UNDP Jobs - 81133- National Project Manager, SB 5 Peg 2 (Open to Nepa

National Project Manager, SB 5 Peg 2 (Open to Nepalese nationals only)

Location :

Kathmandu frequent field visits, NEPAL

Type of Contract :

Other

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

05-Oct-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Other

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year with possibility of 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 project document for ‘Support to knowledge and lifelong learning skills’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘SKILLS’) was signed on 6th April 2015, for completion by December 31st 2017.The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is the implementing partner. The assistance has now been extended for three years upto December 2020. The SKILLs support to 1) TVET Policy institutionalization and localization and 2) Establishment of Web based National TVET Management Information System for strengthening M&E system. Ministry of Education, Science and Technology with the support from United Nation Development Program is leading the implementation in collaboration with Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).

Building on past support, activities under extended support will focus on TVET policy redesign, localization of TVET policy at sub-national levels, private sector engagement in TVET, integration of entrepreneurship training in TVET, the TVET management information system, and keeping women in the workforce. The support will also address the TVET strategy forming the basis for the TVET Policy, Strategy and good governance in TVET.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of National Project Director (NPD), the National Project Manager (NPM) will be responsible for managing and providing vision and strategic direction to the overall implementation of the SKILLS.

General Responsibilities:

Day to day operational management and the delivery of outputs and activities in a timely and efficient manner in liaison with the National Project Coordinator.
Coordinate all aspects of human resources to ensure a working environment conducive to optimum staff performance.
Coordinate, manage and monitor financial, administrative, procurement and logistical matters.
Provide Managerial support to the monitoring and evaluation, planning and reporting responsibilities.
Develop and maintain effective relations with the implementing partners and counterparts.
Manage the development and implementation of trainings/ workshops on SKILLS approaches
Contribute to the knowledge management and development of knowledge products
Build organizational capacity in project partners, government, and stakeholders to incorporate gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) strategies and approaches that contribute to sustainability beyond the life of project.

Specific Responsibilities:
1. Day to day operational management and the delivery of outputs and activities in a timely and efficient manner:

Ensure that all outputs and activities are implemented in a timely manner and adhere to project results, human resources and monitoring and evaluation plans, ensuring quality and relevance to the context of Nepal and periodically update the National Project Director (NPD), the Advisor on livelihoods and employment and Focal person-Poverty Inclusion Unit (PIU) of UNDP.
Work closely with GoN partners to establish initial baseline and time bound targets for SKILLS implementation.
Lead the preparation of Annual Work Plans (AWP), Quarterly Work Plans (QWP), Human resource (HR), Procurement and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plans for approval from the Project Board with guidance from the NPD, and the Advisor and Focal person-PIU.
Oversee implementation of activities outlined in the project document, with a focus on results and impact, liaising with the technical advisors for advice on technical details;
Manage and monitor project risks, identify and submit new risks to the Project Board for decisions and update the risk log periodically.
Update the NPD, and Advisor and Focal person-PIU on necessary adjustments during project implementation to ensure strategic flexibility.
Work closely with the NPD to identify potential issues and problems and to prepare a set of recommendations and to obtain any support/ advice required for the management, planning and control of SKILLS.
Coordinate aspects of data collection, reporting and M&E aspects of the project.
Liaise with the UNDP Advisor and Focal person-PIU to ensure full compliance of operations with UNDP rules, regulations and policies and monitoring of achievement of results as per the NIM Guidelines.
Support and contribute to the development of contingency plans to address anticipated challenges.
Advise on planning of new activities, in close consultation with relevant Government partners.
Result based management with a focus on result-based reporting demonstrating actual impact of activities.
Contribute to the preparation of relevant proposals, concept notes, project documents and other key materials for resource mobilization.
Liaise with the technical advisor to ensure that all substantive, strategic and technical aspects of reporting needs are in line with current strategic thinking and direction of the program and is done in a timely manner.
Explore options for coordination and synergies with other GoN, UNDP programmes, other UN agencies and bilateral partners, providing detailed advice to NPD and his delegate.
Manage the documentation of activities and achievements of the project

2. Coordinate all aspects of human resources to ensure a working environment conducive to optimum staff performance.

Planning and day-to-day management of human resources.
Ensuring that SKILLS is optimally staffed reflecting Nepal’s diversity.
Directly supervise the all of the Project staff.
Coordinate individual staff work plans and work load.
Contribute to an environment in which each staff member can achieve the objectives of their post.
Address staff disputes or other conflicts within the team.
Coordinate all national and international consultants to ensure that contracting processes are in accordance with planned schedules and deliverables.
Maintain close contact with country office to ensure coordination on human resources administration of both national and international staff, as well as coordinate the recruitment process.
Support the development of Terms of References of all required consultants and staff and actively participate in the recruitment process as required.

