Project Manager - UNDP (Apply by: 11 April 2014)

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO. UNDP/SC/2014/37

Closing Date: 11 April 2014

Post Title: Project Manager

Organization: GoI- UNDP project: ‘Strengthening Public Administration and Governance) 

Supervisor: National Project Director and Unit Head (Democratic Governance)/ Programme Specialist, UNDP

Duty Station: New Delhi

Duration: One Year (extendable)

Type of Contract: Service Contract (taxable)

Band: SB – 5 Peg 5

Remuneration package is Rs. 2,95,978/- per month (taxable). UNDP also offers additional benefits which include medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for contract holder and encourages work life balance.

UNDP strives to have a workforce which reflects diversity and gender balance, and applies an equal opportunities approach. UNDP does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS status. All selections are on merit.

Project Background

During the 2013-17 Country Programme cycle, UNDP will collaborate with the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension under the framework of the project titled ‘Strengthening Public Administration and Governance’.

The project will focus on documenting and disseminating innovative solutions and best practices in public service delivery, governance and public administration at national and sub-national level in India. As states learn best from the example of other states, the project will highlight inter-state differences, and establish a tradition of multi-state studies, which would greatly improve outcomes. Publicizing cases of innovation in service delivery will provide a source of encouragement to reformers. It is expected that States would have a great deal of interest to know in detail about successful models of implementation in other states, or even in other developing countries. Such knowledge management will facilitate exchange of ideas, experiences, policies and practices among the states.

The project will provide support to adapt and replicate best practices with a state or in other states. Demonstration of initiatives that leverage e-governance and m-governance to find solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of public administration will be promoted. The project will support collate best international practices that are relevant to India and will leverage UNDP’s international network to facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange on public administration and governance in support of global and South-South collaboration (SSC).

The project will contribute to the GoI 12th Plan objectives and the UNDP's Democratic Governance Programme which supports a key outcome of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for India 2013- 2017: ‘Governance systems are more inclusive, accountable, decentralized and programme implementation more effective for realization of rights of marginalized groups, especially women and children’.

UNDP’s objective in this area is to help ensure that government programmes deliver services to the most marginalized groups more effectively and efficiently. Specifically, at the request of the Government and in consultation with partners:

UNDP will provide policy advice and technical assistance to achieve the following outputs:

• Improve outcomes of flagship programmes through assessments of cross-sectoral challenges in improving social outcomes for the marginalised people
• Implement incoming legislative and policy reform initiatives related to accountability and improved efficiency of government
• Identify, document, and disseminate innovative policies and practices at the national, sub-national level and global practices which demonstrate enhanced service delivery performance of public administration, greater transparency and accountability
• Demonstrate and scale up innovative e-governance and e-governance initiatives in public administration and management

The Project Manager will report to the National Project Director (NPD) and Unit Head (Democratic Governance)/Programme Specialist, UNDP.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of NPD and Unit Head (Democratic Governance)/Programme Specialist, UNDP, the Project Manager has the responsibility for the following tasks:

Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of Key Functions:

The Project Manager will be responsible for managing the Project, towards successful delivery of the expected outputs under the project.

This post will be located in the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension or Project space allocated under the Project. The Project Manager will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the National Project Director (NPD or DARPG official designated by NPD) and Unit Head (Democratic Governance)/Programme Specialist, UNDP. He/ she will report to the National Project Director and Unit Head (Democratic Governance)/Programme Specialist, UNDP. The Project Manager will be responsible for managing the project activities as per the approved Work Plan. S/he will be responsible for integrating the project activities with the overall mandate of project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Project Manager, under the direct supervision and guidance of the National Project Director (NPD or DARPG official designated by NPD) and Unit Head (Governance)/ Programme Specialist, UNDP), has the responsibility for the following tasks:

