Antecedentes

Applicants who previously applied need not re-apply.

UNDP Afghanistan Mission statement:

UNDP supports stabilization, state building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP has played a key role in the management of the Law and Order Trust Fund, which supports the Government in developing and maintaining the national police force and in efforts to stabilize the internal security environment. Major demobilization, disarmament and rehabilitation and area-based livelihoods and reconstruction programmes have taken place nationwide. UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.

Organizational Context:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting the Government of Afghanistan (GoA) to find innovative solutions to its development challenges. UNDP strengthens the institutional capacities of key GoA institutions at the national and sub-national levels to enhance human security, human development and peace and stability, in line with its Country Programme Document (CPD). UNDP’s development efforts in Afghanistan is taken forward under different programme Units, each leading on particular thematic areas in line with UNDP global development mandate. These include; the Rule of Law, National Governance, Sub–national Governance and Development, Sustainable Development, and Cross-Cutting with focus on Gender and Capacity Development.

Based on experiences and lessons learnt built from the GEP-I and  pilot phase, the new phase of project was developed as Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality Project (GEP-II) for 2012 to 2015 with three components: 1) Enhancement of MOWA’s capacity for policy making and oversight for NAPWA Implementation; 2) Development of Women’s entrepreneurship skills developed for women entrepreneurs and cooperatives in 19 provinces; and 3) Increasing access to justice for women including awareness on women’s rights among men and women. The project will be implemented under the Direct Implementation modality of UNDP. The goal of capacity building will be achieved through a strategy based on the principles of 1) improving the Capacity of National and Sub-national Partners and CSO Implementing Partners to deliver the activities of GEP-II; 2)  promoting and contribute to the coordination of gender-related activities and program coherence within the UN system; 3) enhancing the capacity of emerging civil society in support of GEP-II’s goal and objectives; 4) harnessing potential of the UNDP Gender cluster in support of Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality Enhancing partnerships and synergies.

The project is now in the second year of its implementation which is a critical juncture for the project to ensure that it not only achieves the commitments, in line with project document,  which could not be achieved during first year implementation but also to establish strong foundations for the coming years and next phase project formulation.     

The purpose of the post of the Gender Equality Project Manager is, therefore, to ensure that the GEP-II is well managed and implemented in line with the goals set and results envisioned. The key objectives of the post is to ensure that the gender technical advice and critical gender inputs for policy formulation and planning exercises are made available to the government counterparts as well as to serve to UNDP Afghanistan as the most senior Gender Expert through gender cluster work. The Project Manager will be working closely with the portfolio Manager in Cross Practice Unit under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Senior DCD (P).

Deberes y responsabilidades

Summary of key functions:

• Effective Project Management for delivery of results;
• Project Monitoring & Evaluation;
• Capacity development for institutional reforms and development;
• Policy reforms and development services;
• Analytical national knowledge products;
• Stakeholders’ networking, strategic advocacy and resource mobilization;
• Effective coordination and strategic collaboration for Gender Cluster Work. 

Effective Project Management for delivery of results:

• Ensuring coherent an effective implementation of the Project, using a results-oriented approach that incorporates creativity, innovation, and responsiveness to emerging needs;
• Prepare Annual Work and results framework for the project and based on approval of the Government and UNDP take the lead in implementing for delivery of results;
• Prepare organization structure and plan based on UNDP Programming Manual, including distribution of functions and responsibilities, decision-making and business processes and institutional arrangements for sound project management;
• Facilitate the day-to-day functioning of the Team with oversight responsibility of management on human resource, budget and advancement, procurement and sub-contracting for achieving results in line with the outputs and activities outlined in the project document and annual work plan;
• Ensure the follow-up of the implementation of the projects and the performance of project staff and partners, monitor contractual obligations (via periodic reviews, audits, reporting and assistance, etc.) and gather and handle external expertise;
• Providing overall supervision and leadership to Regional Coordinators and Provincial Coordinators for the implementation of activities at the sub-national level based on Regional/Provincial Work Plan;
• Ensure the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of the approved projects and activities proposed by counterparts and implementing partners providing technical assistance to national, regional or local partners in implementing respective activities;
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports ensuring the quality of reports in close collaboration with the Country Office (Programme Support Unit and Cross Practice Unit).     
• Organize meetings of the Quarterly Project Board (Steering Committee) with the Country Office Programme Unit and if relevant that Project Advisory Panel;
• As per corporate UNDP requirements, establish participatory governance and decision-making system which involves all project staff ensuring enabling environment for high level performance of all project personnel;
• Establish performance management system, based on UNDP’s results and competency assessment system, to monitor staff performance;
• Manage delivery of results by using up-to-date best practices and know-how in the subject area and accordingly plan delivery of resources at 25-20% for first, 50-70 % for second, 75-90% for third  and 100% for final quarters of the performance year.

Project Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Monitor and evaluate progress towards the expected project results according to the project performance monitoring framework, including monitoring of contracts/project results of the partners and vendors towards projected results documents and applies lessons learned to adjust the project implementation;
• Undertake monitoring missions at national and sub-national level, including consultations with partners and key stakeholders facilitating the Country Office’s monitoring for programme assurance;
• Establish a quantitative and qualitative M&E mechanism to measure outputs, outcomes, results and impact ensuring project reporting on a timely and accurate basis, for internal and external purposes;
• Organise and lead the various evaluations foreseen in the Regulations (mid-term, final etc.);
• Present information on M&E result to stakeholders, forums and other consultative mechanisms established;
• Monitor the financial expenditure advancement in particular as reported in cost statements and provide assurance that claimed costs correspond to the work accomplished;
• Analyse annual and final implementation reports submitted to the Project by Implementing Partners.

Capacity Development for Institutional Reform and Development:

• Prepare capacity development plan, taking into consideration the need of the government, non-government, local authorities and other development partners;
• Promote the capacity development approach developed by UNDP under the Capacity Development Cluster and, in consultation with the Government and UNDP, implement transfer of know-how through a series of training and learning events;
• Supervise the project’s capacity development efforts aimed at government counterparts,, local authorities and development organizations;
• Document the experience of capacity development initiatives and prepare the national policy and strategy;
• Monitor the achievements of capacity development initiatives and ensure follow-up support.

Policy reform and Development Services:

• Prepare plan of action for policy support services and project development;
• Provide intellectual or substantive leadership in the subject area through identification of key policy issues and formulation of best possible and alternative policy and programme options at local and national levels;
• Stimulate strategic thinking in the subject area, taking into account the needs of Government, local authorities, non-government and development partners as well as opportunities to develop national  public goods;
• Ensure adequate gender technical support to state entities for mainstreaming gender in key policy and strategic documents and development processes;
• Map on a consistent basis the development issues, covering the situation and strategic opportunities in the form of professional papers and reports. Prepare development bulletin on a regular basis;
• Monitor the process of implementing policy reform and development services, including delivery of policy-based national public goods. Ensure highest UNDP standards in the provision of technical and advisory inputs, organization of workshops, seminars, training and delivery of outputs (products);
• Identify opportunities to enhance team-work within the project and with other UNDP assisted projects to capitalize on the specific advantages of multi-disciplinary support;
• Advice the UNDP senior management and the national government counterparts on policy matters pertinent to gender equitable development and propose way forward to best serve the government mandates.

Analytical Knowledge Products:

• Prepare plan of action to support the Government with analysis and substantive research into major national and local development issues;
• Lead the process of knowledge captures of national and international know-how in the subject area and production of knowledge-based products;
• Manage or support the formation of national panel of advisors to guide the work of the project;
• Lead the process of knowledge creation and dissemination related to national and international know-how in the subject area. In this context, partner with practitioners and members of the UNDP global networks, leadership of the practice and sub-practice teams in RBAP, BDP, BCPR, Regional Centers and other related Bureaux;
• Organize internal and external networks or communities of practice covering prominent experts in government, non-government, think tanks, private companies, international development organizations and the UN system;
• Develop country based intelligence on country situation, opportunities, interests and prospects covering governments, UNDP and major development stakeholders. Map key competencies available in different countries and development organizations;
• Lead the analytical development work of the team and ensure high quality knowledge products. Promote the substantive quality of all knowledge products, reports and services, and ensures effective integration and compatibility with other practice areas;
• Contribute to the production reports and publications, and serve as peer reviewer.

Stakeholders’ Networking, Strategic Advocacy and Resource Mobilization:

• Facilitate and strengthening partnerships with relevant national and international partners and stakeholders in the country;
• Create or establish a positive and appreciative atmosphere for team-based work in the project and be an advocate for the work of UNDP;
• Disseminate the information on best practices and be active member of the UNDP global and regional networks;
• Prepare brochures, publications, press releases for dissemination of UNDP assistance and experience;
• Prepare professional articles and papers;
• Expand outreach o the UN, national government, local authorities, private sector, non-government and international development organizations;
• Ensure frequent communication and coordination among the Project’s Regional Offices, other projects’ provincial offices and key project partners, including national partners, UN Agencies and women’s networks etc;
• Conduct research and analysis with regards to strategic entry points for further UNDP programming on gender responsible policies;
• Contribute to the codification of knowledge and information on gender mainstreaming and its application to organizational learning;
• Network and build credible working relations with Government, donor partners and UNCT Gender Working Group;
• Prepare proposals for mobilization of human, technical or financial resources from international development organizations, non-government organizations and the private sector;
• Mobilize resources in close collaboration with the Country Office to support the achievement of project outputs and outcomes.

Effective coordination and strategic collaboration for gender cluster work:

• Under the strategic guidance of Inter-Cluster Chair with facilitation support from Cluster Coordinator and leading role of Gender Cluster Chair, Project Manager is expected to;
• Assist with the definition of conceptual frameworks for mainstreaming gender into UNDP and its supported programmes through ensuring systematic integration of gender equality objectives into policies, programme formulation, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation at all levels;
• Closely coordinate and collaborate with other projects to deliver outcomes of gender as UNDP;
• Coordinate local gender capacity building and training activities for stakeholders of the gender programme;
• Identify areas of strategic and technical coordination and collaboration with other projects to strengthen further gender mainstreaming as UNDP as a whole;
• Play a technical support role to other projects under Gender Cluster to fill the technical gap other projects face;
• Ensure the implementation of GEP-II as a hub project of UNDP Afghanistan Gender Programme under the pillar 4 at national and sub-national level in close corporation with other UNDP projects.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the overall effectiveness and success of UNDP’s interventions and activities in achieving the country’s development and the MDG in Gender Sector.

Competencias

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;
• Client oriented and working in teams;
• Self-management and emotional intelligence.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• In-depth knowledge on justice reform and development issues;
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources;
• Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit;
• Experience in formulating and managing UNDP DEX projects;
• Strong IT skills;
• Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership

• Ability to manage time and meet tight deadlines;
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;

Client Orientation and Inter-personal/Communication Skills:

• Ability to identify partner's, client’s and team’s needs and appropriate solutions;
• Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with donors and other partner agencies;
• Excellent personal and professional communication and presentation skills;
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability - communicates effectively with and relates to people of different cultures with respect;
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by ability to lead and gain assistance of others in a team;
• Ability to build trust through operating with transparency and creating an open, positive and enabling environment and relationship.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

• Master’s degree in development, with specialization in women’s development and/or any other Social Science discipline or development management;
• Prince2 training and certification, RMG is advantage;
• Certification in Prince 2.

Experience::

• Minimum 10 years of working experience on issues relevant to developing countries in Asia pacific and preferably in advising UNDP managements and high level government officials;
• Strong background and understanding of critical gender analysis and programmatic skills;
• Excellent analytical aptitude, communication, writing and presentation skills;
• Well published, competent and knowledgeable on development issues, especially trade and human development concepts and methodologies;
• Prior experience of project manager or leading large project teams;
• Good interpersonal skills motivating international and national project staff to improve their performance and understanding of local culture and customs an advantage. Working experience with governments, donors, non-government and international development organizations preferable;
• Ability to function at both policy advisory and project implementation levels. Also, computer and internet capabilities mandatory.

Language Requirements:

• Excellent command of written and spoken English;
• Knowledge of Dari or any other local languages will be an asset.

Note:

Interested and qualified International candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at http://www.af.undp.org/content/afghanistan/en/home/operations/jobs/   and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at http://www.af.undp.org/content/afghanistan/en/home/operations/jobs/    in the relevant field of the on-line application.

Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af   

Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within 6 weeks of the offer of appointment.

Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.