In March 2015, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Tajikistan has launched the ‘Promoting Cross-border Cooperation through effective management of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan’ (BMP) project to contribute to enhancing stability and security of the cross-border regions of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The project also aims to assist Tajik-Afghan border adjacent communities, in particular women, in pursuing cross-border trade that contributes towards stronger resilience and stability of the region. At the policy level, the project worked closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Main Department of Border Guards, and Drug Control Agency to enhance the capacity of the National Secretariats established to support implementation of Tajikistan’s Border Management and Counter Narcotics strategies. At the local level, the project constructed a new Border Crossing Point (BCP) in Langar and renovated BCPs Tem, Ruzvai, Shoghun, Khumroghi, and Ishkashim. The BCPs were also equipped with furniture and specialised equipment. As well, the project has also offered opportunities for enhancing the cross-border cooperation and trade through upgrading the cross-border markets in Ruzvai and Ishkashim taking into account specific needs of the women traders and women visitors. 

Building on the lessons from BMP I and other cross border initiatives funded by the Government of Japan and extensive consultations with the Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tajik Border Forces, Customs Service and other government stakeholders at the national and local levels), and donors, UNDP has put together a Project Document for implementing Phase II of the project. The Government of Japan has approved the Project Document and the Embassy of Japan in Tajikistan and UNDP exchanged Notes for implementing Phase II on 28 September 2018. It is expected that the Grant Agreement for implementing BMP II will be signed after full completion of project activities under BMP I. BMP II will commence in January 2018

The Project Manager will be working under the overall guidance of Assistant Resident Representative/Head of Programme and direct supervision of the Team Leader for Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights. S/he will will strategically manage and oversee as well as coordinate and communicate project progress at the appropriate levels of decision making.

The Project Manager will be responsible for overall management of the Project activities. S/he will also bear responsibility for overall financial and operational accountability of the Project, including budgets and ensuring strict and consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations. S/he will ensure timely and accurate submission of periodic narrative and financial reports on Project activities and deliverables to UNDP, Project Board, donors, and the Government.

The Project Manager is responsible for the management and coordination of all Project activities both at the national and local levels. The Project Manager will maximize efforts to achieve expected Project results, by ensuring the implementation of activities in accordance with the Project Document.

The incumbent will be based in Dushanbe and is expected to frequently travel to the project sites to oversee implementation of project activities in target areas.

The Project Manager will work in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other project teams in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and resolving complex project-related issues and information delivery. 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 Project Manager will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the Programme) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients.

Management for Delivery of Project Results:

• Develop and present work-plans, periodic narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports to the Project Steering Committee and UNDP Country Office;
• Be responsible for the implementation of the Project work plan according to indicators for achieving planned results, as well as for the overall management of the Project in accordance to prevailing UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;
• Liaise with the national counterparts, donors and the UNDP office to ensure that Project results are achieved and Project  resources are managed efficiently and effectively; Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Project outputs and products leading to the achievement of expected results;
• Ensure the effective management of human resources pertaining to the Project, including both staff, consultants and short-term experts; conduct periodic performance appraisals; build, lead and motivate a solid team of professionals; validate terms of reference for international and national consultants;
• Oversee the work of Implementing Partners on the ground to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of agreed project outputs;
• Manage efficiently the financial resources of the Programme, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting; Monitor project expenditure, commitments and balance of funds under the programme budget lines for consistency with the Project Document and corresponding Annual Work Plan(s);

Knowledge Management, Advocacy and Networking:

• Ensure systemic capturing of key lessons learnt generated by the project through feasibility studies, research, surveys as well as other primary and secondary sources to produce knowledge-based products.
• Lead the analytical development work of the project and ensure high quality knowledge products. Promote the substantive quality of all knowledge products, reports and services, and ensure effective integration and compatibility with other practice areas;
• Develop and submit reports and publications, and serve as peer reviewer, as and when required.

Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization:

• Network and build credible working relations with related government agencies, UN and donor partners; Work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RT, Main Department of Border Guards, Customs Service, and other stakeholders to implement the activities as outlined in the Project Document and the Project Work Plan;
• Prepare proposals for mobilization of human, technical or financial resources from international development organizations, non-government organizations and the private sector;
• Proactively explore and employ synergies with other ongoing border management, cross border, regional economic integration and connectivity related initiatives, including those financed by the Government of Japan;
• Work closely with the Project partners and provide leadership, management support and guidance to their work on ground to ensure the timely and successful delivery of Project activities;
• Ensure collaborative relationship management with national level and local level stakeholders, Project implementing partners and civil society to ensure successful implementation of the Project

Kindly be advised that it is open to Nationals of Tajikistan only.