In January 2020, UNDP Tajikistan with financial support from Government of the Russian Federation, through the Russian Federation - UNDP Trust Fund for Development launched the ‘Strengthening Communities in Khatlon region and Rasht’ directly contributing to economic empowerment, improving quality of socio-economic services and support for creation of jobs at local level.
The project aims at equipping residents of pilot rural areas in Khatlon region and Rasht valley, women and men from vulnerable households and/or from rural settlements with skills for employment, self-employment and innovation in farming and agribusiness spheres. Ultimately, the project strives to empower beneficiaries for them to more actively participate in and contribute to inclusive and sustainable rural development in their respective areas/regions.
Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Senior Economic Development Office, the Project Specialist has the overall responsibility for implementation of initiatives (programming, operations, monitoring and evaluation, communication) related to the “Strengthening Communities in Khatlon region and Rasht Valley of Tajikistan” project. The Project Specialist collaborates with UNDP relevant staff both in UNDP Country office in Dushanbe as well as in the Local Implementation and Innovation Centers in Kulyab and Gharm.
The Project Officer works in close collaboration with the project team and CO programme and operations units, Government officials, private sector, non-government and civil society organizations and has the following duties and responsibilities:
Programmatic support:
- Provide programmatic support in planning, implementing, reporting and monitoring activities in accordance to the Project Document (e.g. support in preparation of project Annual Work Plan, support in implementation of project activities, project reporting, etc.);
- In close collaboration with project team members based in UNDP Country Office, UNDP Local Innovation and Implementation Centers (in Kulyab and Rasht) develop innovative solutions and approaches for successful implementation of the project activities (e.g. enhancement of local governance, SDG localization, local economic development, improving attractiveness of Kulob FEZ, introduction of new technologies for farmers, promotion of domestic/local employment);
-
- Maintain a clear schedule of reporting to ensure timely preparation, clearance and submission of all reports, including quarterly, semi-annual, and annual programmatic reports in the form and substance satisfactory to UNDP and Russian Federation;
- Maintain a clear schedule of reporting to ensure timely preparation, clearance and submission of all reports, including quarterly, semi-annual, and annual programmatic reports in the form and substance satisfactory to UNDP and Russian Federation;
- Monitor and evaluate efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability of project interventions and maintain project monitoring database;
- In consultation with the CO Communications Analyst, ensure effective communication and publicization of of project interventions and achievements,
- Develop and maintain networking and partnership for successful project implementation and provide substantive inputs into project communication and partnership strategy;
- Develop sub-projects atlas and related brochures of the “Strengthening Communities in Khatlon region and Rasht Valley of Tajikistan” project, highlighting achieved results that raises awareness among partners, SC members, general public and donors;
- Preparing bulletins, press releases, success stories and other communications for project;
- Lead reporting process on results of the project in accordance with UNDP and donors’ reporting schedules;
Operational support:
- Lead the process of planning and implementing operational activities in accordance to Project Document (e.g., drafting and monitoring of project budget, support with initialisation and follow up on project related procurement cases, liaise with contractors, etc.);
- Prepare ToRs for consultants, experts and service providers and support organizing selection, recruitment and development of mission programmes of international and local experts, as required according to UNDP rules and regulations;
- Assist in organization of different project related events (e.g. workshops, seminars / training, project Steering Committee Meetings), design agendas and take notes, perform translation when necessary;
- Ensure effective communication with Government and other stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of project activities and results;
- Continuously analyse, record and report on relevant project activities, issues, risks, etc. to ensure the quality assurance of project interventions.
Coordination and collaboration:
- Work collaboratively in a team environment with other colleagues in UNDP CO, UNDP Local Innovation and Implementation Centers to ensure successful implementation of project activities;
- Closely cooperate with other specialists in the UNDP CO, UNDP Local Innovation and Implementation Centers on development of knowledge management products;
- Establish and maintain excellent working relations with national and sub-national government partners and civil society institutions;
- Contribute to the effective coordination and cooperation with other development programmes and agencies active in the targeted areas in relation to “Strengthening Communities in Khatlon region and Rasht Valley of Tajikistan” project activities;
- Provide substantive leadership in the development and producing knowledge products, i.e. case studies, success stories, lessons learnt reports, press releases and etc
Innovation
Ability to make new and useful ideas work
Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)
Leadership
Ability to persuade others to follow
Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)
People Management
Ability to improve performance and satisfaction
Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)
Communication
Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
Level 4: Originate (Peer Regarded Lead Expert)
Delivery
Ability to get things done
Level 4: Originate (Peer Regarded Lead Expert)
Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda
Analysis and creation of messages and strategies
Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)
Results-Based Programme Development and Management
Contributing to results through provision of information
- Provide information for linkages across project activities to help identify critical points of integration
- Provide information and documentation on specific stages of project implementation
- Provide background information to identify opportunities for project development and helps drafting proposals
- Participate in the formulation of project proposals
Level 4: Originate (Peer Regarded Lead Expert)
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 needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners
Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)
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
Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
Knowledge of the subject-matter
- 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
Level 4: Originate (Peer Regarded Lead Expert)
Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals
Research and analysis
- 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
Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)
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
Level 4: Originate (Peer Regarded Lead Expert)
Education:
- University degree in economics, business administration, social science or any other development related field
Experience:
- At least 5 years’ experience in implementation of local economic development;
- Previous experience in project management, including the ability to manage conflicting priorities and tight timelines;
- Demonstrated experience in capacity building of national and local governments, civil society;
- Knowledge about Tajikistan’s economic development context;
- Ability to build and maintain good relationships with national authorities and other relevant development partners;
- Proven knowledge on M&E, Media, Communication and Partnership system and approaches;
- Excellent computer skills, including full command of text and spreadsheet programmes and familiarity with imaging programmes and data bases;
- Experience in and knowledge of Kulyab zone and Rasht valley development context is a distinct advantage;
- Previous experience with international organizations and non-governmental organizations is highly desirable;
- Affinity with the mandate and role of the United Nations
Language Requirements:
- Excellent command of spoken and written English, Tajik and Russian
Other
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Important applicant information
All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.
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.
Workforce diversity
UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Contract Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension