Project Officer, Mogadishu. UNDP

PROJECT OFFICER - JPLG (SOMALI NATIONAL ONLY)

   Location : Mogadishu, SOMALIA Application Deadline : 31-Oct-12 
   Type of Contract : Contract Post Level : SB-5 Languages Required :

English   Starting Date :

(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 02-Jan-2013

Duration of Initial Contract : One Year Expected Duration of Assignment : N/A  

Background

The UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Services (JPLG) for Somalia is a joint programme executed by UN ILO, UNCDF, UNICEF, UN-HABITAT and UNDP. The first phase of the programme commenced in 2008 and will complete at the end of 2012. The programme’s second phase (JPLG II) covers the five year period 2013 – 2017. JPLG works with Somalia Government Institutions, Regional authorities, District Councils, Legislatures, Municipal Associations, International and Local NGOs/CSOs, and the private sector.

The Programme is aligned to the programming frameworks of the Somalia Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), the UN Transition Plan (UNTP) and the UNSAS. The outcome of the programme is that local governance contributes to peace and equitable priority service delivery in selected locations.

It is envisaged that JPLG II will achieve as wide coverage in Somalia as resources and conditions allow with a comprehensive approach to assist local governments to be credible, professional service providers, increasing public investment in basic services, and strengthening civic awareness and participation in local decision-making and development. The strategy pursued will comprise:

• Policy and legal frameworks for decentralization, local government, service provision and land management;
• Institutionalizing local government systems, vertical and horizontal inter-government linkages and civic education initiatives;
• Investment in public services and goods through testing a Local Development Fund model, direct service provision and promotion of public-private partnerships;
• Processes and systems for housing, land and property disputes and resolution.

Throughout the Programme, strong emphasis is placed on gender and women in local government, human rights and local governance, and good governance principles of transparency, accountability and participation.

UNDP wishes to strengthen its presence in Mogadishu and as part of this effort, UNDP wishes to recruit a Project Coordinator to support implementation of the JPLG work plan.

Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager for Local Governance and the Head of the UNDP Mogadishu Sub Office as a second supervisor, and in close coordination with other JPLG staff the Project Officer will provide programming, administrative and financial services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work for JPLG and UNDP. The Project Coordinator promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. 

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

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

The Project Officer will support the project management in project planning, design, implementation, administrative/financial and monitoring and evaluation and will be accountable for the following results:

• Ensure timely implementation of the programming activities in Mogadishu and South Central Somalia
• Efficient procurement, administrative and logistic services and representation
• Financial resources management
• Deliver capacity building and training initiatives, and ensure a timely implementation of capacity building activities.

Ensure timely implementation of the programming activities in Mogadishu and South Central Somalia focusing on the achievements of the following results:

• Develop common project workplans among UNDP/JPLG, the Ministry of Interior’s Department of Local Governance, Regional Administrations and Local Government Councils and Administrations.
• Technically support the proper implementation of all activities with the Ministry, Regions and Local Authorities serving as the liaison officer between the UNDP/JPLG Management and the Somali authorities.
• Provide constant and timely monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, suggesting quick readjustments of the programming activities.
• Elaboration of monthly work plans and budget as well as monthly narrative and financial report.
• Collaborate closely with other UN JPLG Team Members in the delivery of support to Somalia counterparts and in the preparation of narrative reports to the government, donors and partners as well as in the planning and revision of project workplans.

Provide efficient administrative, procurement, and logistic services focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Provide all necessary support as required in terms of administrative and DEX reporting requirements, and all relevant clearance procedures for finance, procurement, recruitment, travel, etc.
• In liaison with the Project Manager and with support from the UNDP Operations Unit update and initiate processing of project financial entries in Atlas; ensure transmission of project financial data for inclusion in Atlas;
• Reconcile the records of payments with activities and recommends new disbursements to the Project Manager;
• Under the guidance of the Project Manager and in close collaboration with the Procurement Unit, carry out and submit required preparatory work for contracts, tendering, bill of quantities and works, according to UNDP procedures, rules and regulations;
• Ensure there is an adequate and retrievable filing system for all UNDP JPLG documents including soft and hard copies.
• Supervise logistical arrangements for visiting missions, ensure briefing kits are compiled, liaise with Field Security Coordination Officer (FSCO) and ensure security clearance and visas are obtained for all project staff and consultants traveling to Mogadishu.

Ensure efficient financial resources management to the UNDP JPLG focusing on the achievements of the following results:

• Proper control of the supporting documents for UNDP payments and financial reports from counterparts; preparation of all types of vouchers for development and management projects and on-behalf of client agencies; PO vouchers for development and management projects; and payment execution.
• Monthly expenditures tracking in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Review of financial reports from partners and sub-contractors.
• Provide support, backstopping, and quality control to counterparts in financial reporting and identify areas for improvement in the management and use of the budget.
• Liaise and cooperate with the Finance Unit and the Project Assistant in Nairobi to ensure consistency in financial reporting.

Deliver capacity building and training initiatives focusing on the achievements of the following results:

• In collaboration with the Project Manager, design and review capacity building plan for ministry, regional and district officials.
• Design a relevant work plan in consultation with the Project Manager and ensure a timely implementation of capacity building activities.
• Design tender documents for procurement of training service provider and follow through with a procurement and selection process.
• Supervise the implementation of the capacity building plan by regular monitoring of activities and frequent field visits.
• Participate in project training and other relevant activities at district level, and be updated on all training and implementation activities in the districts.
• Advice the Project Manager on appropriate action to secure implementation of training and M&E activities in line with agreed work plans, project documents, etc.
• Conduct regular and frequent visits to the districts, regions and Ministry offices to review operations, supervise the monitoring and training officials, and to allow for a proper overview of all training activities.
• Carry out any other relevant duties requested by the Project Manager.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the execution of the CO financial services management and the JPLG/UNDP in terms of quality and accuracy of work. Accurate data entry and presentation of financial information and a client-oriented approach enhances UNDP’s capability to effectively and efficiently manage financial resources.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays strong cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to conduct results-based management and reporting
• Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration

Management and Leadership

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Results oriented, flexible and problem solving skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:          

• Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences or related field with at least 2 years of relevant work experience with monitoring, evaluation, and/or capacity building.
• A first level university degree in the Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences or related field; with a combination of 4 years of work experience in a related field may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.

Experience:       

• 2 years’ experience in similar position including promoting capacity building in local governance.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation is desirable
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.
• Management experience is desirable
• Previous experience in working with stakeholders on design of training manuals and/or monitoring and evaluation approaches is desirable

Language Requirements:            

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali is required.

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.