UNDP Jobs - 26936- Project Manager project: “Management of the Nieme

Project Manager project: “Management of the Niemen River basin with account of adaptation to climate change”

Location :

Minsk, BELARUS

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

15-Feb-2012

Application Deadline :

30-Jan-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

one year, extendable

Languages Required :

English Russian

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

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.

All interested candidates should complete and attach to the on-line application the UNDP PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P11) at the following link: UNDP Personal History Form for IC / SC positions

The project aims at improving the integrated water resources management in Belarus using the basin approach in the climate change context by the example of the Niemen River. The project will also facilitate the development of transboundary cooperation between the countries located in the Niemen River basin, and will facilitate achievement of mutual understanding regarding forecasted water resources reserves and water use, taking into account possible climate change impacts.

The following objectives are planned to be met in the course of project implementation:

Assessment of water use characteristics in the Niemen River basin and its impact on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of water resources;

Estimation and forecast of formation and use of water resources of the transboundary Niemen River basin with account of different climate change scenarios, economic development trends with respect to the use of water resources and to industrial development.

The project will also result in enhancement of transboundary cooperation, including improvement of exchange of information about water resources use between Belarus, Lithuania and Russia, as well as in proposals regarding the activities to adapt to climate change in the Niemen River basin.

The abovementioned objectives will be met by implementation of the corresponding activities with more detailed results, specified in the respective Project Document.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager is responsible for successful project implementation, efficient management, achievement of the planned outcomes and outputs, coordination and control of the project activities in accordance with the UNDP rules and procedures.

Specifically, the Project Manager will perform the following tasks:

Project Management tasks:

Control and coordination of the project activities in order to ensure the achievement of the outcomes in accordance with the project document and UNDP rules and procedures;
Day-to-day project management, budgeting and control of expenditures, planning and general monitoring of the project;
Arranging meetings of Project Steering Committee (PSC), and acts as a PSC secretary;
Preparation of the detailed project work plans in consultation with the Ministry of Environment and UNDP, ensuring fulfillment of the work plans, updating plans in case of necessity;
Preparation of the project progress reports for UNDP and Ministry of Economy, preparation of other reports requested by the UNDP and Ministry of Environment;
Maintenance of regular contacts with the Ministry of Environment, the RUE ‘CRDIIUWR’ and UNDP regarding the project implementation issues which are within the competence of the mentioned institutions.
Conducts negotiations on cooperation with state administration bodies and potential donors to identify and raise additional resources;
Arranges different activities within the project (trainings, seminars, procurement of tickets, arrangements on study visits, etc.);
Keeps files with project documents, consultants’ reports;
Arranges meetings, both internal and external, takes minutes/notes;
Provides with minor interpretation and/or translation, if necessary.

Administrative and Financial tasks:

Preparation of Terms of Reference for local and international consultants;
Selection of local and international experts to perform certain activities in consultation with the Ministry of Environment and UNDP, supervision of the time of work performance;
Prepares recruitment requests and requisitions in the Atlas;
Control over expenditure of the project funds in accordance with the budget, work plan and project document;
Monitoring of risks and indicators of project performance according to the project logical framework;
Ensuring achievement of target financial indicators in accordance with the approved annual work plans;
Preparation of project budget revisions;
Preparation of project financial reports for UNDP, donors and other parties involved in implementation and funding of activities;
Assurance of proper information exchange between project stakeholders;
Assurance of the proper operational and financial closeout of the project in accordance with the UNDP procedures;
Interacts with UNDP CO Programme/Finance Unit to request funds transfer, verify financial reports, budget revisions, receipts of contributions;
Provides financial monitoring over project commitments and expenditures, ensures proper project delivery;
Provides proper control of the supporting documents for payments, reviews financial reports provided by implementing local partners;
Prepares payment requests with proper support documentation;
Prepares Travel requests and Requisitions for UNDP CO processing;
Enter financial data into Atlas using external access: responsible for creation of requisitions, vouchers, vendors and Atlas reports;
Performs functions of petty cash custodian;
Ensures maintenance and control of the assets and materials, equipment transfers;

Competencies

Excellent writing and communication skills.
Outstanding time-management, organizational and inter-personal skills.
Ability to work under pressure against strict deadlines;
Computer literacy.

Required Skills and Experience

University degree in the field of natural or technical sciences;
Minimum 2 years of professional experience in the fields of environmental protection or development;
Work experience in management of international technical assistance projects would be a strong asset;
Experience in financial management of UNDP projects is desirable but not a requirement;
Work experience in interaction with Belarusian institutions involved in environment protection;
Fluency in spoken and written Russian and English