UNDP Jobs - 59856- Programme Coordinator, Social Inclusion

Programme Coordinator, Social Inclusion

Location :

Podgorica, MONTENEGRO

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

05-Oct-2015

Application Deadline :

21-Sep-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

9 months, with possible extension

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 social exclusion is concentrated among certain vulnerable groups of the population: i) social welfare system ii) long term unemployed iii) pensioners iv) people with disabilities v) Roma population vi) refugees and internally displaced persons.

It is also important to note that factors leading to social exclusion are multifaceted and multidimensional. Their solution requires contributions from labour market, education and social protection system policies. In this respect, it is important for Montenegro to accelerate decisive endeavors to reform these sectors in accordance with the best EU practices.
As response to the a/m phenomena, the UNDP Montenegro, is undertaking a number, among others includes, project and programmes supporting the overall reform processes in the sectors of social protection, education and employment.

As per DaO framework the main aim of the interventions are to reduce disparities and gaps in access to quality health, education and social services, in line with EU/UN standards. The specific objectives of the Programme interventions is to support the reform processes to build and strengthen the institutional mechanisms and capacities in the sectors of social welfare, employment and education to become more responsive to the needs of the vulnerable, contributing to their social inclusion.

The above mentioned objectives will be achieved with implementation of activities which include i) development of standards for community based services, ii) capacity development of local actors involved in service provision, iii) support to local actors who plan, design, run/manage and deliver community-services in results and beneficiary oriented manner, iv) support in design and implementation of the Local Social Inclusion Action Plans which would ensure local level ownership and consistency of quality service provision at the local level, v) supporting the national and local authorities in improving and optimizing the network of social and educational institutions and their physical facilities, thus increasing the potential to provide quality educational services which are conformed to modern education system requirements.

Within the Social Inclusion cluster particular attention is paid to the most vulnerable populations such as Roma/refugees. The intervention in this regard are mainly focusing on resolving the legal status of Roma/refugee populations, facilitating their access to social programmes and activities which are enabling access of these populations to national employment programmmes.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring that the programme is efficiently managed to fulfill its mission and objectives as set out in the overall Project documents and in accordance with the UNDP standards and best practices.

Under direct supervision of the Social Inclusion Team Leader, the main task of the Programme Coordinator will be to ensure overall implementation/delivery of different aspects of the SI Programme which focuses on development/upgrade of the facilities of the Social and Education sector and overall management of Regional Roma Programme. In addition, the Programme Coordinator will provide support to Programme Manager in running the Social Welfare Reform and Employment programme(s).

In performing these responsibilities, the incumbent will be required to carry out the following main tasks on a regular basis:

1. Ensure implementation/delivery of different aspects of the Projects.

For the projects related to development/upgrade of the facilities of the Social and Education sector:

Coordinate overall activities which include technical design, procurement and construction works in all locations, subject to the project documents which include: Quality check and verification of the project design and technical documentation; Together with Operations Unit organize the tendering and contracting procedure (publishing tender, if necessary organizing pre-bid conference and site visit, selecting and contracting company that will perform construction works); Monitoring and supervision of construction works (according to UNDP procedure and MNE legislation);Identification of needs for equipment, and procurement and installation of necessary equipment;
Prepare implementation action plans and monitor their progress on a regular basis;
Assist the respective Team Leader in identifying relevant sources of expertise for project/activity implementation;
Advice respective Team Leader on potential adjustments of actions and procedures in light of changing requirements and needs;
Ensure promotion of Project visibility in line with the Communication Plan.

For Roma Regional Project:

Supervise delivery and implementation of all activities provided by the project and ensure quality and timelines of reporting and data production;
Ensure that work plans are prepared and updated on time and reflect project objectives and outputs;
Ensure timely coordination and implementation of project activities which include: Identification and organization of the selection process of NGO partners; Communication, back up an oversight of NGO lead activities; Field monitoring and project implementation data collection;
Monitor implementation progress and ensure quality and timely inputs to reporting to project partners;
Ensure the establishment and maintenance of complete accounting records of all project activities (budget, commitments, expenditures, income);
Ensure promotion of Project visibility in line with the Communication Plan;
Recommend approaches to donors in terms of resource mobilization and actively participate in the design and development of related programmes/projects.

For Social welfare reform and employment related programmes:

Provide support to the Programme Manager in all administrative, budgetary, technical and programmatic aspects of the Programme;
Provide support to implementation of procurement related activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations and policies;
Support timely coordination and implementation of recruitment and deployment of experts to support Project implementation;
Support Programme Manager in coordinating activities with relevant local partners, ensuring timely and successful implementation of all interventions/activities defined by the Project documents, promoting networking and experience sharing between all relevant stakeholders;
Develop various work plans for the components of the Project and be responsible for the monitoring of plan’s implementation;
Provide limited technical inputs and advise on preparation/implementation of Project documents/activities, including definition of information requirements, data gathering and analysis.

2. Implement day-to-day Project duties/activities:

Maintain administrative files relevant to the Project;
Maintain day-to-day communication with Operations Unit regarding the Project administration matters: procurement, human resources and finance matters; provide administrative support regarding recruitment of experts and procurement of goods and services under the Project;
Perform regular financial and administrative duties necessary for the successful and timely Project implementation: Enter daily transactions in Atlas system (vouchers, requisitions, etc.); Keep track of all transactions and perform regular budget revisions; Provide regular delivery estimation and monthly expense estimation to the Finance Unit; provide regular reporting regarding the Project expenditures; Prepare periodic Project asset/inventory reports; Ensure completeness of documentation, check accuracy of calculation for all financial transactions related to the Project, and prepare/process financial transactions in the system in accordance with UNDP rules and procedures;
Draft routine correspondence, facsimile, memoranda and reports from oral instructions, previous correspondence or other available information sources, in accordance with the standard office procedures, and ensure appropriate follow-up, write minutes from the meetings;
Provide logistical support to the Project and ensure provision of adequate secretarial and interpretation facilities (organization of Project events, meetings and study tours, arrangement of shipments, project vehicles maintenance).

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.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside of UNDP.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to contribute and if needed lead on formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources;
Ability to apply human rights based approach and integrate gender equality concerns in all programme phases and aspects;
Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manages contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis and reporting.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrates ability to manage complexities and work under pressure, as well as conflict resolution skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Public Administration or other relevant field.

Experience:

Minimum 4 years of relevant working experience, preferably in an international organization, government institution, or an NGO;
A proven capacity in coordinating project/programmes preferably in the area of social policy and in targeting vulnerable population;
Strong insight and knowledge of local service delivery mechanisms, local government institutions and civil society organizations in Montenegro active in the field of social, as well as UN agencies and bilateral and multilateral Donors;
Experience in financial and program management, preferably with an international organization.

Languages:

Fluency in Montenegrin language;
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English language.

Other skills:

Excellent computer skills, especially financial and programmatic integrated programmes.

Application procedure:

Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications by September 21, 2015 by using the Apply now button;
All applicants are requested to upload a duly completed and signed Personal History Form (P11), which serves as the equivalent of the CV. P11 form can be downloaded from http://www.me.undp.org/content/montenegro/en/home/operations/jobs.html
The short-listed candidates only will be invited for an interview.