Project Manager

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with the broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. In Kazakhstan, the focus is on sustaining the country’s growth trajectory by diversifying economy, modernizing institutions, reducing inequalities, and sustainably managing natural resources.

Project Description

The upcoming project aims to enhance the technical and expert capacities of the foreign policy and ODA organizations of the MFA of Kazakhstan – Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) and Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) and strengthen Kazakhstan’s international perception and national image in the global and regional spheres. It has three major outputs:

First, the project targets to enhance Kazakhstan’s existing soft-power and ODA practices by working with FPRI to identify the current challenges, gaps, and corresponding recommendations. Second, the project aims to accelerate the synergy of ODA practices through data integration with two digital tools for KazAID: a National ODA Accounting Dashboard and a Database of Kazakhstan Development Experts, with a specific focus on female professionals. Third, this project improves KazAID’s executive capacity to implement projects by engaging in joint activities and sharing experiences. The activity will focus on raising awareness of youth and strengthening women-led volunteering initiatives in UNDP’s traditional area of engagement – energy and environment.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Assistant Resident Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Project Manager will:

Management of a designated Project in accordance with UNDP Program and Operations Policies and Procedures and UNDP Kazakhstan Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Supervise and coordinate the Project and ensure results are in accordance with the Project Document and the rules and procedures established in the UNDP POPP. Bear responsibility for the day-to-day management of the - both organizational and substantive issues - budgeting, planning and overall monitoring of the Project; • Develop Annual Work Plans in accordance with the Project Document and ensure adherence to the multi-year Annual Work Plan, and conduct budget revisions as required; • Support the work and decision-making of the Project Board by providing timely, detailed, and accurate information to the Project Board`s members. Prepare Project Board meetings to share progress updates and by documenting decisions and follow-up actions; • Coordinate an exit strategy at least 6 months ahead of the project closure date; ensure closure of the project is done per the established procedures; • Provide policy advise and support capacity development of national counterparts through transfer of generated knowledge i.e., procedures, manuals, guidelines and systems for implementation. Monitor progress and manage risks, ensuring that changes are controlled, and problems addressed, report on progress and issues.

• Monitor expenditures of financial resources to ensure compliance with rules and procedures and accuracy and reliability of financial reports; ensures preparation of budget revisions as necessary; follows up with the the Project Board on issues; • Monitor Project progress to ensure that it is in accordance with the timetable set out in the Initiation Plan and preparation of regular updates to Project Board on project progress, implementing issues, emerging risks/problems, and proposals for necessary remedial actions; • Ensure that the indicators included in the project results framework are monitored regularly; • Collect and manage project data as required by the M&E Plan; • Coordinate and facilitate meetings that will arise as the result of partnerships with different project partners, and organize field visits to the project partners participating in implementation to monitor the project progress and discuss and clarify the related issues when needed; • Monitor financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial report; • Monitor financial contributions of partners; • Monitor and manage the project risks; inform the Project Board on emerging issues and risks, update the issue and risk logs; • Ensure reporting to Project Board is prepared timely and the reports are meeting the standards; • Prepare progress and final Project reports and papers; • Ensure appropriate filing and availability of required documentation for the audit purposes; • Perform all tasks in ATLAS Management Information System related to the Project Manager’s position.

Create synergies with other income generation or inclusive prosperity initiatives in the country or other UNDP initiatives to maximize the project impact

• Collaborate intensively with all project stakeholders, including other projects to maximize the impact of UNDP’s interventions that will contribute towards achievement of the expected outcome under the UNDP’s Country Programme Document 2021-2025; • Maintain good cooperation and coordination with national counterparts, project partners, and other stakeholders (donor community, international finance institutions, private sector); • Maintain regular contacts with beneficiaries to ensure relevance and quality of project’s outputs; • Actively identify and mobilize new partnerships and funding sources (resource mobilization) for new projects and initiatives, ensure blending of resources to achieve scalable impact; • Establish records with contacts, pursue networking and information sharing and follow up on partnership-related issues; • By providing project level information, contribute to the development of pipeline initiatives primarily under the themes covered by the Project.

Communication, knowledge management and learning

• Maintain close working relations and regular contacts with the Government partners on the implementation of the Project within the relevant competencies; • Ensure adequate flow of information, discussion and feedback among the various stakeholders of the Project; • Regular exchange of information/experience with other projects, cross-learning and sharing results and good practices; • Contribute to the development of high-quality knowledge and visibility products; • Share Project’s best practices and lessons at different national and regional platforms. • Ensure Gender mainstreaming within the project focusing on achievement of the following results: • Ensure gender is effectively mainstreamed throughout the project activities, work plans, budgets, reports, research, analyses and, where specifically relevant, analysed in detail; • Ensure gender equality is mainstreamed throughout team, consultant and staff management activities; • Ensure knowledge on gender equality is incorporated in Project Knowledge management activities and products. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Timely delivery of project results indicated in the Initiation Plan o Ensuring financial resources are spent in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations o Regular coordination with project partners o Potential areas for further project scale up • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organizing • Professionalism • Self-management

national and/or international level in development, research or other relevant programmes; • Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an advantage; • Work experience as a manager/coordinator in project implementation and the ability to manage conflicting priorities and tight timelines is an advantage; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness;

Fluency in English, Kazakh and/or Russian is required.

Nur-Sultan is the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan and located in the centre of the country in the dry steppe zone. Its population is more than 800 thousand. The city consists of three districts: Almaty, Saryarka and Yessil. The city’s economy is based on trade, industrial production, transport, communication and construction. Nur-Sultan accommodates numerous business centres, theatres, museums, art galleries, exhibition halls and entertainment complexes (movie theatres, nightclubs, parks, restaurants, cafes etc.). Official languages are Kazakh and Russian.

Assignment Place Remarks: UN Security level: Minimal-1

As of August 2022, the amount of the Monthly Living Allowance received by the National UN Volunteer Specialists in Nur-Sultan is approx. KZT 323,590/month. Other benefits include: Entry lump sum of USD 400 (a one-time contribution towards expenses incurred before and initially upon commencement of service); Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer and health insurance coverage for up to 3 eligible dependents; Access to UNV's learning and career development resources; Annual leave: 2.5 days per month; Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment).

See the UVP Entitlements calculator & UNV Conditions of Service for more details & information.