Project Manager:Local Development - EU4Moldova:focal regions Programme

The EU4Moldova: focal regions Programme is based on the European Commission Implementing Decision on the Annual Action Programme 2018 in favour of the Republic of Moldova and is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme.

The overall objective of the five-year programme is to strengthen the economic, territorial and social cohesion in the Republic of Moldova through facilitating inclusive, sustainable and integrated local socio-economic growth and improving the standards of living of the citizens in the pilot micro- regions.

To this end, this programme will address the urban-rural divide and regional disparities, stimulate economic growth and job creation, refurbish and upgrade some social and technical infrastructure in selected pilot micro-regions (smaller towns and villages) while taking into account a gender perspective in the activities of the programme.

Specific objectives:

1. To strengthen transparency, accountability of local public authorities and citizen participation in local governance processes in the pilot micro-regions,

2. To improve citizens' access to quality public services and utilities in the pilot micro-regions,

3. To create employment opportunities for men and women in the pilot micro-regions and improve the attractiveness of the pilot regions for investors and entrepreneurs,

4. To promote the smart specialization of the economy of the pilot micro regions through the development of the clustering and value chain approach in key economic sectors.

The programme objectives will be achieved through measures targeted at: (i) capacity building to support the implementation and monitoring of local economic development plans; (ii) civil society engagement in local planning, governance processes and basic social service delivery; (iii) provision of investment funding in support of the creation and/or development of social and technical infrastructure which, combined with the outcomes from interventions (i) and (ii) above, will have an immediate, visible and tangible impact on employment creation, the standard of living of the population in the pilot micro-regions.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the Project Manager/Local development component Manager ensures the effective and efficient management of the local development component by supporting its design, planning and management. The Incumbent applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. 

The Project Manager/Local development Manager works in close collaboration with the Programme team as well as 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.

Summary of Key Functions:

The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying HRBA and GE approaches.  More specifically:

1.    Strategic visioning for the Local Development Component of the EU4Moldova: focal regions Programme, and guidance to supervised staff in close cooperation with project stakeholders:

• Advise on national developments relevant to EU4Moldova: focal regions programmatic objectives in local development;
• Enhance analytical and professional capacities of the national stakeholders (including central and local public authorities, NGOs, etc.) in terms of decision-making within the framework of decentralization process, providing ad-hoc advice and technical support;   
• Provide substantive research input; accurate analysis, data entry and presentation of information to ensure proper policy advice and programme implementation;
• Conduct analytical work (e.g. institutional and risk analyses, capacity assessment, policy reviews and briefs) on the project key areas, highlighting UNDP support and strategy.
• Promote information sharing with the relevant donor community by initiating and/or participating in consultative meetings with the donors and preparing briefs on local development processes and activities;
• Promote flow of information and resources between and among the various levels of governance from national to local and local to national to improve effectiveness and cost-effective service delivery (create a feedback mechanism top-down vice versa).

2.    Project Management:  

• Assume full responsibility for and manage effectively and efficiently all Local Development Component project activities and resources (human, financial, physical / material assets, etc) in order to meet expected results.  Develop annual activity and procurement work plans as well as budgets based on expected year-end outputs; ensure close monitoring of activities and disbursements;
• Build, motivate and lead a high performing team consisting of supervised project personnel (SMART Development Officer; Rural Development Officer; Public Services Improvement Officer; 2 Project Officer/Engineers; 2 Project Officer/Local Coordinator in Ungheni and Cahul), expert consultants, translators, etc.  Undertake personnel performance appraisals and career development coaching at project level;
• Apply UNDP programming tools and policies as explained in the Results Management Guide, including the utilization of the Project Management Module in Atlas.  Keep abreast of UNDP programming practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning, including in the areas of HRBA and GE;
• Prepare qualitative substantive and financial progress reports as may be required by the project.  Prepare periodic procurement/contracting and financial delivery reports for UNDP management. Prepare budget revisions as needed;
• Effectively manage other project-related activities and components, to be part of the broader EU4Moldova: focal regions Programme.

3.    Support Resource Mobilization and Partnership Building:  

• Maintain and facilitate effective communication with public, national partners and among stakeholders, and ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements.
• Engage with relevant donors and contribute to the resource mobilization efforts.
• Ensure that local development projects are implemented in a Human Rights Based Approach and respect principles of Gender Equality. Raise awareness of local authorities on HRBA and GE.

4.    Knowledge Management:  

• Promote information sharing within the programme, with national and local stakeholders and the relevant donor community by initiating and/or participating in consultative meetings and preparing briefs on local self-governance progress and activities;
• Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Participate in national and international fora, making substantive contributions as appropriate.

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the EU4Moldova: focal regions Programme.  Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner.  The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Programme Steering Committee and UNDP management.


 

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures.  Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

• Understands more advanced aspects of local development, as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of local development, and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
• Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools, and utilizes these regularly in work assignments;
• Have effective interpersonal and negotiations skills and ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder projects and be able to think in a strategic manner on complex and difficult projects;
• Strong drafting, presentation and reporting skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Proven ability to problem-solve, and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment;
• Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.

Leadership and Self-Management

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;

Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Education:  

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent of 5 years University Degree) in public administration, economics, social sciences, law or related areas. Training and certification in project management would be a strong asset.

Experience:    

• At least 9 years of progressively responsible experience is required at the national or international level in the following fields: local/regional development; public administration; community development; public service improvement.
• At least five years of experience in managing a multidisciplinary team.
• At least four years of experience in the design/implementation or monitoring of development programmes.
• Experience of work in local regions and/or in managing programmes financed by the European Union is a very strong advantage.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in both oral and written English and Romanian. Knowledge of Russian desired.  
• Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.
   

UNDP is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply.

Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

Online applications can be submitted by registered users only. Self-registration link is available at the next page and requires candidates to provide a valid email address.