UNDP Jobs - 77216- Project manager/Project specialist poistions

Project manager/Project specialist poistions

Location :

Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

26-Feb-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

one year with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

open ended

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

UNDP is the development arm of the United Nations system, with offices in 180 countries. Globally the organization employs 17,000 people and manages a budget of USD 5 billion each year. The UNDP office in Skopje employs a team of 65 and currently manages a portfolio of projects in environmental protection, good governance and social inclusion worth USD 15 million per year.

Over the past two decades, the UNDP office in Skopje has been an active provider of technical advice and program implementation in the areas of democratic governance, with an emphasis on decentralization, local development and social inclusion, reflecting priorities expressed by our national partners. In recent years, these efforts have been oriented around assisting the country meet the standards required for EU membership. Our aim is to support the creation and smooth functioning of efficient, responsive, transparent and accountable governance institutions at all levels.

To support a substantial expansion in programming, UNDP is currently seeking to hire at least two (and possibly more) experienced project managers/specialists with knowledge and tested expertise in the fields of local government, local and regional development and decentralization. These project managers/specialists will manage and/or provide support in implementing projects aimed at improving municipal governance; completing the decentralization process; and addressing regional disparities.

The open positions are at the SB 4 and SB 5 levels, with specific offers to depend on the skills and experience of the candidates selected after interviews. Employment will initially be for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal on an annual basis for the lifetime of the project (up to four years).

Duties and Responsibilities

New hires will be expected to perform the following functions in line with UNDP rules and procedures:

Lead/support project management to deliver planned results and proper budget expenditure;
Provide substantive expertise and advice on local government issues, including decentralization;
Coordinate project activities with other initiatives in governance and across the UNDP program;
Build constructive partnerships with representatives of the ministries, municipalities, regional bodies, local communities and civil society organizations that are involved in project activities;
Maintain regular communication with donors and provide top-quality reports as required; and
Contribute to aligning the project with UN values, including gender equality and human rights.

Competencies

Values

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Management and leadership

Has strong planning and monitoring skills
Able to plan and implement multiple activities in multiple locations
Able to manage budgets and deliver results under tight deadlines
Able to lead/help lead diverse teams and recruit and manage consultants
Possesses strong negotiation and group facilitation skills
Demonstrates strong presentation, analysis, persuasion and advocacy skills
Works well under pressure

Substantive expertise

Has previous experience in the management of complex projects
Has good knowledge of standard project management tools and approaches
Has good understanding of the policies, institutional frameworks and current practices relevant to local development, local governance and decentralization, including fiscal decentralization
Has previous first-hand experience in working with municipal authorities
Has a good awareness of mainstream schools of thought and EU standards on local governance

Partnership building and networking

Able to build strong partnerships with all institutions and individuals relevant to the project, including stakeholders in central/local government, donors, civil society and the private sector.

Communication skills

Has strong interpersonal, negotiation and networking skills;
Able to listen to others;
Respects difference of opinion;
Finds common ground to solve problems;
Gains trust of peers, partners and clients; and

Able to present complex, conceptual ideas in simple, persuasive terms

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Required: University degree in Public or Business Administration, Law, Economics, Social Sciences or other relevant field.
A Master’s degree is a strong asset.

Professional experience:

A minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in development projects, 4 years for candidates with a Master’s degree;
Demonstrated experience in management of complex projects, programme/project coordination and monitoring and/or provision of advisory services or similar.
Demonstrated experience on projects with a focus on improving governance at the local level.
Demonstrated experience in liaising and co-operating with government officials, municipal authorities, academic institutions, NGOs and the private sector;
Excellent communications, report writing and analytical skills.

Language Requirements:

Language proficiency in both written and oral English and Macedonian.

Knowledge of Albanian or other relevant languages is an asset.