Project Manager for UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery, Nairobi, Kenya (P-4)

The UN Joint Programme for Local Governance and Decentralised Service Delivery (JPLG) was established in April 2008, and is a joint effort by UNDP, UN-Habitat, UNICEF, ILO and UNCDF. JPLG is a 5 year programme providing support to Somali central and local government institutions. The overall objective of the JPLG for the 5 year period is that local governance contributes to peace and equitable priority service delivery in selected locations in all three zones of Somalia. The specific objectives are that communities have access to basic services through local government, and that district councils are accountable and transparent.

The JPLG is aligned to the strategic frameworks of Somalia Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) 2011-2015, and the United Nations Transition Plan (UNTP) 2008 -2010 and the new United Nations Somalia Assistance Strategy (UNSAS) 2011 -2015. UNDP's local governance programme is further shaped by the UNDP country programme document (2011-2015), also responding to UNSAS and RDP. It is also aligned with the Transitional Federal Charter (2004), the Somaliland Constitution (2001) and the Transitional Constitution of the Puntland State of Somalia (2009) as all specify decentralisation as the core political, functional, fiscal and administrative principle of governance, and promote local governance as a key instrument for reconciliation and peace building and improvement of social services. Decentralisation of service delivery through the establishment of inclusive and participatory local governance systems is a clear priority in the all of the above mentioned documents.

The JPLG participating UN agencies provide extensive support to a series of central government institutions and local authorities in the three zones, and are currently providing support to strengthening of local government institutions and service delivery in 10 target district in Somaliland and Puntland, and to service delivery through civil society and the private sector in some selected districts in Benadir/Mogadishu. JPLG works at three inter-related levels, i.e. policy development, capacity development, and implementation of services through local government institutions and public-private partnerships.

Key achievements of JPLG have been capacity development in good governance, legal and policy development, commencement of service delivery in target districts, local level public expenditure management processes, establishment of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework as well as work on relevant policy analysis and development. Target districts have developed District Development Frameworks (DDFs) based on extensive community consultations and are actively using these DDFs as a fund mobilization tool and are implementing services identified in the DDFs with support from JPLG. Extensive capacity development in community consultation, development planning, budget forecasting, work plan and budgeting, as well procurement has enabled service delivery through the target districts; enhanced the collaboration between the central and local government as well as the communities, and enhanced horizontal collaboration and peer learning between the districts. Also, extensive focus on selection of women in district councils in Puntland has led to the first time ever that women groups selected women councilors. These efforts are critical to the strengthening of peace and reconciliation in Somalia.

UNDP has played a key role in the establishment of the JPLG and is a central actor in the collaboration with central and local government authorities in all three zones. UNDP furthermore plays a key role in decentralization policy development, capacity development in financial auditing, district development planning and budgeting; and implementation of services through district councils through public-private partnerships.

Within this context, UNDP will hire a Project Manager who will primarily report to the UNDP Programme Manager on all administrative and managerial aspects of the work, as well as all technical aspects that are of relevance to UNDP's core areas as illustrated by the engagement in peace and human development; democratic governance and human rights; livelihoods and natural resource management; and empowerment of women and gender equality. In addition the Project Manager will have a second line of reporting to the JPLG Senior Programme Manager on all technical aspects of JPLG and ensuring UNDP's input are synchronized within the overall JPLG. The UNDP Project Manager will furthermore work closely with the other JPLG project managers to coordinate implementation of all JPLG activities and ensure continuous support and collaboration, and with all UNDP project managers to enhance coordination and collaboration across UNDP project areas. The Project Manager will coordinate closely with all government partners and with the Sub Offices in Somaliland and Puntland.

The Project Manager is responsible for the design and implementation of the UNDP-JPLG Annual Work Plan and Budget, and will supervise national staff in Somaliland and Puntland, and the team in Nairobi. The Project Manager will be located in Nairobi but with frequent travels into Somalia (minimum 25% of the time) and with relocation to Somalia when situation permits.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions

• Provide leadership for UNDP's work in JPLG.
• Be responsible for the implementation of project activities and financial management of UNDP's inputs within JPLG.
• Provide policy advice on local governance.
• Co-ordinate inputs and results with other JPLG partners and lead the implementation of UNDP's activities.
• Promote networking and knowledge sharing within UNDP and the UN system.

Provide leadership for UNDPs work in JPLG

• Act as UNDP's focal point in JPLG vis-à-vis the other UN agencies, the JPLG Project Coordination Unit, government counterparts, donors and external missions.
• Participate in JPLG and UNDP programme level meetings and technical working groups.
• Advise generally on the soundness of the JPLG methods ensure and that UNDPs engagement in JPLG is in line with UNDP rules and regulations and responding to relevant UNDP strategies.

