UN Careers – Project Management Specialist, MM4P at United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)

Organization: United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Post Level: P3
Reports to: Country Technical Specialist (CTS)
About US:
United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is the UN’s capital investment agency for the world’s least developed countries. It creates new opportunities for poor people and their communities by increasing access to microfinance and investment capital.  UNCDF focuses on Africa and the poorest countries of Asia and the Pacific, with a special commitment to countries emerging from conflict or crisis.  It provides seed capital – grants and loans – and technical support to help microfinance institutions reach more poor households and small businesses, and local governments finance the capital investments – water systems, feeder roads, schools, irrigation schemes – that will improve poor peoples’ lives.
About MM4P Program:
With support from Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (“DFAT” formerly AusAid) and by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), UNCDF launched Mobile Money for the Poor (MM4P) in March 2012, a global thematic initiative to address the opportunities and challenges of implementing branchless banking and mobile money in challenging markets in Africa and Asia.  MM4P’s long-term mission is to help low income and rural households in LDCs increase their financial security through appropriate, affordable and secure means to receive, manage and save money through these “digital financial services” (DFS).  UNCDF is currently implementing this in eight countries (Laos, Nepal, Liberia, Malawi, Uganda, Senegal, Benin and Zambia). MM4P is interested in seeing Uganda become a leading digital financial services (DFS) market, including mobile phone and other means of branchless banking.  While Uganda is advancing in this area it still lags behind its East African neighbours.
Job Summary: The Project Management Specialist, MM4P (UNCDF) will take on the management of the portfolio of pilots projects with the goal of delivering every project on time, within budget and within scope and to industrialize the roll-out to reach national scale. The main outcome of this position is to scale the portfolio of current and future projects in agro-value chains (coffee, seeds, tea, dairy, fish, etc.) and other payments value chains (Social transfers, NGOs, etc.) to additional users, by integrating new stakeholders.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:  Under the direct responsibility of the Country Technical Specialist (CTS), the Project Management Specialist will specifically:
  • Manage/support a team of DF experts and consultants responsible of the project implementation
  • Manage the projects’ portfolio with the objective to deliver successful pilots and scaling results
  • Render support in the development of new projects to reach scale
  • Support the Country Technical Specialist (CTS) and support programme intervention as needed
  • Manage/support a team of DF experts and consultants responsible of the project implementation (4-6 members)
  • Take over the current technical team and support in recruitment of additional team members
  • Make sure each team member has received a proper induction about UNCDF, MM4P and Uganda programme and understand objectives and ways of working within the programme
  • Assign each team technical expert (consultant) specific projects and value chains and give clear learning and results objectives to each team member for their assigned projects
  • Support each team member to develop detailed plans, objectives and priorities to achieve successful and sustainable projects and opportunity to scale
  • Work closely with Programme Management Associate in Brussels to make sure project cycle and project monitoring ways of working are applied and projects are properly monitored
  • Manage the tasks of the expert consultants to ensure proper distribution of workload
  • Support team members to prepare of periodic project steering committee meetings and bi-weekly project team meetings
  • Manage the project file configuration system , making sure files are properly stored, accessible and safe keeping of documents.
  • Ensure collection of lessons learned and reports on achievements for wider sharing.
  • Manage the projects’ portfolio with the objective to deliver successful pilots and scaling results
  • Management of the portfolio of projects with the goal of delivering every project on time, within budget and within scope
  • Plan, budget, oversee and document all aspects of the projects
  • Manage changes to the projects scopes, project schedules, and project costs using appropriate verification techniques and in line with UNCDF procedures
  • Measure project performance using appropriate tools and techniques and work closely with Results Based Management Associate
  • Regularly monitor sub-contractors/consultants to ensure guidelines are maintained and deliverables are submitted to standard
  • Perform risk management to minimize project risks
  • Report and escalate to CTS as needed
  • Provide tactical and implementation guidance for UNCDF Uganda projects, assuring that the learning and results of projects are met
  • Support strategic partnerships and sound working relations with DF stakeholders and development partners for successful implementation of project interventions.
  • Work closely with CTS and  to make sure that the scope and direction of each project is on schedule.
  • Assist in the development of new projects and scaling of existing ones
  • Together with team, select the best projects and provide appraisal to reach scale and further develop impact in the country
  • Oversee the technical experts in the design of these projects (project descriptions) and facilitate multi-stakeholder engagements associated with the project
  • Assist the CTS in drafting project appraisal documents for internal validation
  • Assure quality standards are met throughout the project management cycle 
  • Support the procurement of consultants and sub-contractors
  • Undertake regular analysis and prepare briefs on the evolving trends in the country to identify implementation risks.
  • Assist CTS and support programme intervention as needed
  • Support the CTS in updating country strategy and drafting the Annual Work Plan
  • Assist CTS in develop annual workplans and Progress Reports as per frameworks
  • Support in preparation of cash-flow projections, monthly budget reports, and other aspects of financial management of the portfolio in close conjunction with Programme Management Unit in Brussels
  • Assist the CTS in the planning, budgeting, oversight and documentation of all aspects of the country program
  • Assist in CTS drafting donor reports (quarterly and annual)
  • Undertake ATLAS functions (financial management system of UNDP) as required
  • Ensure close synergies of the Uganda projects with the other UNCDF Programmes as appropriate.
  • Support DF Programme functions, as required, to successfully develop and implement programme outcomes.
  • Work closely with the Procurement, Finance and Management support team to support delivery of project results (in close conjunction with Project Administration and Finance Associate);
  • Ensure facilitation of documents and other knowledge products in collaboration with the knowledge management and results measurement teams.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
  • The ideal candidate for the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Project Management Specialist, MM4P should hold a Master’s degree in business, management, social sciences or development studies
  • At least five years of project management experience of working on development programs;
  • Previous experience in leading technical teams
  • Prior exposure and experience with fundraising, donor reporting, and working knowledge of international donor organizations is highly desirable
  • Broad knowledge and understanding of benefits of digitizing payments and its contribution to poverty reduction is desirable
  • Previous experience in working in Africa is an asset
  • Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
  • DF experience is a plus, but not mandatory
  • Language Requirements: Fluency in English in both writing and speaking. 
Personal Competencies:
Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNCDF;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional Competencies:
  • In-depth understanding and experience of project management functions;
  • Proven experience in project management functionalities;
  • Time Management: experience managing multiple and competing deliverables
  • Analytical Skills: demonstrated analytical skills in project management.
Management and Leadership:
  • Leadership Skills: proven experience motivated employees, resolve conflicts
  • Remains calm, in control and good humor even under pressure;
  • Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
  • Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches. Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms. Develops and/or participates in the development of tools and mechanisms, including identifying new approaches to promote individual and organizational learning and knowledge sharing using formal and informal methodologies.
  • Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines
  • Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff
  • Continues to seeks new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit
  • Stays abreast with new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally
Client Orientation:
  • 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
  • Keeps the client informed of problems or delays in the provision of services
  • Uses discretion and flexibility in interpreting rules in order to meet client needs and achieve organizational goals more effectively
  • Solicits feedback on service provision and quality
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates who so desire to join the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in the aforementioned capacity should endeavor to Apply Online by Clicking on the link below. Please further review job requirements and if competent Click Apply Now.
Deadline: 28th December 2016

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