• In consultation with the National Project Director, key Department officials and UNDP, take lead in planning, coordinating and monitoring the activities of the Project and reporting to Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and UNDP
• Develop and implement annual workplan and critical results path for the project in consultation with the National Project Director, key Department officials and UNDP.
• Monitor activities of the Project and report to Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and UNDP
• Ensure 100% delivery against planned project results and financial delivery targets in annual workplan. Closely track slippage against work plan and take corrective action;
• Foster partnerships with key national and international institutions working on public administration like IIMs, IIPA, LBSNAA, Harvard, UNDP global and Regional centres etc.
• Develop Terms of reference and concept notes to define scope of project activities.
• Commission activities like research studies, case studies, training workshops etc. under the project by providing substantive inputs and managing the operational aspects of procurement, event management, logistics, recruitment etc. in coordination with UNDP staff.
• Under the guidance of DARPG and UNDP, organize an annual international symposium on good practices in public administration.
• Identify capacity development needs of implementing partners and arrange for necessary trainings. Facilitate technical assistance/support for project partners in all relevant areas as appropriate.
• Develop a good documentation strategy, and maintain a database of relevant material produced by different civil society groups, governments and UN agencies.
• Develop knowledge products and ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the area of public administration, service delivery and governance.
• Network with relevant institutional partners to collate international and national best practices in public administration.
• Manage and track contracts with project partners and flag any potential risks and suggest its mitigation measures. Ensure timely contract management and payments.
• Undertake review meetings with partners and field visits to track progress made in implementation of the project and take corrective action as required.
• Review quality and consistency of reports and deliverables by partner institutions/ responsible parties including financial reports from all project partners,
• Regular financial management and reporting as per the UNDP financial guidelines.
• Prepare quarterly project progress reports, prepare presentations and other documents for project steering committee and review meetings as required by UNDP
• Participate in the periodic review meetings and discussions related to project implementation, monitoring and follow-up.
• Ensure effective financial management and reporting as per the UNDP financial guidelines.
• Supervise the work of team members or consultants, as may be recruited under the Project.
• Represent the Project nationally and internationally.
• Any other responsibility assigned by the National Project Director and Unit Head (Governance)/ Programme Specialist, UNDP

Recruitment Qualifications

Educational Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Public Administration/ Public Policy/ Rural Development/ Management/ Economics/ International Development/ Development Economics/ Political Sciences/ Social Sciences or Governance related field/ with demonstrated excellence in Governance / schemes / public programmes recognized by State Government or Government of India.

Experience: Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in project management in the field of governance/ public administration / service delivery reforms/ administrative reforms.

Desirable to be a recipient of the PM’s Award for excellence in public administration

Experience in managing big projects in the field of public administration, governance and handling partnerships including funding.

• Good understanding of issues pertaining to governance/ public administration / service delivery reforms and administrative reforms.
• Exposure to and sound knowledge of international and national best practices in public administration. Involvement in implementing a best practice in public administration would be an advantage.
• Experience of communication and advocacy on issues of public administration and policy reform.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, and Power Point etc).
• Good communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, with an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Work experience with government agencies is desirable.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Willingness to travel

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• 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 favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Keeps abreast of new developments in the area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop her/him professionally. Shares knowledge and experience with the team and other stakeholders

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Possesses knowledge and understanding of public administration and governance.
• Possesses ability to research on issues related to public administration, conceptualize issues and analyze data.
• Proven ability to coordinate the work of others and to work as part of a team.
• Possesses ability to implement new systems, and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change

Leadership and Self-Management

• Ability to lead the Project Management Team internally and externally
• Effectively builds and sustains strategic partnerships with Government Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies
• Builds strong relationships with the Project Management Team and with the project partners, focuses on impact and result for the project partners and responds positively to feedback
• Leads Project Management Team effectively, plays mentoring role and shows conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Supervises the work of other team members
• Demonstrates strong influencing and facilitation skills
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change, new ideas and ability to manage complexities
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in spoken and written English. A good command over Hindi is an asset.

Please apply online by visiting www.in.undp.org (Careers)