Background

Initiated in 2015, under the umbrella of the “Belt and Road Initiative” championed by China, the Maritime-Continental Silk Road Cities Alliance (MCSR CA) is designed to promote dialogue between cities and facilitate the building of partnerships for development at the city level.

In 2017, the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) signed a full-fledged global project with the implementing partner, China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE), the Government of China to support the work MCSR Cities Alliance. The full-fledged MCSR Cities Alliance project seeks to further align its support to the five priority areas of the “Belt and Road Initiative” namely policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bond. One specific focus of this project is to facilitate formulation, coordination and consolidation of sectoral action plans and projects in green economy, smart city, tourism, culture, trade and investment, among others.

Building on the achievements of the initiation phase (2015-2016), the Cities Alliance aims to raise its profile as a global platform to facilitate regional and inter-regional South-South and triangular exchanges at the city level towards achieving sustainable development.

Towards this goal, a Project Manager will be recruited to manage the day to day operations of the MCSR CA Secretariat based in Beijing China.

Duties and Responsibilities

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT

Under the supervision of the UNOSSC Programme Coordination Specialist and Chief of CICETE Division II of UN Programmes, the Project Manager will:

• Support the management and operations of the MCSR CA Secretariat in line with UNDP financial, HR and procurement rules and regulations;
• Act as the liaison focal point between UNOSSC and CICETE, as well as among key stakeholders and members of MCSR CA;
• Support with project management (member cities/organizations, Business Council, specialized committees, etc.), implementation and reporting, in line with UNDP rules and policies;
• Lead in providing guidance and advice to MCSR CA bodies and members on UNDP financial, HR and procurement rules and regulations, as well as standard of conduct in line with MCSR CA rules and charters;
• Lead in the development of partnership and resource mobilization strategies;
• Develop and manage partnerships in line with UNDP rules and regulations particularly risk management process;
• Facilitate in engaging with partner agencies and organizations to promote coordination and information sharing;
• Lead in the formulation and implementation of MCSR CA communication and visibility strategy;
• Lead in development and management of website, reports, materials and knowledge products of MCSR CA;
• Lead in organization of events and meetings in the MCSR CA annual work plan;
• Facilitate and participate in regular meetings with the MCSR CA Project Board, submit progress reports to the Board, and advise the Board members on policy issues relating to project implementation;
• Upon approval by UNOSSC and/or CICETE, represent the MCSR CA in related activities and participate in the events of MCSR CA members and bodies;
• Undertake other work required by UNOSSC and CICETE, as well as the Senior Leadership of MCSR CA Secretariat.

 MAJOR DELIVERABLE

Competencies

Planning and Organization

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Uses own initiative; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Strong organizational skills; Close attention to detail; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently; Works well under pressure; Able to meet tight deadlines and to manage a heavy workload; Persistence and willingness to follow through.

Communications

Writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Communication and advocacy skills;

Respect for Diversity

Curiosity and desire to work in a complex, international environment. Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender and geographical balance. Sensitivity to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age differences; Respect for, and understanding of, international political processes; Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and discretion.

Integrity

Commitment to United Nations’ mission, vision and values; Ethics and Values: Promotes Ethics and Integrity and creates positive precedents; demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours. Acts without consideration of personal gain. Resists undue political pressure in decision-making. Does not abuse power or authority. Stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular. Takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.

Teamwork

Able to function in a team environment; Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility; Self-management and Emotional Intelligence: Creates an emotionally intelligent organization; Team player with the ability to maintain good work relations with individuals of different backgrounds, and to work under pressure; Holds a friendly, approachable and confident manner; Able to take instructions and to learn on the job; Able to cope with criticism; Conflict Management: leverages conflict in the interest of OPGA and sets standards; Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Creativity

Actively seeks to improve programmes and services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”. Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Technological Awareness

An excellent working knowledge of IT and all applications relating to communications; Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Negotiation and Partnership Building

Strong negotiation skills and ability to build partnerships and mobilize support; Strong initiative and is comfortable to pro-actively reach out to new and existing external partners; Strong skills for reputational risk management

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s Degree in international affairs, business administration, law, economics, English, cross-cultural communication, social science or a similar and/or related field;

Work Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience; particularly project management or business administration, in the context of international development.
• Experience working in China with the public and private sector preferred;
• Experience working in international organizations preferred;
• Experience working with or supporting a developing country government or public institutions desirable;
• Proficiency in the usage of computer and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Chinese, both oral and written, required.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

• Brief cover letter (max 1 page) outlining relevant experience and motivation for role;
• Personal history form (P11) or CV/Resume;
• Financial Proposal;
• Contact details of 2 references.

 Evaluation / Selection Process

Applicant’s CV and cover letter will be assessed against alignment with functional responsibilities and required skills and experience to create a longlist.

For shortlisted candidates, a cumulative analysis method will be used. The award of the Individual Contractors Contract shall be made to the individual contractors whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation

 Technical Criteria; 70%

Applicant interview performance will be evaluated against listed required skills, experience, and competencies.

1. Experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects in the context of sustainable development. (25 points).
2. Experience in working with international organizations, governments and technical agencies (20 points).
3. Experience in partnership building and resource mobilization (20 points).
4. Experience in leading communications and advocacy work for organizations and projects (20 points).
5. Experience in organizing high-level events and interacting with governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders (10 points).
6. Knowledge of UN operation and finance tools and procedures, as well as rules and law relevant to public entities in China (5 points).

 Financial Criteria; 30%

 The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal: p = y (µ/z),

• p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated;
• y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal;
• µ = price of the lowest priced proposal;
• z = price of the proposal being evaluated;