Calling on all Project Managers to apply for UNDP Project Manager Job
To receive quick updates subscribe to our ; (if you have joined any of our platforms share the links with your networks
Join our WhatsApp group (if you have joined one of our WhatsApp groups don’t join this group) by clicking here https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fh2Izpz8rUXEvPh2iAfA6M .
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-nations-careers-com/
Website : https://unitednationscareers.com/
Join our Facebook group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/545072486807074 Follow us on twitter : https://twitter.com/unacareers_com
Join our Telegram Group by clicking here : https://t.me/unitednationscareer
Job Identification
10689
Locations
- Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan
Posting Date
05/19/2023, 10:12 AM
Apply Before
06/03/2023, 05:59 AM
Degree Level
First Terminal University Level Qualification 3/4 years
Job Schedule
Full time
Agency
UNDP
Grade
NPSA-9
Vacancy Type
National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area
Governance
Bureau
Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS
Contract Duration
6 months
Education & Work Experience
Master’s Degree – 2 year(s) experience OR Bachelor’s Degree – 4 year(s) experience
Required Languages
English, Russian and Turkmen
Vacancy Timeline
2 Weeks
Mobility required/no mobility
no mobility required
Job Category
Management
Job Description
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.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life, as envisaged by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are on the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners that can bring about results.
In line with the UNDP Digital Strategy for 2022-2025, UNDP seeks to stay ahead of the ever-changing digital reality to accelerate progress toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, UNDP has helped to adopt 580 digital solutions in 82 countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, building on a long history of project-level digital support for partners, UNDP will support Turkmenistan to benefit from the positive international experience accumulated in the region and the world.The Government of Turkmenistan has firmly chosen the course for the digital transformation of the country and the transition to a digital economy. In this regard, on November 30, 2018, the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan and on February 12, 2021, the State Program for the Development of the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan for 2021- 2025 were adopted. Under this program, it is planned to gradually introduce the principles of the digital economy following the Action Plan for the development of the digital economy of Turkmenistan, including the introduction of the Electronic Data Interchange system (hereinafter EDI) in Turkmenistan.
The United Nations Development Program in Turkmenistan (hereinafter UNDP CO), has been requested to provide its assistance in establishing the EDI system as the main enabler to develop its e-government system. Based on Memorandum of Understanding with the Agency ““Turkmenaragatnashyk”” of the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan (hereinafter referred to as the National Partner), it has been agreed that the development of the pilot Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system will be based on the X-road platform.
This project will consist of the installation and configuration of the X-road platform, but will also include other tasks such as analyzing the readiness of the legal framework, preparing recommendations for the national partner on the improvement of ICT infrastructure and institutional set-up in the country to accommodate data interoperability, and capacity building of the national partner’s team. The project will be a pilot one, involving a limited number of government bodies. The project is expected to last for 3 years while further scaling up of the EDI system will be based on the results of the project.
In this regard, UNDP CO is looking for a Project Manager who will be responsible for managing all aspects of the project, from developing project plans and budgets to overseeing project activities and ensuring that they are delivered on time and within budget. Project Manager is supposed to work closely with a range of stakeholders, including governments and development partners, to ensure that the project is aligned with national priorities and contribute to sustainable development outcomes.
Duties and Responsibilities
Overall project management:
- Management of the project implementation unit on a daily basis to achieve the performance indicators agreed with the donor and in line with the approved Budgets and Work Plans; Management and supervision of project implementation and evaluation across all components.
- Assess the programmatic impact and oversee the appropriateness and the accuracy of methods used to verify progress and the results
- Analyse programmatic impact and takes decisions to correct possible deviations from targets
- Assurance of successful completion of the project in accordance with the stated outcomes and performance indicators summarized in the Project Appraisal Document.
- Regular communication and coordination with the National Partner, members of the Project Board, and all other partners and interested stakeholders, with regard to all project activities. Organization of Project Board meetings at least twice a year.
- Regular communication with senior UNDP management with regard to all project activities. Assurance of coordination with other UNDP projects and broad strategic initiatives.
- Preparation of Annual Work Plans (AWP), including monthly targets and deliverables as well as annual spending targets in accordance with the Project Document. Tracking of work outputs throughout the year in light of these Annual Work Plans.
- Tracking and managing of project spending in accordance with the project budget, as well as UNDP rules and procedures, to ensure transparency, responsibility, and timely fulfilment of both program targets and budget targets.
- Preparation of regular progress reports (programmatic and financial) as per the requirements of UNDP and National Partner.
- Preparation and submission of annual Project Implementation Reviews and other required progress reports to the Project Board and UNDP in accordance with applicable requirements, in all required languages (English, Russian, and/or Turkmen, using outside translation as needed).
- Coordination of the work of international and national consultants engaged in the project.
- Supervision of regular data collection and analysis, as well as reporting and public outreach via the mass media, events, and other means, to disseminate the results of the project.
- Oversight of the overall administration of the project office.
- Travel to the project sites within Turkmenistan if required; possible travel outside the country for participation in directly relevant international meetings.
- Support during the project evaluations, if any.
Running a Project:
- Plan the detailed actions according to annual work plans of the project approved by the Project Board and monitor progress against the initial quality criteria.
- Mobilize goods and services to initiate activities, including drafting Terms of References (ToR) and work specifications.
- Performs functions of Project Manager in Quantum (UNDP online system) for approval of requisitions. Manage requests for the provision of financial resources by UNDP, using advance of funds, direct payments, or reimbursement. Monitors financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports.
- Ensure the project activities are covered by the UNDP communication means regarding the project events, deliverables and key achievements.
Closing a Project:
- Prepare Final Project Review Reports to be submitted and presented to the Project Board.
- Identify follow-on actions and submit them for consideration to the Project Board.
