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Project Manager - Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development

Monrovia

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Monrovia
  • Grade: Mid level - SB-5 (SC10/SC11), Service Contract, Local Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
    • Environment
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
    • EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

Liberia has a new Government that is committed to a pro-poor agenda which gives priority to the extractive industry, integrating it into the economy as critical for job creation, revenue generation and inclusive growth. With its vast natural resource base and with supportive policy and regulatory framework, Liberia has a chance to transfer its mineral wealth to the wealth of its citizens. With proper management, resource revenues could play a key role in peace building and financing the transition of Liberia to middle income status by 2030, as stipulated in its Liberia Rising – Vision 2030. Yet, if the revenues from resource exports are not shared fairly and equitably, Liberia will find it difficult to graduate from fragility to prosperity. To realise the sustainable role of natural resources in Liberia, there is a need to put in place adequate laws, policies, regulatory frameworks and systems that govern the extractive sector sustainably. Therefore, effective management of the natural resources (Extractives) is an imperative for economic development and sustained peace and stability.

Over the years, UNDP has been working to strengthen the extractive industries sector by among other things: strengthening policy, legal and institutional capacities; promoting participation and voice; enhancing natural resource governance through capacities for contracts negotiation, coordination and monitoring; and improving transparency and accountability and oversight. This is in line with UNDP’s Global Programme on extractives, the Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development (EISD). Currently with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), UNDP under the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) is working with the FAO, National Bureau of Concessions, EDUCARE and CSOs to strengthen conflict prevention through establishment of Multi -Stakeholder Platforms and improved Alternative Livelihoods in Concession Ares. The project aims at strengthening the emerging Multi- Stakeholder Platform for the non-judicial mitigation of land concession disputes and developing alternative livelihoods for affected communities to prevent land concession conflict escalation and promote social cohesion.

The Strategy and Policy Unit (SPU) within the UNDP spearheads the implementation of the extractives and land reform project. For it to be effective and fit-for-purpose in meeting the new demands and emerging priorities in this area, the Unit’s capacity must be enhanced through dedicated staffing in the area of extractives and land reform. This will allow the UNDP Country Office to be effective, assertive, and visible to lead the role in the areas of managing the extractive industries for sustainable development. It is for this reason that UNDP Liberia is seeking to recruit a Technical Specialist/Project Manager for EISD to provide both technical assistance ensuring UNDP visibility and relevance in this area and manage the project.

Working Under the overall guidance of the Country Director, and direct matrixed supervision of the Deputy Country Director (Programme) and the Head of Strategy and Policy Unit, the EISD Project Manager will provide both technical advice and effective management of the project, in close collaboration and coordination with Team Leaders of the Governance and Sustainable Economic Transformation Pillars and Strategy Policy Support team. He/She will provide strategic advice to the government on the socio-economic and political dimensions towards effective natural resource management. The incumbent will ensure that UNDP stays technically engaged in this very important area, mobilizes and manages resources, and delivers results.

He/She will lead a team consisting of 2 direct supervisees including a Programme Assistant and a Driver as well as 7 Consultants (International Legal Independent Expert on Concessions, International Concession Contracts/Agreements Expert, 3 National Legal Experts and 2 National Technical Experts in Concession Management). Externally, the EISD Project Manager provides technical advice and works closely with UN Agencies, civil society, private sector and government counterparts, and other stakeholders to successfully support improved efficiency of UNDP in liaison with team leaders in the areas of Extractive Industries.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

  • Provision of policy advice to relevant counterparts, and liaises with other UN Agencies, government officials, civil society, private sector and other relevant stakeholders in areas pertaining to EISD project under his/her responsibility;
  • Support the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of project activities in the area of EISD;
  • Establishment and maintenance of strategic partnerships and resource mobilization in cooperation with Senior Management;
  • Definition and implementation of the strategic direction of the EISD, developing sustainability strategies, and building capacities of counterparts;
  • Promote/ Ensure UNDP’s visibility and assertiveness as a thought leader in the extractive in overall natural resources management.

Provides advice and support to UNDP management focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Thorough analysis and research of the Extractives Sector in the country and preparation of substantive inputs to UNDAF, CPD, PAPD, and other documents;
  • Identification of areas for support and interventions within the thematic/sectoral areas covered under the pillar;
  • Coordinate collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners in the sector;
  • Conducting policy analyses and assessments, analyses and syntheses of best practices and lessons learnt which are directly linked to the EISD programmatic goals;
  • Ongoing participation and sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice in the extractive industry for sustainable development, improved livelihoods and south-south cooperation;
  • Information sharing among UNDP Liberia Senior Management and Team Leaders and teams, as well as, UNDP Regional and Global teams on topics related to the portfolio;
  • Provide technical and support capacity strengthening for drafting, negotiation and regulation of investment contracts, with an emphasis on activities related to natural resource projects;
  • Ensure integration of social and environmental impact assessment aspects in natural resource management with focus on the extractives sector.

