UNV Jobs - 29661- Project Administrator

Project Administrator

Advertised on behalf of

UNV

Location :

Harare, ZIMBABWE

Type of Contract :

UNV

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

17-May-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

UNV

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 Year

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

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.
In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.

In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

Working in conjunction with the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development, the Officer is responsible for the day to day management of Support for Peace Building and Increased Access to Sustainable Livelihoods in Zimbabwe Project. Also, as part of his or her functions, the Project Officer is responsible for analysing local level economic trends and he or she leads formulation, management and evaluation of project activities with local authorities. The Project Officer works in close collaboration with local government authorities, community leaders, project staff in other development agencies, including multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director Resource Mobilisation and Project Development in the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Monitors project/programme activities by reviewing a variety of records, including control plans, progress reports, project inputs, budget/financial reports and expenditures
Consolidates and compiles IP/DONOR monthly reports in collaboration with MSMECD field staff for further planning and analysis purposes
Responsible for timely processing of payments and disbursement authorisations
Ensures efficient and timely preparation and submission of work plans (annual and quarterly), progress reports and financial reports
Financial and administrative monitoring and evaluation of the project, identification of operational and financial problems and development of solutions
Provides accounting and administrative support to the project
Ensures financial and administrative controls, assessing whether they are operating as per policies, procedures according to MSMECD/UNDP regulations
Ensures maintenance and inventory control of all project assets
Maintains good working relations with implementing partners, local authorities; and UN agencies for implementing joint programmes
Efficient filling/documentation of project documents, work plans, progress reports, budgets and other implementation documents

Furthermore, UN Volunteer s are encouraged to:

Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies

Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of Government and UNDP
Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback
Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree or equivalent in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Business administration, Social Sciences or related field is preferable.
Possession of a Masters Degree would be an added advantage. Fluency in the United Nations and national language of the duty station is mandatory.

Experience:

3-5 years of relevant experience at the National or International level in project management, monitoring and evaluation of development projects

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English.