Project Management Specialist

• Effective project initiation and rollout 
• Effective project activities management and achievement of project targets & results
• Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing in the CO: 

• Implement and oversee key assessments, feasibility studies and other quantitate and qualitative research in support of project development and design, including institutional capacity assessments, infrastructure assessments, community and police perception surveys, assessments for behavior change communication campaigns.
• Lead and facilitate consultation and validation workshops with key clients including UN agencies, international partners and donors to identify key priorities and complementarities between the project and other existing initiatives in support of the same area.
• In close consultation with the M&E teams, develop an effective M&E system, ensuring key data collection tools, reporting templates and data analysis processes are established.
• Mobilize personnel, goods and services to initiate activities, including drafting and reviewing Terms of References (ToRs), Request for Proposals (RFPs) and work specifications.
• Develop/use rosters of pre-qualified consultants, Implementing Partners (IPs) and other service providers in support of project outputs and activities.
• Oversee or contribute to the recruitment of and orient new staff of the cross-border project, roles/responsibilities and other parameters to ensure smooth rollout of the project.
• Develop the project’s Annual Work Plans (AWPs), Human Resources (HR) Plans, Procurement Plans and Communications Plans.
• Provide inputs to UNDP and Japanese coordination platforms and participate in meetings, as requested
• Identify resources mobilization opportunities in close collaboration with the Programme Team
• Ensure a clear and transparent communication with the UNDP and the Japanese Cooperation

• Ensure that AWP activities suggested are in line with the overall direction set by the Project Document and lead to achievements of project targets and results. 
• Ensure implementation of activities as per AWP and agreed deadlines as well as according to detailed implementation, procurement and HR plans.
• Identify bottlenecks and develop solutions.
• Design and launch Expression of Interests (EOIs) and other scoping measures to assess partnership opportunities with national institutions, firms, and civil society organizations.
• In consultation with the M&E Team, ensure that adequate systems are in place to gather data and information for project monitoring and that systematic monitoring of project progress against targets is undertaken, including regular field trips for monitoring purposes.
• Ensure that UNDP ́s results-management systems are kept updated for project results- information including ATLAS project management module.
• Manage the accurate and timely high-quality results reporting on the progress of the project and achievement of annual targets to the Steering Committee. Ensure that UNDP report is prepared according to the UNDP SOPs, quality standards and in line with the contractual obligations set in the project document.
• Coordinate and prepare ad hoc thematic and substantive reports/analysis/briefs as requested. 
• Implement project communications activities in close collaboration with the Communications Team.
• Oversee the appropriate use of project funds as well as the consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations. Coordinate preparation of financial reports, as required in the initial planning.
• Monitor budget implementation to ensure accuracy and reliability of project expenditure.
• Supervise and manage project personnel and consultants. Establish performance objectives and standards and ensure timely and appropriate feedback, guidance and support to ensure optimum performance.
• Manage and monitor project risks. In collaboration with the technical project staff, implementing partners, identify new risks and update risk frameworks for consideration of the Steering Committee and decision on possible actions if required. Update the status of these risks by maintaining the project risks log. 

• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

• Master's degree in public administration, political or social sciences, international studies, management and development related field.

• Minimum 5 years of professional work experience working on project and programme implementation, policy, programming, operations and resources mobilization, in the areas of economic development, peace and security, conflict and crisis prevention and management, economic recovery and local development, peace building and/or sustainable development. This includes experience gained in a governmental, multilateral, and/or civil society setting, at the national or international level.
• Experience working in developing country settings is required and experience in crisis contexts essential.
• Knowledge and work experience in DRC would be an advantage

• Fluency in French and English, both written and oral

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

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.

Scam warning