Background
Chernobyl raised deep concern among the affected people for their health, their lives and uncertainty over the future of further generations. There is still little awareness and limited popular knowledge of the degree to which radiation is a hazard and of how individuals and households can take practical measures to reduce their radiation exposure risk. The lack of appropriate information about Chernobyl’s effects has caused the low level of adaptation to the new environment, which has also inhibited individuals and communities from taking proactive steps to improve local living conditions.
Objectives:
Chernobyl/ICRIN project will have a profound impact on the people living in Chernobyl-affected territories in Belarus through meeting the priority information needs of affected communities. This goal will be achieved through the introduction of a sustainable response mechanism that will link the information needs (in health, environment and socio-economic spheres) of Chernobyl-affected populations with corresponding internationally-recognized, objective scientific knowledge, adapted to be understandable to information consumers. The capacity of regional authorities, media and community leaders to deliver information to local people will be built. The capacity of local population to effectively search for information they need, including through the use of ICT, will be developed. Improved access to information will help people live safely and productively in the affected territories and enable them to take action to implement community-driven recovery initiatives that will tackle their priority needs.
Goals and Expected Results:
The overall goal of the project is to empower and build developmental capacity of individuals and communities affected by the Chernobyl accident by providing them with the health, socio-economic, environmental and radiological safety information they require in order to make well-informed decisions about their future, increase human security levels of their settlements and to contribute to the long-term sustainable development and prosperity of their homelands.
Activity result: Information on healthy lifestyles delivered through locally-based information and education initiatives.
Activity result: ICT access points established.
Activity result: Trainings for media representatives and journalists on the levels of radiation, exposure risks and socio-economic development of Chernobyl-affected areas.
Activity result: Community-driven “safer-living” initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Manager works under direct supervision of the UNDP Country Office and in coordination with the National Project Coordinator. He/she is responsible for management of the project ‘Human Security for Individuals and Communities in Chernobyl-Affected Areas through Local Information Provision (International Chernobyl Research and Information Network)’ in Belarus which is a part of the Regional International Chernobyl Research and Information Network (ICRIN) project
The Project Manager leads formulation, management and evaluation of project activities, provides expertise and services.
The Project Manager supervises and leads project support staff and coordinates activities of the projects professional staff/consultants. The Project Manager works in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Office Belarus, UNDP RBEC, Government officials, technical advisors and experts, and civil society ensuring successful project implementation.
Summary of Key Functions:
- Implementation of the project strategies as outlined in the project document
- Management of the UNDP project
- Creation of strategic partnerships
- Provision of top quality expertise services to the Government (national, sub-national or local) and facilitation of knowledge building and management
- Organization of sub-regional activities in cooperation with UNDP Country Offices Russia and Ukraine
Ensures implementation of project strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Organising project activities according to the project document and in line with the approved Budgets and Work Plans.
- Monitoring and analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the country affecting the project
- Risk management and evaluation of the project results achieved
- Establishment of project milestones and monitoring achievement of results.
- Achievement of the long-term, sustainable results of the project.
- Monitoring the project’s implementation and evaluating its results in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures.
- Cooperation with state representatives, sub-national and local authorities in order to discuss methods for implementing the project, problems that arise and trends, associated with the project.
Ensures effective management of the UNDP ICRIN project in Belarus:
- Proper operational, financial and administrative management of the project and adherence to all UNDP rules and procedures. Appropriate and up-to-date project inventory (asset management) and filling system. Effective lead of project team and proper procurement of goods/services.
- Development of Terms of Reference for consultants and contractors and further agreement on the documents with UNDP.
- Coordination of and participation in recruitment processes for the project.
- Financial and substantive monitoring of the project, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions.
- Bearing of overall responsibility for meeting financial delivery targets set out in the agreed annual work plans.
- Perform foreseen functions in Atlas as required.
- Participation in audit of the Project. Follow up on audit recommendations. All explanations for deviation from the rules are timely reported.
- Drafting of regular reports to the UNDP and the Project Board.
- Prepare reports to the Country Office and the Government.
Ensures creation of strategic partnerships in cooperation with the CO programme staff focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies in the Republic of Belarus, government institutions, and civil society organizations directly related to the project implementation and Chernobyl area local economic development
- Maintenance of dialogue with local government officials, NGOs, partners, and local communities to provide knowledge and understanding, ensuring an accurate interpretation of the project goals
- Engaging with mass media, preparation and distribution of information about the project
Ensures provision of top quality expertise services and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt from the other Country Offices directly linked to the project
- Organization of training events and seminars directly linked to the project goals
- Organization of trainings for the project staff if and when need be
- Contribute to organization of the sub-regional ICRIN activities, such as sub-regional knowledge sharing workshop; Contribute to organization of annual meetings of ICT access points from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- 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
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture among project staff and partners
- In-depth knowledge on development issues in the area of project implementation
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
- Ability to lead implementation and monitoring of development projects
- Ability to accept and lead implementation of new systems (business side)
Management and Leadership
- Focuses on impact and result and responds positively to feedback
- Leads team effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Required Skills and Experience
- University degree in Social Sciences, Public Administration or related discipline
- Minimum 5 years of progressive work experience, preferably with the UN or other international organizations
- Knowledge and/or experience in the field of minimizing consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe (particularly those related to health, environment or socio-economic spheres) and/or related fields
- Outstanding time-management and organizational skills
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, social competence, ability for team work.
- Excellent computer literacy
- Fluency in English and Russian is a must. This is a locally recruited position
This is a locally recruited position
- UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest.
- No telephone inquires will be entertained. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
- Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply
All interested candidates should complete the UN PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P11) at the following link:
http://un.by/pdf/P11form-6957.doc and attach it to the on-line application
Information on conditions of UNDP contracts is contained at the link: