Project Manager - South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Background: Drawing on the proposal for alignment and structural change as enunciated in the UNDP Brazil ‘s CPD 2017-2021 new portfolio design has been developed whereby the CO will use three work streams suggested in the proposal for alignment to undertake a detailed strategic review, which will align existing project-level interventions behind programmatic portfolios supported by an Operations Team. These are:

• People & Prosperity: (poverty reduction, social policies, livelihoods, public-private partnerships, etc)
• Planet: (environment, climate change, DRR, Montreal Protocol)
• Peace (prevention of violence, justice, transparency, anti-corruption, human rights, local capacity Development)

Given the imperative to support the country in the implementation of the SDGs and improve human development in the most excluded and vulnerable populations, the plan concluded that it is necessary to develop a strategy to enhance Partnerships, especially south-south cooperation, as essential cross cutting elements of the three UNDP country programme pillars in Brazil.

The interconnection among these areas, together with the identification of replicable models will provide an integrated approach to advocate for sustainable Human Development and reduction of inequalities. As UNDP Brazil has been a global driver of SSC efforts, the dedicated position will further support these efforts with a view to strengthening the substantive contributions to other CO programmes in the region and beyond.

The Project “Improvement of the effectiveness and transparency of the agrochemical registration systems of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean” aims at contributing to increase the productivity and competitiveness of the cotton sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, producers of the commodity, through the strengthening of technical and organizational capacities of the relevant governmental institutions, based on the experiences of Brazil in relation to the registration of agrochemicals.

In addition to UNDP, government institutions participate in the project such as the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA). The Brazilian Cotton Institute (IBA) is responsible for financing the project.

 Position-Specific Context

Under the overall guidance and the supervision of the Programme Analyst – SSC, the Project Manager is responsible for managing the implementation and monitoring of Direct Implementation Modality (DIM) and National Implementation Modality (NIM) projects assigned to her/him.

The Project Manager will be responsible for technical and managerial activities related to projects implementation, ensuring smooth operations of the projects and consistency of project implementation with UNDP rules and regulations. 

In this role the Project Manager will be responsible for projects management ensuring quality and results by:

• Managing the projects assigned to her/him on day-to-day basis;
• Conducting planning, monitoring and evaluation activities of the project, in articulation with the Programme Analyst;
• Providing technical support to projects implementation, guaranteeing quality, efficiency and effectiveness;
• Support the formulation and implementation of South-South and Triangular Cooperation Programme Activities and Strategies.

Summary of Key Functions:

Manage the project on day-to-day basis

• Articulate and follow-up, on a daily basis, with project partners and donors, to guarantee smooth implementation of project, including other UN Agencies and UNDP Country Offices;
• Ensure project meets expectations with respect to quality, budget, delivery timelines, and strategy;
• Undertake performance management of project staff, especially on Direct
• Implementation Modality (DIM) projects, including establishment of annual results, on-going feedback and mid-term and final assessments in line with UNDP Rules and Regulations;
• Brief and consult with the programme analyst on project progress and provide information and advice as required to contribute to the Country Office initiatives;
• Manage project budgets and ensure timely and accurate reporting; and
• Undertake project related ATLAS transactions.

Conducts planning, monitoring and evaluation activities of the project

• Elaborate project work plans;
• Ensure close monitoring of all activities of the project, monitoring the progress on agreed results framework and performance indicators and prepare inputs to programme analyst in relation to projects oversight;
• Guide development of overall monitoring and evaluation systems for the project and put mechanisms in place for proper and timely reporting to the programme analyst and the donor;
• Organize quarterly review meetings and annual project reviews by monitoring the progress of project implementation, assessing results and identifying areas of weaknesses to ensure the project achieves the planned results in accordance with relevant plans;
• Monitor and manage risks/issues facing the project; submit new risks/issues to the Programme Analyst for consideration and decision on possible actions if required;
• Support to project monitoring in Atlas (inputs provided for risks log, inputs to quality assurance exercise, etc);
• Ensure project’s procedural alignment with UNDP position, rules and regulations and mandate;
• Preparation of project progress reports and participation in tripartite meetings;
• Supports the identification and systematization of project lessons learned and good practices.

Provide technical support to projects, guaranteeing quality, efficiency and effectiveness in projects implementation.

• Provides technical and management advisory and support to partners on implementation of projects;
• Elaboration of projects related Terms of Reference;
• Participation in selection processes for Letters of Agreement signature, as well as undertake activities related to LoAs monitoring;
• Participates in consultant’s selection panels, when necessary;
• Undertakes technical analysis/approval of proposals of contracts/Terms of reference;
• Preparation of project revisions and proposals;
• Orientation and follow-up on project auditing issues;
• Advises and develops strategic and operational solutions with clients that add value to UNDP projects;
• Perform other tasks, as required by the supervisor;

Support communication and knowledge building and sharing in the CO and assigned projects focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the trainings for the operations/projects staff on programme and project implementation issues;
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Manage stakeholder expectations and participate in communication activities to inform stakeholders of project progress and issues with guidance of the Programme Analyst and Communications Units;
• Identify opportunities for public communication of projects activities and results;
• Facilitate communication with other UN Agencies, multilateral organizations, bilateral donors, private and other partners of SSC projects.

The key results will support the efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of SCC projects, in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures and donor requirements.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Client-orientation:

• Demonstrating an understanding of client/partner/donor perspective and anticipating constraints in the project delivery, identifying solutions or alternatives;

Computer Skills:

• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internet, power point and experience in handling of web-based management systems;

Teamwork:

• Ability and sensitivity to work with a wide cross-section of partners, including Government, I/NGOs and private sector;
• Ability to form and maintain relationships through teamwork and needed networking;

Communication and Relationship Management:

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
•  A self-starter and able to inspire and influence action;

Leadership:

• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices inside and outside UNDP;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Ability to lead effectively, and possesses mentoring and conflict resolution skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Education:

Post-Graduate degree lato sensu or strictu sensu (or equivalent), preferably in international relations, administration, public policy, project management, computer science or related fields.

Post graduate degree may be replaced by 4 additional relevant experience beyond the minimum required experience.

Experience:

Mandatory:

• A minimum of 6 years of relevant, practical work experience in management or implementation of cooperation projects;
• Experience working with government counterparts
• Strong leadership, management and negotiation skills;
• Strong ability to work as part of a team and actively pursuing networking;
• Excellent computer skills and ability to use information technology as a tool and resource;
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;

Desirable:

• A minimum of 1 year of relevant practical work experience in management and implementation of South-South and Triangular Cooperation Projects;
• At least 1 year experience in dealing with UNDP’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation partners, such as bilateral donors, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, UN Agencies and UNDP Country Offices;
• Strong technical knowledge of South-South and Triangular Cooperation and related subject is desirable;
• Desirable 1 year experience in system implementation or development, such as sites, ERPs, APPs, databases;
• Desirable knowledge in process mapping;
• Desirable experience in operating UNDP’s Atlas Platform.

Languages:

• Proficiency in Portuguese;
• Fluency in English and Spanish.
• Working knowledge in French is an asset

Important applicant information

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

All applicants must be inscribed on Social Security System (INSS)

For candidates living in another sity than the duty station (Brasília), removcal allowance will not be granted by UNDP.

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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