Management of the UNDP Liberia Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development portfolio to maximize project effectiveness, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Preparation of Annual Work Plan and Design and formulation of Extractive Industries project(s), translating UNDP’s priorities into local interventions by government particularly in policy development;
  • Coordination of project implementation with the executing agencies including representation of UNDP on Project Boards;
  • Oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing, quality assurance and monitoring of the projects in the portfolio, tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
  • Initiation of projects, development of project proposals with partners, presentation of the project to BPAC, finalization of contribution agreements; determination of required revisions; coordination of the mandatory and budget re-phasing exercises, coordination of project evaluations and reviews, and oversight of closure of projects;
  • Follow-up on recommendations from audits, evaluations and donor reviews. All exceptions are timely reported;
  • Conduct financial and substantive monitoring and oversee/ coordinate evaluation of the projects, identification of operational and financial problems, and development of solutions. Participation in audit of projects;
  • Regularly prepare monitoring reports on activities, outputs and outcomes;
  • Regularly prepare donor reports;
  • Production of key communication materials for senior management on extractive industries’ issues;
  • Conduct project audit, update project issues and risk log, the IWP and contribute to the preparation of the UNDP’s corporate results oriented annual report;
  • Ensure Project CDRs are signed by counterparts, and where applicable undertake timely budget revision and re-phasing;
  • Prepare timely project quarterly and annual reports and donor reports as due.

Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy in cooperation with Senior Management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Representation of UNDP to various inter-agency and development partner fora in natural resources management field, with focus on the extractive industries;
  • Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the Extractive Industries and Anti-Corruption sector;
  • Implementation of the CO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies to achieve Extractive Industry and Anti-Corruption outcomes and active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization;
  • Determination of programmatic areas of cooperation based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities;
  • Scan the environment and provide business intelligences and options for UNDP’s strategic positioning and visibility;
  • Analysis and research of information on donors and identification of possible areas of cooperation and identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects;
  • Support to the preparation and articulation of the CO resource mobilization strategy
  • Support pipeline management.

Ensures the strategic direction of the Extractive Industry projects in the portfolio focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Policy advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals, Human Development and pro-poor and equitable economic growth by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings;
  • Production of high quality research papers for UNDP presentation at international workshops and conferences;
  • Support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals;
  • Management of events and publications on extractives sector including annual Global Human Development Reports launches in the country, advocacy of the main Reports findings among relevant Governmental agencies, civil society organizations and donors.

Impact of Results

Impact on the overall success and achievement of results of the Extractive Industries for sustainable Development project, is felt, thus contributing to development change and the achievement of the CPD/UNDAF and the Agenda for Prosperity and Development.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Innovation

  • Ability to make new and useful ideas work;
  • Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefully.

Leadership

  • Ability to persuade others to follow;
  • Proactively seeks and recognizes contributions of others;
  • Proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives;
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support;
  • Drives for change and improvements;
  • Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

People Management

  • Ability to improve performance and satisfaction;
  • Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others.

Communication

  • Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform;
  • Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis;
  • Good communication skill both in writing and oral including networking and interpersonal skills;
  • Proven ability to persuade and influence others to cooperate.

Delivery

  • Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement;
  • Meets goals and quality criteria for delivery of products or services.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management

  • Promotes UNDP as a learning/knowledge sharing organization;
  • Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise.

Building Strategic Partnerships

  • Makes effective use of UNDP’s resources and comparative advantage to strengthen partnership;
  • Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise;
  • Build, coordinate and advise on strategic and programmatic partnership;
  • Facilitate the engagement of major stakeholders or groups in environment and sustainable development decision making, their access to and sharing of information for effective compliance.

Results-Based Programme Development and Management

  • Provides information for linkages across programme activities to help identify critical points of integration;
  • Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Advocacy

  • Advocates for programmatic, operational, partnership and communication activities of UNDP;
  • Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work;
  • Advise on the development and management of the Facility’s communication strategy, outreach campaigns and activities to raise the Facility’s profile at the national and international levels

Required Skills and Experience

Education   

  • Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Economics, Environment and Natural Resources Management, public administration, political or social science, development studies, international relations or another relevant field. Bachelor’s degree can be acceptable if additional years of experience is observed.

Experience  

  • 5 years of relevant experience at the national and international level in international development issues Knowledge of project management practices;
  • Experience in building partnerships and working on Extractive Industries in Liberia and Post conflict context is highly desirable;
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based project management systems;
  • Strong knowledge of UN/UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures is an asset.

Language Requirements 

  • Proficiency in English. Working knowledge of other UN language is desirable.

Other

  • Non-Smoking environment.

Disclaimer

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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This vacancy is now closed.
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