Background

Kosovo strategic documents and the dialogue with the EU on Kosovo’s EU integration objectives point to the centrality of effective and equitable democratic governance in Kosovo. Improved efficiency of the central and local institutions and the battle against corruption are put forth as strategic priorities. Complex public administration reforms have been implemented in the last seven years, and continuing improvements are made to the functioning of governing institutions at all levels, but the policy implementation and delivery of public services still has many weaknesses and the maturity of the legislature, of the judiciary and of democratic institutions requires further development. Significant disparities also exist between the objectives of local authorities and their capacity to deliver, as well as the underdevelopment of civil society organizations to hold institutions accountable and exercise effective representation and participation in policy processes. Policy development is not always grounded on data, research, and citizen’s needs, which then affects the overall implementation and effectiveness of the policy. These are crucial years for Kosovo, and the general progress will be hampered if evidence-based policy-making continues to lag, especially when data collection, analysis and dissemination is lacking the necessary rigor and official statistics are still underdeveloped. 

The third phase of the Public Pulse project will continue to streamline data gathering, information management and analysis; it will continue to support central and local governance institutions on the utilization of research and data for policy-making and accountability, ultimately leading to improved governance. Specifically, perceptions of citizens on pertinent issues will be highlighted by biannual opinion polls and respective briefs; these will serve as the basis for a dialogue with Kosovo’s governing institutions to contribute to informed decision-making process. The opinion polls, targeted polls and focus groups will provide first hand evidence on the perceptions and opinions of public related to development issues facing Kosovo. The data from the research will serve for targeted analysis and in cooperation with Kosovo authorities and follow-up actions for addressing the specific issues will be developed. 

The PP III will produce the following research products: (a.) six (6) biannual “Public Pulse Briefs” prepared and published; (b.) the development and maintenance of an online Data Visualisation Platform, and (c) three (3) Public Pulse Analysis based on targeted surveys, existing opinion poll data as well as in-depth interviews and focus groups for selected topics.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

• Management of the project and other research products, implementing activities by mobilizing goods and services, in accordance with UNDP POPP and UNDP Kosovo Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitoring of progress and risks, ensuring that changes are controlled, and problems addressed; reporting on progress including measures to address challenges and opportunities.
• Support partnerships and advocacy activities at project level. 
• Ensure implementation of knowledge management activities. 
• Ensure regular dissemination of research outcomes (social media, web-sites, through academic institutions, etc.)

Management of the project, implementing activities by mobilizing goods and services, in accordance with UNDP POPP and the UNDP Kosovo Standard Operating Procedures:

• Ensure timely and good-quality implementation of workplan activities;
• Continuously monitor progress against the approved work-plan; Identify changes in the external environment and promptly agree necessary solutions/actions (ex. related to the planning and implementation of activities, need for new activities) with UNDP office and Project Board;
• Prepare annual project work-plans and related sub-plans (procurement plan, quarterly plans if required, and others as necessary); 
• Serve as an effective spokesperson internally and externally and form strong partnerships with institutional counterparts;
• Maintain positive working relations with all project stakeholders, including central authorities and agencies, international organizations and CSOs;
• Mobilize personnel, goods and services, and training activities, including drafting terms of reference and work specifications and overseeing all contractors’ work; 
• Manage requests for the provision of financial resources by UNDP, through advance of funds, direct payments, or reimbursement using the Fund Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures (FACE) form; 
• Monitor financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports; ensue preparation of budget revisions as necessary; follow up with UNDP programme associate and finance staff on issues; 
• Coordinate an exit strategy at least 6 months ahead of the project closure date; ensure closure of the project is done according to the established procedures.

Monitoring of progress and risks, ensuring that changes are controlled, and problems addressed; Reporting on progress including measures to address challenges and opportunities:

• Monitor events as determined in the project monitoring schedule plan, and update the plan (in Atlas and off-Atlas) as required; 
• Periodically update the project information Atlas Project Management module;
• Manage and monitor the project risks initially identified and submit to the Project Board for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; update the status of these risks by maintaining the project risks log; 
• In coordination with the Programme organize regular donor meetings and perform regular progress reporting to the project board/donor; 
• Prepare progress reports with the frequency and using the template recommended by the UNDP office. Submit the report to supervisor in the UNDP programme team for review and clearance, according to the agreed timetable. Share report with the project board;
• Ensure reporting to donor is prepared timely and the reports are meeting the standards;
• Support the preparation of reviews and evaluations as defined in the project document;
• Prepare final project reports and papers.

Support partnerships and advocacy activities at project level 

• Liaises with other UNDP projects to identify areas where policy papers, research, and other materials are developed and support the process directly;
• Link up project activities with related and parallel activities internally and externally;
• Be familiar with the activities of other development projects in the sector, establish contact and keep up-to date with their work; 
• Ensure and coordinate meaningful participation of all national and international stakeholders in all phases of planning and implementation processes;
• Support the partnerships and advocacy activities agreed by the UNDP office in the area/sector covered by the project;

Ensure implementation of knowledge management activities 

• Regular exchange of information/experience with other projects, cross-learning and sharing results and good practices;
• Ensure the project has the required communication package and preparation, upon request of the UNDP office, of information materials for dissemination within UNDP globally and regionally, and to external stakeholders;
• Capture lessons learnt during project implementation through a lessons learnt log or another format which is deemed appropriate; 
• Participation in regular internal meetings;
• Participation in training events, communities of practice, codifying and sharing knowledge, facilitation and organization of training for project staff to enable them to perform at the required level.

Impact of Results 

• The results of the work of Project Manager have a direct impact on the implementation of the project and the achievement of results. Specifically, the results have an impact on the planning, implementation, monitoring and coordination of project activities and resources (human, financial, material assets etc.) to meet expected results, and contribute to the overall success and impact of the UNDP office work in Kosovo.  

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more; Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
• Has a strategic approach to problem-solving.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Demonstrates ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
• Has ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations;
• Has ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies.
• Knowledge of human and financial resources management, procurement, and general administration;
• Demonstrates maturity and good judgment;
• Ability to plan own work and use time efficiently, manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure of tight and conflicting deadlines.

Management and Leadership:

• Focuses on impact and results and responds positively to feedback;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
• Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with internal and external clients;
• Demonstrates capacity to communicate effectively; resource management; capacity to plan and organize programmes effectively;
• Demonstrates resourcefulness, initiative and mature judgment;
• Demonstrates skills to operate under complex and stressful situations;
• Proven networking, team building, organizational and communications skills;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and records;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• MA degree (or equivalent) in international relations, political science, social sciences or related discipline;

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of expertise in project management and coordination;
• Minimum 3 years post- MA experience in research and analytical work (designing / preparing of research plan, questionnaire/ reports and, tabulations);
• Experience in working with international organisations on similar role desirable;
• Experience in provision of technical inputs on research and assessment works;
• Experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative research, including supervising of research activities and taking corrective actions when required;
• PRINCE 2 certification is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Albanian, written and spoken is essential. Knowledge of Serbian language is a distinct advantage. 

Application Instructions:

• Click on the "Apply now" button;
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box;
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11);
• System will only allow one attachment. All docs (P11, academic qualifications/diploma) should be included as one attachment;
• Without the completed and signed P11, your application may not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at this link: http://www.ks.undp.org/content/kosovo/en/home/operations/jobs/