UNDP Jobs - 79601- Project Management Support (Access to Justice proj

Project Management Support (Access to Justice project)

Location :

Honiara, SOLOMON ISLANDS

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

16-Jul-2018

Application Deadline :

01-Jul-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

130 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

130 working days

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 people of the Solomon Islands see ensuring effective systems for justice dispensation as a critical component for national peace and stability. This was evidenced in recent provincial and national peace dialogues. The importance of access to justice is also fully recognized by the Government, and it features as a priority in the Solomon Islands Justice Sector Strategic Framework (2014-2020) (JSSF), endorsed by key sector stakeholders in early 2014.

Against this background and taking into consideration UNDP’s extensive global and regional experience, the Government and UNDP have agreed to partner to support improved access to justice across the Solomon Islands.

The UNDP project management support consultant will be responsible for overseeing the first stage of this partnership - the Initiation Plan Project for Access to Justice. The initiation plan project will lay the groundwork for longer term support to enhancing access to justice, through the development of a fully-fledged UNDP project and a study aimed at providing key decision makers with the information they need to better plan, coordinate and monitor the sector. One of the key activities is to conduct the nation-wide Access to Justice study and the project manager will be responsible for task managing the process to ensure that the Study Team Leader is able to carry out his or her duties in full and that the study progresses as per the agreed timeline. Upon the successful completion and endorsement of the initiation plan, there is a possibility for a full project management position to be etablsihed.

Under close guidance of the UNDP Country Manager, the project management consultant will report to the UNDP Team Leader of the UNDP Effective Governance Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Country Manager and the Team Leader of the Effective Governance Unit, the Project Management support consultant will support the effective implementation of the initiation plan project for access to justice and contribute substantively towards the A2J study and the design of the full project. The following are summary key functions:

1. Ensure effective day to day management of the A2J Initiation Plan Project

2. Ensure timely execution of the A2J study by identifying key stakeholders and making necessary appointments/arrangements

3. Extend technical advice and inputs towards the A2J Study and design of the full A2J project

4. Build strategic partnerships with wider stakeholders and provide support to resource mobilization.

Specific Duties:

1. Ensure effective day to day management of the A2J Initiation Plan Project

• Exercise overall responsibility for planning, management (including of the work plans and budget), implementation, monitoring and coordination aspects of the project implementation.

• Ensure effective communication and information sharing amongst the key stakeholders , including the A2J technical working group. This includes timely organization of periodic project board meetings.

• Ensure full compliance of operations with UN/UNDP rules, regulations and policies, implementation of operational strategies, including timely preparation and follow up on the project procurement plan, and the cost recovery in close consultation with the UNDP operations manager.

• Liaise closely with UNDP regional A2J colleagues to promote their active engagement in the project, timely technical inputs and advisory support as needed.

• Ensure principles of gender and social inclusion as the cross-cutting issue are addressed in every aspect of the project implementation and management with greater focus on gender equality, and women and youth engagement in project activities.

• Provide regular updates on project implementation to the Team Leader, Effective Governance Unit and the UNDP Country Manager and highlight early potential bottlenecks or risks.

2. Ensure timely execution of the A2J study by identifying key stakeholders and making necessary appointments/arrangements

• Support UNDP Governance Team Leader with all contract management related to the A2J study, including the finalisation of procurement processes (where relevant), monitoring of deliverables and timelines, disbursements of payments and adherence to terms and conditions.

• Ensure close monitoring of all components of the study, including regular updates from the research team and briefings to the A2J Technical Working Group (TWG).

• Provide assistance as needed to support the team to overcome bottlenecks or unexpected challenges, so as to maintain adherence to the timeline and study objectives.

• Provide quality assurance to all outputs, including proof reading, editing for sensitivities and other related support.

• Participate in select data collection initiatives (noting issues of confidentiality etc.) for the purpose of documenting the process and developing communication products and knowledge products.

• Provide support to the research team to link up with the A2J TWG and other relevant stakeholders for information collection purposes by making contacts and arrangements for meetings.

• Provide technical inputs to the study by following up on data collection, validating data integrity by cross-checking and collecting necessary secondary and primary data as required by the Team Leader.

• Ensure an ethical approach to all aspects of the survey methodology, with particular focus on ‘doing no harm’ and exercising conflict sensitivity during outreach and questioning.

3. As a member of the A2J study team, extend technical advice and inputs towards the A2J Study and design of the full A2J project

• Working with UNDP regional and global advisors, and drawing on relevant knowledge products, ensure the new project design is informed by best practices and lessons learned.

• Oversee the drafting process for the new project, including collation of technical inputs and preparation of the document in line with POPP guidelines and RBM requirements.

• Work closely with the research team to ensure the research tools are designed to meet the needs of UNDP and the Government, and are tailored appropriately for the context.

• Provide analytical support towards the presentation of the study’s findings and contribute towards the formulation of policy options.

4. Build strategic partnerships with wider stakeholders and provide support to resource mobilization.

• Ensure strong partnerships and coordination between the UNDP, Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, the funding partner and other project stakeholders.

• Provide written updates and presentations to the Project Board and ensure logistical and secretariat support to the Board.

• Provide secretariat support to the effective functioning of the A2J TWG, including logistical arrangements for meetings, setting of agendas, outreach to participants, drafting of meeting minutes and follow up as required.

• Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, and civil society including youth groups in the areas related to A2J programming and policy.

• Actively contribute to resource mobilization for longer term support towards UNDP’s A2J programming through project/programme formulation.

• Ensure effective coordination and communication amongst project partners as well as advocacy and outreach to the wide society.

5. Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.

• Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.

• Ensures that the project is consistent with UN/UNDP values.

• Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility

• Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.

• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the project.

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

• Treats all people fairly and without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise / In-depth knowledge of the Subject-matter

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of democratic governance, access to justice, human rights and gender related project assistance.

• Strong understanding of dynamics in government, civil society and the donor community in developing countries.

• Shares knowledge with staff.

• A passion for innovation and new thinking in the area of justice sector programming.

• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in Law or a related field.

Experience:

• At least five years of experience working in project implementation and project management in the area of access to justice and rule of law; knowledge of UNDP financial and operation rules and regulations and ATLAS is a strong asset.

• Experience in working with justice institutions in a developing country.

• Experience in working for a justice institution in the Pacific, in particular, Melanesia and Solomon Islands, is not a requirement, but a strong asset.

• Working knowledge and experience in access to justice related projects (design, management and operations) is a requirement.

• Experience in overseeing or being a part of large research initiatives related to access to justice baseline studies is an asset.

• Experience in project design and resource mobilization.

• Demonstrated initiative, problem solving skills and focus on outcomes and ability to meet deadlines.

• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.

Language:

• Excellent working knowledge of English.

• Fluency in the national pidgin is an advantage