Project Manager, Operations and Legal Affairs "Institutional Support to the Regional Hub of Civil Service in Astana".

The Regional Hub for Civil Service in Astana is an institutional framework and a platform for continuous exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of civil service, consisting of 38 participating countries and several international organizations. Through the Regional Hub for Civil Service in Astana, participating countries will be engaged in exchanging and testing up-to-date knowledge, which will build capacity, generate innovative solutions and contribute to global agendas on civil service excellence. As a result of the project, civil service institutions in participating countries will be strengthened and capacitated to enable the effective implementation of national development plans and achieve their human development goals. The project employs knowledge management, Europe-Asia (South-South), and triangular partnership approaches. The goal is to contribute to the establishment of modern, effective and sustainable civil service systems that meet society’s expectations for responsive and transparent public institutions. 

Under the guidance of Chairman of Steering Committee and day-to-day supervision of the Portfolio Manager/ACSH Team leader, the incumbent acts as the Head of Operations and Legal Affairs in all aspects of business processes and operations of the Regional Hub of Civil Service in Astana, including but not limited to administrative, procurement, financial and legal support, in compliance with UNDP policies and procedures. In addition to the overall responsibility for operations of the Hub, the incumbent is also responsible for coordinating the Annual Work planning and delivery of the activities of the Hub. Also, he/she is to provide organizational support to the work of the Steering Committee of the Hub.

The Project Manager, Operations and Legal Affairs coordinates the project personnel in terms of all operational issues, oversees the organizational legal work and works in close collaboration with UNDP CO programme staff, Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multilateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to ensure successful project implementation in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures.

Operations management:

• Oversee effective provision of services to counterparts including fair and transparent procurement, efficient logistics and sound financial management as well as consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations;
• Ensure full compliance of operations with UNDP rules, regulations and policies, implementation of corporate operational strategies, establishment of targets and monitoring achievement of results;
• Work in close collaboration with programme, project teams and operations staff in the CO and Government officials to successfully deliver services to ensure maintenance of the proper performance management;
• Coordinate effective participation of all national and international stakeholders in all phases of planning and implementation processes.

Legal support:

• Provide overall organizational legal support to the project’s implementation and future transition to a legal entity;
• Provide legal advice and make recommendations to Chairman and UNDP CO as necessary;
• Drafting and vetting of MOUs, letters of cooperation in close collaboration with the Partnerships Specialist; 
• Ensure that organizational legal matters are managed properly, efficiently and that the relevant and respective stakeholders are shared and given proper advice and guidance;
• Ensure that the Steering Committee, UNDP CO provided updates and reports on a regular basis, where necessary. 

Capacity development and knowledge management:

• Ensure proper implementation of the learning mechanisms such as professional immersion, regional courses, online courses, short-duration courses, scholar-in-residence or sabbatical programs;
• Work closely with UNDP CO to ensure that the project is contributing effectively to overall UNDP governance objective;
• Collaborate with the Research Team to package research products and findings for a variety of stakeholders;
• Guide the development of an effective database of experts in order to address the particular needs and reform efforts of participating countries;

Functional Competencies:            

Building Partnerships

Level 2: Identifying and building partnerships

• Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build alliances;
• Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners;
• Displays initiative, sets challenging outputs for him/herself and willingly accepts new work assignments.

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 2: Developing tools and mechanisms

• Participates in the development of mechanisms, including identifying new approaches to promote individual and organizational learning and knowledge sharing using formal and informal methodologies.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 2: In-depth knowledge of own discipline

• Understands advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines (financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration);
• Adept knowledge of laws and regulations of the country;
• Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit;
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;
• Continually looking for ways to enhance financial performance in the office.

Promoting Organizational Change and Development

Level 2: Assisting the individuals to cope with change

• Performs appropriate work analysis and assists in redesign to establish clear standards for implementation.

Design And Implementation of Management Systems

Level 2: Designing and implementing management system

• Makes recommendations regarding operation of systems within organizational units;
• Identifies and recommends remedial measures to address problems in systems design or implementation.

Client Orientation

Level 2: Contributing to positive outcomes for the client

• Anticipates client needs;
• Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective;
• Solicits feedback on service provision and quality.

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

Level 2: Input to the development of standards and policies

• Provides inputs to the development of organizational standards for accountability.

Core Competencies:

• Building support and political acumen;
• Building staff competence,  creating an environment of creativity and innovation;
• Building and promoting effective teams;
• Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication;
• Creating an emotionally intelligent organization;
• Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards;
• Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning;
• Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking.

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Law, International Law, Public Administration, Business Administration or other related fields.

• Minimum 7 years of work experience in the public sector, government institutions or international organizations;
• At least 3 years of experience at the national or international level in managing staff and/or establishing inter-relationships among international organizations and national governments;
• Experience working in national civil service system is required;
• Good writing and speaking, communication and advocacy skills, and ability to work in an environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors including government representatives, donors and other stakeholders;
• Maturity, excellent inter-personal, negotiation and team leading skills required;
• Ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and to handle multiple tasks;
• Excellent computer skills with ability to use information technology as a tool and resource. 

• Fluency in English, Kazakh and Russian languages. 

NB! How to apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through this site by clicking "APPLY NOW" button. Incomplete applications will not be given consideration.

Please note that only short-listed applications will be contacted.

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.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.