3. Coordinate, manage and monitor financial, administrative, procurement and logistical matters

Ensure effective, transparent and accountable management of financial resources, as per the rules and regulations in the UNDP NIM Guidelines.
Ensure timely narrative and financial reports, thematic technical papers and policy notes for the Project Board.
In close coordination with the NPD delegate and Administrative and Finance Associate prepare accurate and reliable financial reports.
Coordinate and support all activities leading to the annual audit exercise and follow up of the audit recommendations
Coordinate the preparation of Annual Work Plans for further discussion and clearance from the NPD.
Coordinate the use of programme vehicles.

4. Provide Managerial support to the monitoring and evaluation, planning and reporting responsibilities.

Coordinate timely programme reporting - both internal and external - following project requirements and established procedures according to the NIM guidelines.
Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a dynamic system of monitoring and evaluation as a central element of the SKILLS. Support full implementation of the M&E system.
Oversee the organization of Steering Committee and Project Board meetings and coordinate all aspects of development of progress reports and other documentation as required.
Work closely with the NPD and his delegate to generate quarterly and annual Combined Delivery Reports (CDR) for discussion and signature within the Project Board.
Support the NPD in preparing the TORs and coordinating evaluation exercises as required.
Perform other tasks as required.

5. Develop and maintain effective relations with the implementing partners and counterparts.

Maintain close coordination with the relevant Programme focal person of PIU, UNDP on all aspects of SKILLS implementation.
Represent when necessary, SKILLS in relevant GoN and UNDP Country Office meetings, events and other activities.
Contribute to the development of appropriate working relations with national stakeholders.
Liaise with contractors and other key stakeholders that impact project delivery in order to ensure project outcomes are met in a timely manner.
Liaise with GoN, UNDP management and partners as necessary.
Support resource mobilization efforts by coordinating the preparation of quality reports and other such documents.
Perform other tasks as required.

6. Manage the implementation of trainings/ workshops

Plan and manage the implementation of training/workshops as mentioned in the Project document and annual work plans.

7. Contribute to the knowledge management and development of knowledge products

Coordinate and develop the document of best practices and lessons learned on an ongoing basis.
Coordinate and contribute to the development of knowledge products.
Coordinate and develop knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Serves and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Good inter-personal skills;
Clear and upfront communication skills;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Display cultural and gender sensitivity and adaptability;
Collaborates effectively in a team environment;
Organized and good with following-up on pending issues; meets deadlines
Promote learning and knowledge management/sharing;
Focused on delivering results by taking calculated-risks and problem solving approach;
Fair and transparent decision making; regularly shares information with team members;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development

Functional Competencies:

Demonstrate ability to identify and anticipate bottlenecks, as well as seek guidance.
Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, confidentiality concerning financial and employee files; (for admin and finance, project management positions)
Ability to organize and complete assignments within deadlines.
Integrity and impartiality, ability to work with external partners e.g. supplier, vendors, service providers;
Ability to convey difficult issues and positions to senior officials proactively seek guidance and make clear recommendations to line managers.
Dynamic and results-oriented
Strong verbal and written skills; ability to draft short memos and conduct presentations.
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; can multi task
Willing to work long hours
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to UNDP’s mandate and strategic agenda
Assesses project performance to identify success factors and incorporates best practices into project work
Monitors specific stages of projects/programme implementation
Researches linkages across programme activities to identify critical points of integration
Oversees and documents the process of strategy formulation for programmes at Project level

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Completion of PhD or Master’s degree in TVET, Public Policy, Education or any other relevant subjects.

Experience:

At least 5 years (for PhD) or 8 years (for Master’s Degree) of experience in TVET including policy formulation, program design, implementation and M&E.
Experience of working as a Team Leader or Manager at government or development agencies will be an advantage.
Knowledge of TVET policy processes and TVET assessment is a must.
Good understanding of poverty, economic development and TVET in Nepal.
Good understanding of Nepal’s TVET system
Experience and Knowledge of the UNDP systems and procedures would be an asset

Language Requirements:

Fluency in spoken and written Nepali and English languages.

Other:

Well versed with computer applications like words, excel, power point etc.