Project Manager

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.

UNDP Moldova, through its Effective Governance Cluster implemented projects, has a long-standing experience in supporting the strengthening of the institutional and technical capacities of the law enforcement bodies.

Building upon the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ aspirations to reinforce the skills-based training of law enforcement professionals and to further build Police’s capacities for ensuring public order and combating cybercrime, the Support Police Capacity Building in the Field of Public Order and Cybercrime in Moldova, the Reinforcing Skills-Based Training of Law Enforcement Professionals in Moldova and the Strengthening the Police Training Capacities in the Republic of Moldova projects, implemented by UNDP and funded by U.S. Government/INL, will strengthen institutional capacities and deliver modern tools and equipment to expand the response and investigation capabilities of Police subdivisions, will update training methodologies, programmes and teaching capacities, introduce new learning technologies and modernize the practical training infrastructure of MIA “Stefan cel Mare” Academy to enable an environment for nurturing next-generation police professionals, equipped with tools, skills, knowledge and competences compliant with the demand for modern-style policing.

The support targeted through these projects should lead to improved quality of policing services in Moldova. As a result of these interventions, the general trust in the police system should increase. Taken together, these results can increase public confidence in and support for law enforcement and justice processes, enhancing system performance and, ultimately, the integrity of the law.

In this regard, project teams are being put in place to support projects’ implementation. 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.

Duties And Responsibilities

The Project Manager will provide effective and efficient management of the assigned projects through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Project Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. He/she is responsible and accountable to the Project Board for the project results.

The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

The Incumbent Will Ensure The Provision Of Development Services And Products (commensurate With The Scope Of The Project) Of The Highest Quality And Standards To National Counterparts And Clients Through Applying Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) And Gender Equality (GE) Approaches. More Specifically

Lead, manage, coordinate, and develop effective project planning and implementation:

• Lead strategic planning for the project as well as formulation and periodic revisions of the project’s annual work plan (AWP), including plans for budget, HR and procurement that are developed in close coordination with UNDP’s Country Office Programme, HR, and Procurement teams. Lead development of detailed implementation plans.
• Manage, coordinate, and supervise project implementation to ensure the overall project relevance and performance, the effective realization and quality of outputs within the specified constraints of time and cost as outlined in the project document, and adherence to applicable UNDP policy and programme management procedures and Government standards, rules, and regulations. Act as a senior advisor on issues related to project activities.
• Provide direction, guidance, and direct supervision to UNDP project personnel. Undertake technical review of project documents produced by the project team and partners, and ensure high technical standards are met.
• Ensure all project interventions integrate a gender equality perspective/gender equality mainstreaming to the extent local context allows.
• Ensure proper execution of all administrative activities associated with project implementation, including mobilizing goods and services, preparing Terms of Reference, completing contracting processes, recruiting/selecting consultants and experts, and managing financial arrangements/transactions and their correct authorization.
• Identify opportunities for synergies with other projects within UNDP and beyond, to advance the key objectives and grow its focus.

Develop Strategic Partnerships

• Substantively contribute to the harnessing of effective partnerships and lead the identification and onboarding process for implementing partners.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national and regional stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support and ensure accurate interpretation of project objectives and promote inclusive project implementation.
• Substantively contribute to project communications and visibility efforts. Make recommendations to the management team on activities with potential for scale-up, replicability and synergies.
• Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners.
• Engage with relevant donors and contribute to resource mobilization efforts and project development.
• Prepare thematic briefs on possible areas of cooperation with development partners and public stakeholders.

Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set:

• Provide leadership and technical advice to the project in developing baselines and indicators for project monitoring and evaluation and coordinate the finalization of detailed results framework. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting.
• Lead the implementation of project monitoring, evaluation, and results framework to identify plan deviations and other problems; and make needed course corrections within agreed upon tolerances to achieve results. Conduct field visits as required to verify project activities relative to stated targets and provide regular field updates to UNDP management.
• Lead the development and conduct of mid-term and annual reviews, and end line assessment; and coordinate the conduct of independent evaluations. Organize project review and evaluation meetings. Follow up on the implementation of decisions, recommendations, and course corrections.
• Manage and monitor project risks, including social and environmental risks, initially identified and submit new risks to appropriate project governing bodies for consideration and decision on possible actions.
• Coordinate the preparation of corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements. Ensure provision of ad hoc reports and information requested by relevant entities.
• Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic areas:

• Identify capacity building needs and opportunities. Ensure appropriate training, project workshops and other relevant activities are organized and implemented in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia.
• Ensure project reports capture results, lessons learned and good practices for possible wider application.
• Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on development and project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area.
• Promote advocacy for UNDP’s work and opportunities for collaboration in addressing development trends in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Manager works under the supervision of the Effective Governance Programme Analyst and works in close collaboration with the project team, as well as with Programme, Operations, Communications and other units in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results.

The Project Manager in close collaboration with the Programme Analyst and the Programme Specialist supports UNDP CO in developing concept notes and project documents from the field of the project he/she manages to further develop the programme portfolio of Effective Governance Cluster.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management Competencies

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

• Effective Decision Making:
• Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources
• System Thinking:
• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
• Project Management:
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Results-based management:
• Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
• Partnership Management:
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
• Communication:
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
• Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights:
• Development of Institutions in Justice Sector

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in international relations, political science, policing studies, human right, law, public administration or related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master`s degree.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years (with Master’s Degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of progressive working experience in designing, managing and/or evaluating development projects, preferably related to democratic governance, strategic advice, justice or policing/home affairs.

Languages

• Fluency in English and Romanian is required.
• Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Russian, Ukrainian or sign language is an asset.

Required Skills

• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Knowledge and experience in thematic areas relevant for the project (e.g., public order/law enforcement, police professional training, security sector, institutional capacity building, etc.) is required

Desired Skills

• Experience in managing a multidisciplinary team is an asset.
• Prior experience with UNDP Project management and/or implementation is an advantage.
• Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is an advantage.
• Familiarity and prior experience with the donor’s (U.S. Government/INL) requirements and procedures is an advantage

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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