Back Project Management Specialist (TFMU)

The United Nations in Afghanistan is scaling up programming within the context of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and in line with the global Agenda 2030 and the National Development Plan.   

The re-establishment of LOTFA as a Multi Partner Trust Fund was completed in Q3/2018, when UNDP, in close consultation with the Government of Afghanistan and LOTFA donors, appointed the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) Office as the Administrative Agent (AA) of LOTFA.   

In line with the principles of Agenda 2030, the Trust Fund will follow a human rights-based approach and take into consideration the specific needs in Afghanistan and uphold the principle of “leaving no one behind”. Through this lens, UN Afghanistan is committed to strengthening programming in resilience, durable solutions and other humanitarian-development-peace ‘nexus’ related areas which requires additional focus and coordination at the design and consultation phases of programming.

The Trust Fund Management Unit (TFMU) is the entity responsible for the operational functioning of the Fund and it is hosted by the UNDP CO in Afghanistan. The TFMU provides technical and administrative support to the TF Steering Committee and the Technical Working Groups (TWG) and organizes the processes of project proposal(s) revisions, Fund’s monitoring, evaluation, and reporting as well as risk management.  

The TFMU will be led by the Trust Fund Manager who will support the Trust Fund governance structures to engage with Government of Afghanistan, donor community, and development partners through the TF Steering Committee mechanism. The Project Management Specialist will report directly to the Trust Fund Manager and will supervise the RBM Specialist within the Unit.

1. Ensures effective planning and implementation of the TFMU activities:

• Support the Trust Fund Manager in the development of Fund’s strategic planning documents.
• Monitor and analyze the strategic priorities, operating environment and evolving issues and advice on the way forward
• Support the development of of strategies, the work plans and targets based on analysis of development trends, operational and performance parameters, including monitoring of the project activities.  
• Coordinate and manage implementation of all activities envisaged under the TFMU and of joint activities with other partners.
• Lead the preparation and submission of relevant reports including quarterly and annual reports on TFMU activities as well as any other information and reports
• Assist in development and formulation of detailed implementation strategies and plans, communication and risk management plans for the TFMU identify and address bottlenecks and provide solutions.
• Coordinate and ensure timely updates of all strategic planning and monitoring instruments in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders
• Maintain linkages and consistency between the MPTF and other related initiatives.
• Lead on development of data analytics and research information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and contribute to stakeholder engagement plans
• Identify and implement innovative and acceleration measures for the successful management of the TFMU
• Ensure the implementation of Fund's resource mobilization strategy.

2. Ensure efficient management of the TFMU work:

• Review and update the TFMU ToR and the Operational Manual, as required
• Ensures the activities of Annual Work Plan(s) is implemented in line with the approved activities.
• Provide technical support to the Steering Committee and to TWGs in the preparation of minutes of meetings, project documentation, including work plans, budgets and related revisions in line with the decision(s) of the Steering Committee.
• Ensure preparation of annual and final reports submitted by implementing entities and submission of the consolidated report to the Steering Committee for approval.
• Participate in the development of contribution agreements, MOUs, partnership strategies and plans.
• Prepare job descriptions and scope of work for personnel and consultants.
• Monitor and ensure mechanism and tools are in place to manage risks and treatment activities.

3. Ensure effective management and quality assurance of the Trust Fund activities through:

• Organization and oversight of planning, budgeting and monitoring of the projects, tracking use of fund resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations and Trust Fund manual and operational aspects.
• Facilitate effective application of RBM tools and methodologies for planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Lead the review of project proposals being submitted to the Trust Fund.
• Monitor and quality assure of reports to the Steering Committee, in consultation with the TFMU manager.
• Manage and monitor project risks and mitigation/escalation plans. In collaboration with the technical project staff, and donors identify new risks and update risk frameworks for consideration and decision on possible actions if required.
• Ensure appropriate management and internal controls frameworks are set up, including on project, human resource and operational management.
• Contributes to the preparation of project proposals project design, oversight and evaluation, including advice on results frameworks, implementation strategies, guidance on policies and procedures.   
• Manage preparation of annual or quarterly narrative and ensures timely submission of financial reporting, mid-term review and final evaluation planning reports.
• Ensure the implementation of Fund's resource mobilization strategy and donor reporting requirements.
• Contribute to and ensure timely implementation of the communication and visibility plan.

4. Enhancing knowledge management support for external relationships and partnerships by:

• Analysis and management of Fund's knowledge, including knowledge systematization, establishment of good practices and lessons learned and proposals of recommendations.
• Provide inputs to commissioning assessments, studies, surveys as instructed by the Steering Committee and the TWGs.
• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to country policy goals.

Core
    
Innovation: Ability to make new and useful ideas work    
Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

Leadership: Ability to persuade others to follow    
Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers

People Management: Ability to improve performance and satisfaction    
Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

Communication: Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform    
Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

Delivery: Ability to get things done    
Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

Technical/Functional    

Strategic Planning: Ability to make decisions that align with strategy, vision, and mission
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a strategy aimed at improved performance and demonstrable results
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Risk Assessment / Management: Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and abilty to determine degree of risk and apply to strategic and/or practical situation
Ability to identify and prioritize risks, and organize action around mitigating them
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Quality Assurance: Ability to perform administrative and procedural activities to insure that quality requirements and goals are fulfilled

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
 
Monitoring and Evaluation: Knowledge of methodologies, tools, systems and apply practical experience in planning, monitoring, evaluating and reporting and ability to apply to practical situations
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
 
Communication: Ability to effectively communicate intensions and requirements to internal and external stakeholders  

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Research: Knowledge of various programme information for research to provide recommendation and guidance to management
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise


 

Education:    

• Master’s Degree in Social sciences, Development Studies, Business Management, Public Administration or related fields

Experience:    

• At least seven years of relevant experience at national or international level in programme management or project implementation/operations.
• International experience in post conflict settings, is desirable.
• Experience in resource mobilization and partnership development will be an advantage.
• Extensive knowledge of UN/UNDP programming and In-depth knowledge of the UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP).
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.  
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems and ERP financials, preferably PeopleSoft.
• Experience of strategic visioning with strong technical and highly developed analytical capabilities.
• Previous work experience in Trust Fund or large programme portfolios in country level or HQ setting will be highly advantageous.

Language Requirements:    

• Proficiency in oral and written English is required.

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Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension