordance with the Project Document and the UNDP rules and procedures
  • Ensure adherence to the project’s work plan, prepare revisions of the work plan, if required
  • Assume overall responsibility for meeting financial delivery targets set out in the agreed annual work plans, reporting on project funds and related record keeping
  • Management of the project personnel on a daily basis to achieve the performance indicators agreed in the project document and in line with the approved Budgets and Work Plans
  • Participation in recruitment processes of project personnel and consultants (development of Terms of Reference, participation in short listing of candidates/desk review, acting as a member of the Interview Panel when appointed), providing regular guidance and advice to the project staff, assessment and evaluation of their performance;
  • Prepare, and agree with UNDP on, terms of reference for national and international consultants and subcontractors
  • Guide the work of consultants and subcontractors and oversee compliance with the agreed work plan
  • Ensure adequate information flow, discussions and feedback among the various stakeholders of the project
  • Assume overall responsibility for the proper handling of logistics related to project workshops and events
  • Assume overall responsibility for recruitment of project personnel and short term consultants, along with procurement of goods and services performed by the project in accordance with the Project Document and with approved annual work plans
  • Maintain regular contact with UNDP Country Office and the National Project Coordinator on project implementation issues of their respective competence
  • Practical preparation of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and follow-up of sittings, as well as performance of functions of Secretary during these sittings
  • Monitor the expenditures, commitments and balance of funds under the project budget lines
  • Conduct project monitoring and prepare analytical and financial reporting
  • Prepare mid-year and final project reports according to the established procedure for evaluation of international technical assistance projects as approved by the Council of Ministers of Belarus as well as progress reports requested by the UNDP
  • Undertake any other actions related to the project management as requested by UNDP or the National Project Director.

Supports creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy   focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new partnership, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization
  • Identify and share best practices in implementation and management of the project portfolio at the local and international levels.


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
Functional Competencies:
  • Demonstrated experience in managing development projects
  • Experience in the field of minimizing consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe and/or related fields is desirable
  • Demonstrated strong management, coordination and facilitation skills, ability to work in team
  • Strong communication skills (oral and written)
  • Results oriented, flexible and problem solving skills
  • Knowledge of UNDP systems an advantage


Required Skills and Experience
  • University degree in the sphere directly devoted to sustainable development and/or management, international relations, political science
  • Scientific degree would be an asset
  • Minimum 5 years of progressive work experience with international/donor organizations
  • Fluency in English and Russian         
This is a locally recruited position
  • UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest.
  • No telephone inquires will be entertained. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
All interested candidates should complete the UN PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P11) at the following link:
http://un.by/pdf/P11form-6957.doc and attach it to the on-line application in the required resume field.

Information on conditions of UNDP contracts is contained at the link:
 

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