Job: PROJECT MANAGER, 'EXPERT SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONCEPT OF A NEW MODEL OF PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN', UNDP (ONLY FOR KAZAKHSTAN CITIZENS)

Location :

Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

Application Deadline :

06-Dec-13

Additional Category

Democratic Governance

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Post Level :

SB-3

Languages Required :

English Russian

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 months

Background

UNDP in collaboration with the Agency for Civil Service Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in January 2013 launched the project called 'Expert support to implementation of the New Concept of Civil Service of Republic of Kazakhstan' (further the Project).

The goal of the Project is to create the Regional Hub, which will represent an institutional network for a constant exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of civil services among participating countries, including cooperation with international organizations.

The Regional Hub is intended to:

• Establish an institutional network and a multilateral platform for a continuous exchange of knowledge and experience in the civil service among the countries of the region, including participation of international organizations.
• Turn into a multilateral platform that draws upon the best quality material emanating from think-tanks and universities, and from on-going policy practice in the world.
• Act as a catalyst for civil service transformation in the concerned countries, and a facilitator for regional cooperation in this field.

As a common platform for dialogue and basis for joint programs and projects, organization of professional networks and expert societies of the region the Regional Hub is expected to provide support in stimulating civil service reforms in the region by promoting joint initiatives from member countries in following areas:

A.Partnership and Networks Based on the interests of the countries concerned, the Regional Hub promotes creation of a network of partners and supporters through its members; strengthens cooperation and provides regular exchange of public administration practice, including on procedures on development of appropriate policies. The platform for such interactions will be face-to-face meetings, a web portal and an electronic library.

B.Research and development In partnership with academic institutions of the region, the Regional Hub enables comparison of results of current civil service reforms being implemented across the region, help identifying comparable challenges and topical issues and searching the viable solutions aimed at promotion of building practical experience and capacity development on the public administration issues across the region.

C.Knowledge management The Regional Hub is involved in developing and disseminating knowledge products to facilitate cooperation between different concerned parties and establish a space for all stakeholders and generate and implement joint agendas. The Regional Hub combines assistance rendered within South Region countries cooperation and triangular development by creating conditions to implement joint regional programs and projects focused on priority areas of the public service reforming.

Under the guidance of the Programme Associate of GLD unit, the Project Manager is responsible for the timely delivery and quality of outputs and technical advice. S/he will ensure effective implementation daily activities of the title Project and ensuring compliance with appropriate UNDP policies and procedures.

The Project Manager supervises project personnel and works in close collaboration with the operations team, programme staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP programme/ project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager has overall responsibility for project management, including:

• Project and financial management
• Support to resource mobilization
• Advocacy and Co-ordination

Function / Expected Results:

1. Project and Financial Management:

• Prepare and update work plans and budgets;
• Manage international and local consultants and conduct performance reviews in accordance with UNDP rules, regulations and procedures;
• Manage financial allocations, ensure timely payments in accordance with UNDP rules, regulations and procedures; generate Atlas reports, including combined delivery reports
• Prepare procurement plans and oversee procurement and logistics for project implementation;
• Monitor and analyze the project environment and progress, using applicable M&E and risk management tools where relevant, and advise on timely readjustments of strategies and corrective actions as necessary;
• Produce periodical annual project progress reports and financial reports for the Project Board and donors;
• Provide regular reports on the project progress issues to the Programme Analyst/Portfolio Manager;
• Comply with security and safety requirements and regulations and ensure the same are respected by all local consultants;
• Work closely with other UNDP governance initiatives to ensure that the project is contributing effectively to overall performance of the UNDP Governance Cluster.

2. Support to resource mobilization:

• Establish and further develop contacts and cooperation with the relevant UN Agencies, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the area of legal reform and judiciary on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors' priorities;
• Seek information on donors and share information on opportunities for resource mobilization with the Portfolio Manager
• Develop best practices within the framework of project activities and feed these into UNDP's overall governance strategy.

3. Advocacy and Co-ordination:

• Ensure and coordinate meaningful participation of all national and international stakeholders in all phases of planning and implementation processes;
• Ensure regular communication and coordination with project donors and partners and develop and maintain effective mechanisms for integrating and responding to their feedback and insights;
• Play an active advisory role on rule of law issues within the UNDP governance team and in other settings as required

Impact of Results:

The general impact of this post will be reflected in the results achieved by Project as defined in the project document. Specific impact should be created through: active dialogue and coordination with the national stakeholders and on project activities implemented.

Competencies

Core values: Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling UN values and ethical standards Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Core competencies:

• Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different audiences.
• Team work: Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relations with a culturally diverse team, as a team member, to build trust, and to manage in a deliberate, transparent and predictable way.

• Client orientation: Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with national partners and stakeholders and pro-activeness in identifying of beneficiaries and partners' needs, and matching them to appropriate solutions.

Managerial competencies:

Managing Performance:

Ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Ability to identify priority activities and tasks and allocate appropriate time and resources for effective and efficient work completion; Ability to monitor progress against milestones and deadlines; Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks without compromising quality, team spirit and positive working relationships; Ability to foresee risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• University degree in law, political science, social sciences or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience working in development programming with focus or relation to human development;
• Proven record of knowledge of the socio-political context and practical experience in the area of public administration;
• Proven communication and advocacy skills, and ability to work in an environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors including government representatives, donors and other stakeholders;
• Maturity, excellent inter-personal, negotiation and team leading skills required;
• Ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and to handle multiple tasks;
• Excellent computer skills with ability to use information technology as a tool and resource.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English, Kazakh and Russian with proven drafting and presentation skills

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More Info and Application