Project Associate - NPC

The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Flagship Portfolio on SDG16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (henceforth, the “portfolio”), aims to address governance deficits and strengthen the effectiveness of key institutions to deliver people-centered services. It also aims to build the space, capacity and trust for excluded and vulnerable groups to participate and inform policy- and decision-making, so that it meets their specific needs and interests.

The Project Associates will work as part of a dynamic team, that will not only focus on the above-mentioned portfolio, but also support UNDP Sri Lanka’s overall Country Programme. The team will be led by a Programme Manager, and comprise of individuals with a wide set of skills and knowledge, including complementary technical expertise on inter-linked thematic areas of programming, and on monitoring, evaluation, knowledge management, communications and operations.

Against this backdrop, UNDP aims to recruit a Project Associate to support smooth management of its work focusing on National Police Commission of Sri Lanka.(NPC)

Working under the overall guidance of the Programme Manager, and supervision of the Technical Coordinator/Specialists, and in overall coordination with other team members will be responsible to support; coordination efforts; research, reporting and monitoring to ensure quality assurance and effective documentation and communication of project results and support resource mobilization efforts; and for administration, financial management, efficient procurement and logistical services, and ICT to ensure consistency of operations with UNDP rules and regulations and compliance with donor requirements.  

In the event of changes in context, strategies, results framework, project priorities, available financial resources, etc., the management arrangements relating to this position and the scope of work to be undertaken, may be revised to ensure the most suitable arrangements are in place to enable the achievement of quality results.
 

Support effective and efficient management of the Project, which entails inter alia:

• Support the implementation of the Project, including delivery of outputs and activity results as per the project document and/or Project Board decisions, working under the direct guidance of the Commissioner in charge of the project at NPC and Technical Coordinator/Specialists.
• Support coordination efforts with other implementing partners.
• Support to ensure compliance of project and operations activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations and policies; implementation of project and operations strategies.
• Support maintenance of up-to-date files and records of all project documentation, working together with the Project team.
• Provide logistical support and documentation support for Project Board meetings, workshops, and other meetings as required for the project.
• Ensure the timely and smooth implementation of the project, working in coordination with relevant UNDP team members supporting operations, financial resources management, human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services to ensure successful and timely operationalization of the project.
• Support preparation and consolidation of the overall budget, and support monitoring expenditure in accordance with UNDP financial rules and cost-recovery policies.
• Support forward-looking information and communication management.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Programme Manager and Technical Coordinator/Specialists, and support back-stopping arrangements for members of the team as and when required.

 
Support Monitoring, Reporting and Communications

• Support the timely preparation and submission of annual work plans, progress reports, project reviews, risks analyses,  audit reports, project evaluations, and any other required reports.
• Support the preparation and update of project work plans, donor briefs and other documents as necessary in consultation with the Programme Manager and Technical Coordinator/Specialists to ensure Project Board recommendations are implemented.
• Support the formulation of the project monitoring and evaluation framework and plan.
• Undertake data collection against indicators to ensure results produced by the project are accurately documented.
• Support the preparation of advocacy, communications and outreach materials, as required by the project.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, seminars, etc., organized by UNDP or partners as required and document key content.

Provide Technical Assistance and Support Knowledge Management:

• Support the provision of technical assistance and substantive inputs for primarily assigned thematic area of focus
• Undertake research required for implementation, new intervention/project design and resource mobilization.
• Support to liaise/coordinate with, and source technical support and policy advice from, the UNDP Regional Hub to further enhance the quality of the technical assistance provided to the Project.
• Stay updated on key policy and other developments relevant to the project at national and international level by regularly monitoring national and international media.
• Support knowledge-building and management, documentation and dissemination of lessons learned, and good practices.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies:

• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internet, power point and experience in handling of web-based management systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, proven networking, team-building, organizational and   communication skills.
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices inside and outside UNDP.
• Ability and sensitivity to work with a wide cross-section of partners, including        Government, I/NGOs and private sector.
• A self-starter, able to inspire and influence action and work under pressure.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Ability to work under pressure

 

Technical Competencies:

• Excellent knowledge on the mandate of the National Police commission and its operational work
• Experience in designing trainings programmes and M&E strategies
• Demonstrates strong analytical oral and written communication skills
• Ability to contribute to effective monitoring and evaluation of project results.
• Ability to engage effectively with other implementing agencies supporting the respective   project partners, UNDP, other UN agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, etc.
• Good understanding of the governance structure and systems in Sri Lanka, including the current political economy context.

Qualifications & Experience

• Secondary Education (G.C.E. Advanced Level) with 6 years including 3 years’ experience in supporting the implementation of projects, with preference on peacebuilding, access to justice and/or governance related projects.

OR

• University Degree in Political Sciences, Law, Social Sciences, Business or Public Administration, or Economics with preference on peacebuilding, access to justice and/or governance related projects with 1 years’ experience in supporting the implementation of projects, with preference on peacebuilding, access to justice and/or governance related projects .

Required Skills

• Proven ability to work independently
• Evidence of strong research and analytical skills.
• Considerable quality work experience in independent commissions
• Comprehensive experience in human right related research work
• Experience in liaising with senior level government officials and middle level officers
• Usage of computers and office software package (MS Word, Excel etc.) and knowledge of database packages and experience in handling of web based management systems is preferred.
• A consistent track record of self-motivation and achievement
• Prior experience with the UN system/UNDP would be considered an advantage.
• Experience handling general project administration and management of logistics.
• Demonstrated capacity to undertake assigned responsibilities and work under pressure.
• A team player with excellent inter-personal skills

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.

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