Back Project Officer (for Filipino Nationals only)

Consistent  with  its  mandate  to  prioritize  the  acquisition,  adoption,  innovation,  and  application  of  science  and technology for development and its pursuit of competence, excellence and service innovation as provided in both the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Revised Transition Plan 2019-2022 for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of the Interior and  Local  Government  (MILG),  forged  a  partnership  with  UNDP  that  seeks  to  apply,  where  possible,  the  strategic framework and principles of the UNDP-supported Access to Information (a2i) program to the specific social, cultural and economic contexts of BARMM

Known  as  the  flagship  programme  of  the  Digital  Bangladesh  agenda  by  the  Government  of  Bangladesh,  a2i  was selected given similar starting challenges in Bangladesh and BARMM of connectivity and local governance in remote, rural locations; shared social and cultural context; and, a2i’s recognized status as a leading global program that has dramatically  improved  citizens  access  to  services  and  information,  and  expanded  unprecedented  opportunities  for community participation at the local level.

This  project  titled  “Localizing  e-Government  for Accelerated  Provision  of  Services  (LEAPS)” will build  on  the  a2i experience  towards  the   transformation  in  local governance  in  BARMM  by  significantly accelerating  connectivity  in communities  and  opening up  governance  by  enabling  citizens  to  capitalize  on  the  benefits  of  connectivity, such  as through improved access to services and information, community enterprise development, assisted rural e-commerce, and skills development. The LEAPS Project is a way to overcome the dependencies on archaic, paper-based and manual processes within and among the local government units (LGUs). This program will also maximize the use of MILG’s limited manpower and resources to effectively and efficiently deliver and monitor frontline services.

The overarching outcome of the LEAPS Project is to ensure that “the most marginalized, vulnerable and at-risk people and groups benefit from inclusive and quality services and live in a supportive environment wherein their nutrition, food security, and health are ensured/protected”, its outputs are targeted as follows: a) strengthening of the MILG to provide people’s access to ICT and inclusive digital solutions; b) improvement of citizens ‘access to quality e-services reducing time and efforts of availing public services; c) LGUs are effectively and efficiently use disaggregated data for development and resilience planning, programming, budgeting and governance; and d) citizens are organized and capacitated to monitor delivery of services and optimal use of ICT equipment and digital solutions.

The initial phase of the LEAPS project is set to commence this year to kickstart its preparatory activities and set its foundations. Activities will focus on the MILG and the two pilot (2) LGUs. The role of a Project Officer is to provide technical and management support to the implementation of project activities, responsible for day-to-day operational management and support on resource utilization enabling timely and high-impact delivery contributing to the success of the LEAP Project.

Key Summary of Functions:

• Provides day-to-day operational management for the project.
• Support effective resource utilization and partner and supplier management to enable timely and high-impact delivery.
• Support the design of the LEAPS project monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Maximize partnerships and advocacy.
• Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management.

• Ensure delivery of activities and contribution to outputs and outcomes through an effective implementation plan, change management, and close coordination with MILG and UNDP management and technical teams;
• Collaborate with the project team in preparing the project’s annual work plan, procurement plan, and M&E plan;
• collaborate with the project team for regular monitoring and reporting of physical and financial progress; and
• provide quality and timely annual and quarterly performance and financial reports, as per UNDP financial rules and regulations and Government requirements

• Identify and collaborate with new potential partners of the project, and maintain productive relationships with existing partners, to ensure high-impact delivery. This includes day-to-day management of rosters and directories of project consultants/ service providers, responsible parties, and other partners;
• Draft terms of references (TORs), technical specifications, and/or programs of work, and collaborate with the UNDP Procurement and Operations Teams in undertaking the procurement and contract management of the project consultants and suppliers;
• Coordinate closely with project consultants, contractors, and suppliers and oversee their timely and quality delivery of outputs, address issues hampering their performance, and manage and mitigate risks; and,
• Effectively apply UNDP financial oversight through the Atlas enterprise management system, including processing of requisitions, receipts, and payments.

• Track key project indicators of the LEAPS in line with the UNDP principles and tools;
• Develop monitoring and evaluation tools and processes, innovative approaches in monitoring and evaluation that meet the requirements of UNDP;  
• Promote citizen’s monitoring and develop the accountability to beneficiary’s strategy and plan in line with M&E tools and processes;
• Ensure the production of Project’s documents related to monitoring and evaluations; and
• Set a coordination mechanism for monitoring / evaluation plan.

• Engage, develop, and maintain partnerships and linkages with government and non-government organizations—including civil society organizations, industry associations, and academic institutions—whose participation in the project will be critical to success.

• Identification of sources of information related to programme implementation related issues. Identification and synthesis of good practices and lessons learned directly linked to the project;
• Support in maintaining an effective network with development partners and Government at national level and subnational level; and,
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, statistics, sustainable development, social sciences, information management, education or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years responsible experience in providing strategic support to research and data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management or project/programme management in the context of development cooperation or related area is required.
• experiences related to information communication and technology (ICT) would be an advantage;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required and in other applications of programming, statistical analysis, design, and/or project management is desirable.
• Previous working experience with International organization and with local government units and agencies is advantageous.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Filipino required.
• Proficiency in spoken and written of local dialect is preferred.

Disclaimer

UNDP is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staffs and encourages. Further, UNDP is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNDP staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside.

UNDP has zero tolerance of harassment, discrimination, sexual abuse, abuse of authority and exploitation.

Job adverts (Please remember to mark local positions as “Open for Filipino Nationals Only”

To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.undp.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNDP Personal History Form. Please note that UNDP only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through http://jobs.undp.org will be considered and applications received after closing date will not be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNDP Philippines vacancies, only applicants short-listed for written test and interview will be contacted.

General Information

UNDP is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staffs and encourages applications from qualified candidates and persons with disabilities.

UNDP is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNDP staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNDP jobs.

UNDP has zero tolerance of sexual abuse, abuse of authority and exploitation.

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Contract Duration: 6 months