Be responsible for project implementation and financial management of UNDP's portfolio of activities within JPLG.

• Lead project implementation and planning for implementation of UNDP's activities in JPLG
• Prepare budget and work plans according to the requirement of JPLG and UNDP's portfolio, and ensure their implementation.
• Ensure effective implementation of all activities across the three zones and quick and efficient response to implementation challenges.
• Monitor and analyse the project environment and progress, using applicable M&E and risk management tools and advise on timely adjustments and corrective measures as necessary.
• Develop and oversee implementation of partnership agreements and ensure appropriate technical assistance with a focus on institutional development and results.
• Supervise and manage the local governance team in UNDP, in Nairobi and inside Somalia.
• Coordinate the work of the teams and conduct regular staff performance reviews in line with UNDPs rules and regulations.
• Manage financial allocations and approve expenditures according to authority delegated, and ensure timely payments according to UNDP rules, regulations and procedures.
• Prepare procurement plans and oversee procurement and logistics for support to implementation.
• Produce regular narrative and financial reports to UNDP and JPLG as required.
• Comply with security and safety requirements and regulations and ensure the same are respected by all project personnel.
• Represent UNDP in the JPLG Technical Working Group.

Provide policy and advisory services on local governance

• Provide vision and policy direction to the JPLG on local governance and decentralisation matters.
• In local governance and service delivery processes, encourage full participation of all stakeholders in order to promote empowerment and ownership and contribute to address UN strategies, in particular gender, human rights, and HIV/AIDS.
• Conduct analytical work including institutional capacity assessments and policy reviews related to UNDP's portfolio of activities.

Co-ordinate results with other JPLG partners and lead the implementation of UNDP's activities

• Engage with other UN agencies in JPLG and other relevant agencies and partners to ensure effective and efficient implementation of UNDP activities, and help ensure that sequencing and implementation of activities is coordinated.
• Engage with and support central and local government partners and help ensure they operate in line with the agreed to work plans, budgets, and legal agreements, and that all activities are well coordinated.

Promote networking and knowledge sharing within UNDP and the UN system.

• Promote information sharing and prepare briefs in coordination with other JPLG agencies.
• Contribute to UNDP discussions and practice areas.

Competencies

Functional Competencies

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda

Analysis and creation of messages and strategies

• Creates effective advocacy strategies
• Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses.

Results-Based Programme Development and Management

Contributes into results through primary research and analysis

• Assesses project performance to identify success factors and incorporates best practices into project work
• Researches linkages across programme activities to identify critical points of integration
• Monitors specific stages of projects/programme implementation
• Analyzes country situation to identify opportunities for project development
• Participates in the formulation of project proposals and ensures substantive rigor in the design and application of proven successful approaches and drafts proposals accordingly.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Identifying and building partnerships

• Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to UNDP's mandate and strategic agenda
• Identifies Identify needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners
• Promotes UNDP's agenda in inter-agency meetings.

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches

Developing new approaches

• Seeks a broad range of perspectives in developing project proposals
• Identifies new approaches and promotes their use in other situations
• Creates an environment that fosters innovation and innovative thinking
• Makes the case for innovative ideas from the team with own supervisor.

Resource Mobilization

Implementing resource mobilization strategies

• Analyzes information on potential bilateral donors and national counterparts to recommend a strategic approach
• Identifies and compiles lessons learned
• Develops a resource mobilization strategy at the country level.

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Developing tools and mechanisms

• Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches
• Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

In-depth knowledge of the subject-matter

• Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
• Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments.

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP's Goals

Analysis and creation of messages and strategies

• Performed analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses
• Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for global advocacy work and adapts it for use at country level.

Client Orientation

Contributing to positive outcomes for the client

• Anticipates client needs
• Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider
• Demonstrates understanding of client's perspective
• Solicits feedback on service provision and quality

Core Competencies

• Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents
• Building support and political acumen
• Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation
• Building and promoting effective teams
• Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication
• Creating an emotionally intelligent organization
• Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards
• Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
• Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking

Prince2 training and certification, RMG

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Master's Degree in Pubic Administration, Economics, Political Science or related field.

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of work experience in project formulation and management in complex environments.
• Theoretical knowledge and a minimum of 6 years practical experience working with local governance.
• Experience in managing complex activities on a national scale.
• At least 6 years relevant experience working in developing countries, preferably in a conflict/post conflict environment.
• Strong experience in promoting capacity development and governance in multi-cultural environments.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills required.
• Understanding of UNDP's rules and regulations an advantage.
• Experience working in Somalia an advantage.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in written and spoken English

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.