Project manager / Governance

Djibouti

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Djibouti
Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
- Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
- International Relations
- Democratic Governance
- Public Policy and Administration
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: 2024-02-01

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Project Description

In its "Vision 2035," the government aspires to solidify the country's position as a major commercial and logistics hub of the continent, with economic growth, human capital development, good governance, regional integration, and peace as its primary priorities. In this context, the establishment of a transparent, responsible, and reliable governance system, as well as the strengthening of institutions, are seen as essential factors to contribute to the socio-economic development that Djibouti aims for, by restoring trust in institutions and unleashing the potential of the private sector for human capital development.

Djibouti is ranked 39th out of 54 countries according to the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) in 2021 and is among the countries that have shown overall improvement over the past decade. Djibouti is also the country that has ratified the most fundamental human rights conventions in the Arab region. Significant progress has also been made in decentralization with the establishment of a ministry responsible for decentralization in 2016 with increasing responsibilities. Despite these advancements, Djibouti's overall governance system is hindered by a lack of effective implementation, limited capacity, and weak public accountability.

The strengthening of governance is one of the main strategic priorities of Djibouti's new National Development Plan for the period 2020-2024, through which the government of Djibouti commits to enhancing political, judicial, financial, and administrative governance, as well as consolidating institutional capacities. Consequently, the UNDP's national office in Djibouti has significantly increased its support to the government of Djibouti in governance reform and is allocated more resources through its governance program in the areas of rule of law, justice, financial governance, decentralization, and public accountability.

In this regard, the UNDP's national office in Djibouti is seeking to recruit a Project Manager to provide substantial support for the successful implementation of the strategy and activities of its governance program.

Scope of work

Under the direct guidance and supervision of the Governance Program Specialist, the Project Manager contributes to the implementation and development of the UNDP's governance program strategy and activities through projects under their responsibility. The sectoral areas primarily include but are not limited to: support for public accountability and transparency, local governance and decentralization, rule of law, justice reform, corruption prevention, financial governance, peace consolidation, civic and democratic participation, and gender equality. The Project Manager will be responsible for:

1.Ensure effective project management for projects under their responsibility within the governance program, with a focus on achieving the following results :

Substantive and financial project monitoring, identification of operational and financial issues, and development of solutions.
Successful preparation and implementation of project activities.
Coordination of project activities and enhancement of synergies for better knowledge and resource optimization.
Fruitful collaboration and establishment of strong working relationships with national authorities, NGOs, civil society organizations, UN agencies, donors, and other relevant partners.
Establishment and regular monitoring of an effective monitoring and evaluation system based on the project's results frameworks.
Drafting activity, product, and result reports for donors and headquarters.
Quality control of technical documents developed within the projects.

2.Contribute to the effective management of the country program in assigned sectoral areas, with a focus on achieving the following results :

Formulation of robust project proposals in support of the governance program.

Contribution to the establishment of strategic partnerships and the implementation of the resource mobilization strategy.
Contribution to the development of comprehensive annual/periodic reports on program activities, results, impacts, and priorities.
Effective application of results-based management tools.
Contribution to in-depth analysis and research of the country's political, social, legal, and economic situation and the preparation of substantial inputs for the Common Country Assessment (CCA), United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), Country Program Document (CPD), and other documents.

3.Contribute to the facilitation of knowledge development and management, focusing on achieving the following results :

Effective contribution to knowledge networks and communities of practice in the assigned sectoral areas.
Identification of information sources related to best practices and lessons learned, directly linked to the objectives of the country program.

The holder performs other tasks within their functional profile that are deemed necessary for the smooth operation of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional arrangements

The Project Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Governance Program Specialist (NOC) and will be based 100% at UNDP in Djibouti.

Competencies

Core business

Achieving results :

LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Thinking innovatively :

LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Continuous learning :

LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapting with agility :

LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with determination:

LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and partner :

LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Promote diversity and inclusion :

LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-functional and technical skills

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business Management	Project Management	Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Business Management	Results-Based Management	Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.
Business Management	Ressource Management	Ability to allocate and use resources in strategic or tactical way in lines with principles of accountability and integrity.
Business Management	Partnership Management	Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
Business Management	Communication	-Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience -Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.
2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness	Effectiveness	Project Quality Assurance
Business Direction and Strategy	Systems Thinking	Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Experience:

Advanced University Degree: (Master's degree or equivalent) in international relations, law, human rights, public policy management, social sciences, development cooperation, or a relevant discipline. A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) with additional two additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years (with Master’s degree or equivalent) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of professional work experience in project management in the field of governance, including anti-corruption efforts, local governance, SDG financing, rule of law, human rights, justice, and conflict prevention is required

Education:

Required Skills

Experience as a project manager in the field of governance

Required Languages

Proficiency in written and spoken French is required.

Desired Languages

Proficiency in written and spoken English is an asset.

Professional Certifications

Possession of PMP and/or PRINCE2 certifications or equivalent would be an advantage.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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