Project Manager

Project Title: Integrated Support to Rural Development: Building Resilient Communities

Contract Type: Service Contract

Languages Required: English, Armenian

Application Deadline: 14 Apr 2015, 23:55

Contract Date: 01 May 2015

Duration of Initial Contract: One year with possibility of extension based on successful performance

Expected Duration of Assignment: 5 years.

Background

Are you a great project manager? Do you have a passion to make a difference? Do you have a commitment to Armenia’s development, and to the highest ethical standards? If so, UNDP Armenia is looking for you.

The United Nations Development Programme in Armenia has an exciting opportunity for a Project Manager to join our team. This person will manage a high profile integrated community development project which targets 45 bordering communities in Tavush. The ideal candidate will be flexible with excellent networking skills, have an interest in innovative approaches to development, and a proven ability to work in close consultation with a wide range of national stakeholders. He/she will work closely with other UNDP Projects – drawing on our broad expertise in development. Fluency in English and Armenian is a must, knowledge of Russian is preferred.

Interested candidates are requested to submit online application through http://operations.undp.am/Recruitment website. Letter of motivation, CV and copies of diplomas should also be attached to the application.

The overall goal of the project is to raise the quality of life and income level of the local population in bordering areas of Tavush
region, using an integrated approach.

The project has three main components:
1. Development planning - elaboration of participatory integrated community development plans for 45 communities with consideration of socio-economic and environmental issues, including disaster risk reduction.
2. Community sustainability activities – sector-specific capacity building, e.g. construction of small greenhouses, establishment/improvement of orchards/vineyards, and establishment of collection centers, etc.
3. Community sustainability activities – construction/rehabilitation of community infrastructures with focus on energy efficiency, introduction of water saving technologies, ensuring access to safe drinking water, etc.

Description of Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, the overall guidance of the UNDP Socio-Economic Senior Adviser, and in coordination with the Programme Associate for day-to-day activities, the incumbent will be responsible for the overall implementation of the project activities, in close cooperation with relevant central, regional and local authorities and other UNDP projects. In particular she/he will be responsible for:

• Leading, supervising, and monitoring the project implementation process.
• Ensuring the efficient operation of the Project Unit, including supervision of the project staff and national consultants.
• Ensuring the development and efficient implementation of activities, as per the Project Document acting flexibly to adjust to implementing realities.
• Managing the Project budget and ensuring financial delivery.
• Liaising with the Government, regional and local authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners to ensure participatory approach for the development and implementation of project activities.
• Developing critical partnerships and networks for the specific thematic areas; participating in the activities of intergovernmental or other coordinating bodies.
• Preparing and submitting reports to the implementing and responsible partners, UNDP, and funding organizations on the financial and operational status of the Project.
• Supporting UNDP in providing guidance and technical expertise on the formulation of project strategies and proposals in the related fields.
• Contributing to the preparation of the office collective products, including policy papers, corporate planning and reporting tools, resource mobilization and advocacy materials, innovative and creative initiatives, blogs, interviews etc.
• Providing knowledge-driven policy advice and services to UNDP and the Government in the related practice areas.
• Acting as project assets custodian and ensuring that the project assets are properly inventoried and reported to UNDP.
• Performing other duties as required by UNDP.

Expected Output

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards
- Demonstrates a passion and energy for development projects
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Treats all people fairly without favouritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning
- Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
- In-depth knowledge on development issues
- Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
- Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
- Strong IT skills
- Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioural/attitudinal change.
Management and Leadership
- Focuses on impact and result for the 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
- Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure

Qualifications

Education:
• Advanced university degree in Business administration, economics, development studies or other relevant discipline.

Experience:
• 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in project management and implementation. Hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, including using the latest development tools such as applied user research.
• Knowledge and previous experience in community development, agriculture, rural area infrastructure development.
• Ability to travel and work in remote rural areas of Armenia.
• Excellent skills in the use of computers and office software packages, good knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Skills:
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with people of different social and cultural background and set good rapport with population in rural areas.
• Ability to deliver and reach the planned targets without undermining proper operational processes.
• Creativity, flexibility and an innovative approach to problem solving.
• Strong managerial skills, proven ability to work under time pressure and handle multiple activities and tasks concurrently;

Languages: Fluency in English and Armenian is a must, knowledge of Russian is preferred.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates are requested to submit online application through http://operations.undp.am/Recruitment website. Letter of motivation, CV and copies of diplomas should also be attached to the application.