Antecedentes

The 7.2 magnitude earthquake which hit Central Visayas on 15 October 2013 damaged critical infrastructure and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. As of 27 October, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has placed the total affected population at 1,250,974 in the province of Bohol alone. Of this number, approximately 88,804 persons are staying in 345 evacuation centers while 246,697 are staying either with relatives or in makeshift tents outside their damaged houses. DSWD estimates that 12,403 houses were totally damaged while 55,866 sustained partial damages. Most of the latter would need a thorough assessment to ensure structural integrity and fitness for habitation. On the other hand, damages to service infrastructure (e.g. health centers, hospitals, schools, markets) as well as governance infrastructure (e.g. barangay and municipal halls, multipurpose halls, gymnasiums) are extensive. Access to the affected areas especially to interior barangays is difficult and time-consuming following the critical damages sustained by important bridges, infrastructure, roads and ports. Power supply has been interrupted in many affected sites and repair work is still incomplete at this time.

As the Early Recovery co-lead, UNDP will implement a project to support local authorities and disaster-affected communities in clearing and managing debris brought about by earthquake, ensuring the continued entry of critical humanitarian assistance and other life-saving services to affected communities and reducing threats to lives and health risks of residents. The project will focus on the hardest hit municipalities and cities by providing “stop gap” support to the concerned local government units (LGU) and creating immediate temporary employment opportunities for women and men through their participation in cash-for-work activities over a 6-month period. A Project Management Office (PMO) will be established to carry out the implementation of project activities.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Under the supervision of the Team Leader for Crisis Prevention and Recovery and the direct supervision of the Early Recovery Coordinator for Mindanao, the Project Manager will carry out the following tasks:
  • Perform overall management and coordination functions for the implementation of debris-clearing efforts and other UNDP early recovery activities in the affected areas, demonstrating leadership in ensuring the efficient, timely and effective planning, conduct and monitoring of project activities and the achievement of expected results;
  • Perform overall office management functions assuming accountability for staff management and the smooth day-to-day operations of the UNDP Tacloban Office;
  • Collaborate with the International Debris-Clearing Advisor in defining overall strategies, approaches and directions in project implementation, identifying risks and challenges and seeking opportunities and solutions to implementation issues;
  • Oversee and ensure the formulation of efficient workplans and timely progress monitoring reports towards the full, optimal and judicious utilization of project financial resources;
  • Participate in the convening of the Early Recovery Cluster and attend coordination meetings with government counterparts, other UN agencies and donor organizations, local and international NGOs and other humanitarian actors on the ground;
  • Ensure linkage between UNDP debris-clearing/early recovery efforts with the programs of other humanitarian actors in response to Typhoon Pablo;
  • Perform other tasks as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Competencias

Corporate competencies
  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Functional and technical competencies
  • Strong knowledge of the latest theories and concepts in urban development and sustainable cities in the Philippines and broader region;
  • Strong analytical and research skills;
  • Familiarity with current actors working on urban development challenges in the Philippines;
  • Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with different stakeholders;
  • Excellent in oral and written communication; have skills to write independent reports, documents, maintain systems and procedures in administering programs.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

  • Masters degree in environmental management, engineering, development studies, humanitarian aid, public administration or other related fields;
  • Equivalent work experience may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree.

Experience: 

  • A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in crisis/emergency response, early recovery or management of development projects;
  • Experience in debris-clearing activities is preferred;
  • Experience in debris-clearing activities and community-based development is preferred;
  • Previous working experience with a UN agency an asset as well as established networks and familiarity with areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

Language Requirements: 

  • English, Filipino. Fluency in local languages such as Cebuano is an advantage.