Project Manager

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Youth Technical Specialist under the direct supervision of Team Leaders of Governance and Sustainable and Local Economic Development, working closely with the Donor Relations and Reporting Specialist and Youth Technical Specialist, the Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the project “Empowering Youth Bike Riders as Sustainable Agents of Peace in Sierra Leone”.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Youth Technical Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will ensure:

•Day to day management of the project including the administrative and programmatic management (planning, control, monitoring, budgeting, and others) while adhering to the procedures, rules, and regulations of UN; •Preparation of all the required documentation to kick start project. The documentation shall include but will not be limited to, Responsible Party Agreements for engaging the implementing partners, relevant terms of references for the consultants who will conduct studies and others; •Liaise and cooperate with UNCDF on all matters regarding the implementation of the PBF Joint Programme while addressing any emerging issues with guidance from senior management at UNDP; •Provide support and guidance to the other project team members, the M & E Expert Officer and Communications Officer; •Preparing annual work plans, manage project budget in consultation with the Project team; •Follow up the project progress in line with the approved project work plan; •Provide overall support in the monitoring and evaluation of the Project; •Support field level monitoring of Implementation partners of the projects; •Participate in substantive terms in the planning, preparation, and management of the PBF Programme evaluations; •Provide support and follow up with the Implementing Partners and Responsible parties on matters regarding the implementation of the Project; •Training and orient the Implementing Partners and/or the Responsible Parties on the UNDP project tools such as FACE forms for requesting advances and direct payments, reporting tools and formats; •Provide project assurance functions within a project board structure in line with the project management roles and responsibilities in the framework of the PBF Joint programme; •Prepare periodic reports in collaboration with the implementing partners and responsible parties, these will include quarterly reports, regular updates on the progress of the Joint Programme and annual reports; •Consolidate inputs for both UNDP and UNCDF and prepare overall PBF report for submission to the Resident Coordinators’ Office respecting the timeframes and deadline of the PBSO; •Organize coordinating meetings for both UNDP and UNCDF together with implementing partners; •Provide briefings to UNDP on the progress of the PBF programme highlighting the substantive issues arising, risks, and others that may require attention of the UNDP senior management; •Coordinate all the missions both incoming and outgoing of the PBF including evaluations, reviews, and specific missions related/linked to the project activities.

The incumbent will promote UNDP’s mandate as a gender-responsive organisation with zero tolerance for discriminatory and abusive behaviour, including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse.

Corporate Competencies: •Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards; •Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN; •Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; •Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Development and Operational Effectiveness: Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management, and reporting Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation development programmes and projects, mobilize resources; In-depth knowledge on development issues within a post conflict context; Ability to coordinate and work with other UN agencies; Good knowledge of the Results Management Methods; Ability to advocate and provide policy advice; Strong IT skills.

• Management and Leadership:

Focuses on impact and results for client and responds positively to feedback; Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive constructive attitude; Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills; Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors; Remain calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

• Knowledge Management and Learning: Promotes knowledge management in the UN and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example; Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

project Management, Economics, Social Sciences, and/or related field. Knowledge and understanding of UNDP Programme and project management modalities; •Experience in design and implementation of project documents for UNDP and UN Joint programmes; •Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages; •Experience in handling of web-based management systems for project management and financial control systems; •Knowledge of UN policies and procedures is an advantage.

Sierra Leone is a unique country and UNDP is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility, the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort are essential.