- Manage the transfer of project deliverables, documents, files, equipment and materials to national beneficiaries.
- Prepare final CDR (Combined Data Reports) for signature by UNDP and the National Partner.
Developing a Project:
- In cooperation with the Democratic Governance Programme Specialist, lead the process of developing and mobilizing resources for new projects in the areas of Project Manager’s expertise.
More specifically, PM will be in charge of the following:
A) Project personnel management
- A.1) Assume responsibility for all professional staff directly, and for all support staff indirectly (project team); this includes all Consultants and Contractors.
- A.2) Endeavour to create a strong team spirit, cohesive and mutually supportive; encourage collaboration between individuals, the sharing of experiences and the solving of problems as a group; organize regular (weekly or fortnightly) staff meetings for this purpose.
- A.3) Mentor and guide project team to increase their understanding and capacities on project issues.
- A.4) Assign specific duties and tasks to specific individuals according to their Job Descriptions or Terms of Reference; ensure their full understanding of what is expected through agreement on deliverables and timescales; and agree on the resources and support that will be provided by the Project.
- A.5) Undertake individual performance assessments on an annual basis (or other period for Consultants/Contractors), acknowledging achievements and providing analysis and advice on problem aspects.
- A.6) While giving all professional personnel the “space” to carry out their professional duties, ensure that guidance and support are available whenever needed.
- A.7) Ensure that Project staff enjoy the conditions of employment as stipulated by UNDP, together with the responsibilities of their positions.
- A.8) Require regular (as agreed), formal and informal reporting on progress with the achievement of assigned tasks.
B) Financial resources management
- B.1) Act as financial manager and retain the ultimate responsibility for financial resources for accountability purposes.
- B.2) Ensure total accuracy and the highest level of transparency in the management of the Project financial resources in accordance with UNDP and national regulations and procedures.
- B.3) Work with the project team and PIU (Project Implementation Unit) to prepare all necessary financial reports to accompany Project quarterly and annual work plans and reports.
C) Project outreach
- C.1) Serve as the Project’s ambassador and advocate within the broader stakeholder’s community and beneficiaries.
- C.2) Create and foster a good working relationship with the media (print, radio and television).
- C.3) Represent and promote the Project at national and international meetings.
- C.4) Contribute to the production and publication of public information material.
- C.5) Establish and maintain good working relationships and cooperation with peer project managers from other related projects within Turkmenistan and the Central Asia region.
D) Project planning and implementation
- D.1) Lead the process of quarterly and annual planning of project activities, with the participation of all Project personnel; retain the ultimate responsibility for the finished plans and submit them to the UNDP for their concurrence.
- D.2) As noted under A.6 above, professional staff should be given the “space” to carry out their assigned tasks; but be alert to needs for support and advice; require progress reporting and accountability for resources used.
- D.3) In cooperation with relevant Project personnel build effective working relationships with “Turkmenaragatnasyk” agency and the project’s key partners () and UNDP’s other teams.
E) Monitoring and adaptive management
- E.1) Lead the implementation of the Project M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) Plan.
- E.2) Carry out monitoring visits to Project sites on a regular basis.
- E.3) Collate the results of monitoring, analyze them, and formulate proposals for adaptive management measures for consideration by the Project Board.
- E.4) Implement the decisions and advice of theProject Board.
F) Reporting and accountability
- F.1) Provide a report to each Project Board meeting noting progress and achievements, acknowledging difficulties and proposing possible solutions for consideration and guidance by the Project Board.
- F.2) Assume the lead responsibility for the preparation and content of the annual Project Progress Report, with the full participation of relevant Project personnel.
- F.3) Jointly with the project team, prepare quarterly and annual project plans and reports and present them to the Project Board, donor, etc.
- F.4) Respond to request for reports on Project management and performance from any key stakeholders.
Institutional Arrangement
Working under the supervision of the UNDP Programme Analyst to whom he/she will report and the overall guidance of the ARR Programme, and in partnership with the project staff, the PM will be responsible for leading the Project Team in the day-to-day implementation of the Project and managing Project resources effectively and efficiently to achieve the Project Objective and Outcomes within the set timescale and available budget. The Project Manager will also be working with UNDP Project Analyst on digitalization and innovation, who will be contributing to project implementation in an advisory capacity.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
People Management Competencies:
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:
- Business direction and strategy – Strategic Thinking:
- Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks, and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.
- Business Management – Project management:
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
- Business Management – Patrnerships 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
- Business management – 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.
- Digital & Innovation – Data governance:
- Knowledge of data science, skills to develop data management tools, organize and maintain databases and operate data visualization technologies
- Digital & Innovation – Digital business analysis:
- Ability to support digital business processes across a range of digital projects, programmes and activities
- Digital & Innovation – E-governance:
- Knowledge of how it works, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in the field of Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Change Management, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) or other related fields.
- Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Change Management, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) or other related fields will be an advantage.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in managing complex projects in infrastructure development, information systems development, public administration, change management (nationally/internationally).
Languages:
- Fluency in English, Russian and Turkmen
Required skills and competencies:
- Experience in management of a Information System development projects or similar project will be advantage.
- Experience in partnership building and management with multi-stakeholders, including government agencies, and other development partners will be advantage.
- Experience in designing new services, optimizing business processes in public and commercial sector will be advantage.
Professional Certificates: Project Management (PMP, CPMP, PRINCE2, CompTIA Project+ or similar) will be an advantage
Travel:
The PM will be based in the project office in Ashgabat. In addition, he/she is expected to travel as necessary to various parts of the country where the project is implementing activities.
The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
a) 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.
b)A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
c) Description of the largest and most important project candidate has managed, as well as the role of the candidate in this project (maximum length: 1 page).
d) 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.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
