Project Associate, e-Governance

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

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.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and its far-reaching impact, all governments are embracing measures to efficiently diffuse impact of the pandemic. Due to the social distancing measures and travel restrictions imposed by the Government of Montenegro, both citizens and businesses are experiencing difficulties in accessing public services and receiving timely information regarding their requests. The crisis emphasized the importance of technology, but also the pivotal role of an effective, inclusive and accountable Government and showcased the value of digital governance. The Ministry of Public Administration has therefore urged to deploy effective digital technologies and electronic services to facilitate access to vital public services.

UNDP in Montenegro supports the Ministry of Public Administration in the process of development of the sustainable digital ecosystem in Montneegro, as well as improvement of complex digital infrastructure and provision on new citizen-centred electronic services.

The EU-funded project “E-services and digital infrastructure as COVID-19 response measure” supports the digitalization of public administration and development of digital platforms, electronic portals, e-services of the highest complexity on both central and local level. In addition, project aims to ensure cybersecurity programmes and principles for safe data interoperability. The digital transformation of the public administration will entail the development of a set of complex software system and upgrading the existing ones, while removing the malfunctions and enabling the efficient and rapid response to citizens/businesses’ needs in the provision of public e-services.

Duties And Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the respective Project Analyst for digital governance, the incumbent will be required to carry out the following main tasks on a regular basis:

Ensure Implementation/delivery Of Different Aspects Of The Project

• Provide support to the Project Analyst on all administrative, budgetary, technical and programmatic aspects of the project.
• Perform regular financial and administrative duties necessary for the successful and timely Projects implementation.
• Enter daily transactions in UNDP Quantum system.
• Keep track of all transactions, maintenance of the internal expenditures control system.
• Perform regular budget revisions; review of financial reports; presentation of information on the status of financial resources and expenditures.
• Keep track of all project assets; inventory; prepare periodic Projects’ asset/inventory reports.
• Develop various work plans for the components of the Project and be responsible for their implementation.
• Support timely coordination and implementation of recruitment and deployment of experts to support Project implementation.
• Support Project Analyst in coordinating activities with relevant local partners, ensuring timely and successful implementation of all interventions/activities defined by the Project documents, promoting networking and experience sharing between all relevant stakeholders.
• Provide support to Project Analyst and Communications Officer in developing communication plan and awareness raising activities in relation to the digitalization and electronic services.
• Support Project Analyst in the formulation and update of project risks, issues, monitoring, evaluation as well as targets and results and provision of regular updates in Quantum.
• Provide technical inputs and advise on preparation/implementation of project documents/activities, including definition of information requirements, data gathering and analysis, gender dimensions and other.
• Provide support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing through participation in the trainings for the operations/projects staff and sound contribution to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Support the Project Analyst and Governance and Responsive Institutions Team Leader to conduct project development, implementation, and monitoring.

Ensure Implementation Of The Day-to-day Project Duties/activities

• Contribute to the preparation of all necessary project documents/plans.
• Implementation of action plans and assigned tasks including the field visits to monitor progress on a regular basis, including regular reporting to Project Analyst.
• Assist in identifying relevant sources of expertise for project/activity implementation.
• Timely inform Project Analyst on any issue that may arise during the project implementation and advice on potential adjustments of actions and procedure in light of changing requirements and needs.
• Maintain day-to-day communication with Operations Unit regarding the Projects’ administration matters: procurement, human resources and finance matters; provide administrative support regarding recruitment of experts and procurement of goods and services under the Projects.
• Draft routine correspondence, facsimile, memoranda and reports, in accordance with the standard office procedures, and ensure appropriate follow-up; write minutes from the meetings/interviews.
• If needed, as backup, provide logistical support to the project (organization of project events, meetings and study tours); provide translation/interpretation services, as needed.
• Provide inputs to Team Leader for liaising with all project stakeholders and partners, with special focus on the Ministry of Public Administration and Delegation of European Union in Montenegro.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Associate will be responsible for daily support to respective Project Analyst. The incumbent will be based in UNDP Country Office in Podgorica, Montenegro.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross Functional And Technical Competencies

• Business Management -Communications
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and chose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.
• Business Management Project Management
• Ability to manage programs and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.
• Business Management-Customer Satisfaction/Client Management
• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
• Business Management-Digital Awareness and Literacy
• Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.
• Administration and Operations Event Management
• Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.
• Business Direction and strategy Effective Decision-Making
• Ability to take decision in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.
• 2030 Agenda: People-Gender
• Gender Mainstreaming.

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Secondary education is required.
• University degree (Bachelor’s’ degree) in social or technical sciences, will be given due consideration but it is not a requirement.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years (with Secondary education) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant working experience in project coordination, development of project proposals, reporting, and project monitoring and evaluation.

Languages

• Fluency in English and Montenegrin is required.

Required Skills

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Desired Skills

• Minimum 2 years of working experience on digital initiatives on central or local level and understanding and knowledge of digital transformation processes in Montenegro will be an asset.
• Experience in UN/UNDP or other international organization financed projects will be an asset.
• Experience in developing and implementing EU funded projects will be an asset.
• Experience in public administration on central or local level will be an asset.
• Experience in implementing digital initiatives for/with governmental institutions will be an asset.
• Experience in the development of project proposals, project coordination, reporting, and project monitoring and evaluation will be an asset.
• Experience in using complex accounting software will be an asset.
• Experience in designing and coordinating complex and multi layered development activities and projects will be an asset.

The Following Documents Shall Be Required From The Applicants

• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
• A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
• Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

Disclaimer

Applicant Information About UNDP Rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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