Project Management Officer

Job DescriptionBackgroundDiversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a 'leave no one behind' approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.UNDP implements programmes and projects to strengthen transformative governance and enhance service delivery to enable a capable developmental state and improve and promote inclusive public participation in the implementation of government national priorities, ensuring that no one is left behind. Through our work with state and non-state actors, we also support mutual co-existence of communities, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and promote social cohesion. The Governance portfolio includes support to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC); building state capability with support to the Professionalization of the Public Service in particular, also includes the Gender Equality Seal for Public institutions (GESPI); Initiation of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) support.Building State Capability In Partnership With The National School Of Government (NSG), National Planning Commission (NPC), And Public Service Commission (PSC) And Department Of Public Service And Administration (DPSA), a Building State Capability Program Is Being Implemented And Consists Of Three Interdependent Pillars Aimed At:Enhancing professionalization of the public service led by the NSGStrengthening the capacity of the public service to use data and evidence in planning and programme implementation led by the NPCBuilding strong and dynamic institutions through improved Public Administration Processes led by the PSC.Together with these partners, and sub-national governments at provincial and district levels, the CO is contributing to several government efforts aimed at improving the efficiency of the state towards enhancing service delivery for all citizens. The objective is to ensure that public service is increasingly professional, accountable, and development-oriented in the country. South Africa is supporting government partners with the rollout of the professionalization framework in the public sector by building project management capability to implement the sectoral work plans.In response to recurring climate induced floods and building from our collaboration with KZN disaster management centre where we deployed specialist UNVs to assist in the review and development of district disaster management plans; and we developed a concept and roadmap towards co-creation with government and CSOs a long-term disaster risk reduction and resilience program. Key partners are the UNDP Resilience Hub, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), and the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME), and various sub-national disaster management authorities and CSOs.In collaboration with the Centre for Public Service Innovation, UNDP is implementing the Let's Talk Digital platform – an innovation real-time system designed for citizen engagement and citizen-oriented communication, improving real-time communication interface between citizens and authorities. The platform has been rolled out close to 100 wards in OR Tambo District and Waterberg District Municipalities respectively.Enhancing citizen participation in democracy. To address lack of youth participation in the electoral process, UNDP works closely with a youth network on civic education in communities across all 9 provinces. Community members, especially youth, get empowered to better understand how to engage local government representatives accountable on issues affecting their communities, understand the meaning of democracy, and be willing to exercise their right to vote.UNDP works with the IEC in building the capacity of the domestic observers to safeguard the integrity of the electoral processes, and support efforts at combatting dis and misinformation and strengthening of social cohesion and peace at local level.Duties And ResponsibilitiesContributing and advising to the drafting of the concept notes, project documents, Annual Workplans, TORs, communications, updating of the SharePoint, and liaising with partners;Advice and support to the cross-functional teams and structures including the gender task team to make sure that gender is mainstreamed in the governance portfolio;Attend all governance meetings and assist with execution of decisions and actions;Conduct sector and theme analytical work as directed and required;Document and coordinate knowledge management efforts;Working with the M & E team, track results of the governance portfolio to facilitate quarterly and annual reporting;Together with the Communications analyst, use social media and other public platforms to publicize governance work.Institutional ArrangementUnder the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Manager/Specialist, the Project Management Officer is responsible for technical support within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. The Project Management Officer analyzes political, social and economic trends; leads execution, monitoring and evaluation of programme activities within his/her portfolio; and provides policy advice services as necessary.The Project Management Officer works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations teams in the CO, programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP staff in HQs and Regional Hubs, technical advisors/experts, external specialists, government officials and partners, donors, and civil society to ensure successful implementation of the UNDP CO programme.UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.CompetenciesCOREAchieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciates/respects differences, aware of unconscious bias, confronts discrimination.Cross-Functional & Technical competenciesBusiness ManagementResults-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.Project management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.Partnerships management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.EducationRequired Skills and ExperienceAdvanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Business, Public Administration, Political Sciences, Law, or related field is required, orA first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in a relevant field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Post graduate qualification is preferable.ExperienceMinimum of 2 years (with master's degree) or 4 years (with bachelor's degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in public administration, governance or relevant related field in South Africa and/or region is required;Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP;Strong writing and analytical skills/experience;Demonstrated capacity to interact with government institutions and other state organs at all levels;Previous experience with multilateral or international organizations is an asset.Language RequirementsFluency in English is required.Basic command of one of the local vernacular languages will be an asset.DisclaimerUNDP 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.UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.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. 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