UNDP Jobs - 52273- Project Associate:Justice and Human Rights Project

Project Associate:Justice and Human Rights Projects Management Unit

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

05-Jan-2015

Application Deadline :

21-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

till 31 December 2015

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

2 years

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 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.

Background

The Republic of Moldova is a State-Party to the majority UN and CoE human rights treaties. It has also adopted a National Human Rights Action Plan for 2011-2014, which contains commitments to protect and advance specific human rights taking into account the recommendations of the UN treaty bodies and a number of UPR recommendations. Related priorities and commitments are established under the UN-Moldova Partnership Framework (UNPF) 2013-2017, which addresses a number of human rights and institutional issues, including strengthening human rights oversight mechanisms, implementation of UPR, UN treaty bodies and special procedures recommendations, strengthening Ombudsperson Office and National Torture Preventive Mechanism (NPM) in-line with the Paris Principles, mainstreaming human rights equality, including on gender, in education and training, strategies, policies and State budgeting, securing the rights of the most vulnerable, etc. Reform of the National Human Rights Institution is prioritized at the highest level of government. The Justice Sector Reform Strategy adopted and the corresponding Action Plan provide for strengthening the Center for Human Rights and the Ombudsperson institution. The government of the Republic of Moldova needs to be supported in the implementation of the planed actions and applying best international practices and experiences. Therefore UNDP and OHCHR are continuing their efforts in supporting human rights institutions to promote and protect human rights in the Republic of Moldova.
In order to respond to the number of strategic needs and priorities, UND and OHCHR will implement in 2015-1016 Supporting National Human Rights Institutions as per International Treaty Bodies and UPR Recommendations Project. The overall goal of the Project is to contribute to the effective protection and promotion of human rights, equality and non-discrimination in the Republic of Moldova with particular attention to women, minorities, marginalised and vulnerable groups. The project seeks to catalyse the emergence of the strongest possible independent national human rights institutions for Moldova – Ombudsperson Office and Equality Council – and to increase their focus around core strategic human rights goals to maximise their impact. The project will build the capacities, independence and empowerment of the two institutions to maximise their impact in mainstreaming human rights and equality, including gender equality, in acting on strategic issues and for the resolution of individual cases.
In addition to this, UNDP is continuing implementation in 2014-2016 of the Strengthening Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection in Moldova Project. Its overall objective is to strengthen rule of law and human rights protection in the Republic of Moldova in-line with international human rights standards, Justice Sector Reform Strategy (2011 – 2016) and its Action Plan, and National Human Rights Action Plan (2011-2014) and mainstreaming human rights based approach, equality, gender issues and inclusion. The project seeks to further strengthen the capacities of national stakeholders in specific areas of combating corruption, capacity building of the Constitutional Court and strengthening human rights protection framework and mechanisms with the focus on the tangible and visible results both for the target groups involved and the broader public.
Further, a number of other smaller projects, activities and initiatives in the subject area may be further included to be managed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager the incumbent assists in the effective management of the project through a range of actions contributing to the design, planning, management and monitoring of project activities. The Project Associate applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

Project Associate works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other project teams in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and resolving complex project-related issues and information delivery.

The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Administrative management

Pro-actively contribute to day-to-day project implementation and ensure conformity to expected results and project work-plans;
Provide support to international consultants in the implementation of their tasks for the achievement of project results (communication, contracts, agenda, visas, accommodation, etc);
Maintain records on all project personnel/national consultants and their respective status (contracts, ToRs, and attendance – if appropriate, etc.) in accordance with accepted policies and procedures;
Coordinate other support staff (Driver), translators, and short-term consultants;
Prepare and issue contracts;
Make pertinent logistical arrangements for the prompt and effective implementation of the programme activities;
Draft minutes of Project Board and other project related meetings;
Assume overall responsibility for administrative matters of a more general nature, such as registry and maintenance of project files and records;
Arrange external and internal meetings (including the meetings of the Project Board, Technical level, as well as other relevant meetings etc.).

Financial management

Prepare requests for advance of funds and/or direct payments;
Monitor budget expenditures and maintain a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions;
Prepare proposals for budget revisions;
Prepare and submit expenditure and programme budget status reports;
Respond to queries from the beneficiary institution, donor and UNDP with respect to financial aspects of the programme, liaise with UNDP-appointed and external auditors wherever required;
Prepare recurring reports as scheduled and special reports as required for budget preparations and audit;
Advise and assist international advisors and national consultants on all aspects of allowances, travel claims and other financial matters and calculate payments due for claims and services;
Assist the auditing performed by the project managers over the funds allocated to project. Ensure the compliance of allocated funds with the UNDP norms and regulations.
If necessary, travel for control and auditing purposes to the project.
Undertake other financial and administrative tasks on an ad hoc basis.

Procurement

In accordance with the Work Plan arrange for procurement of equipment, supplies and services;
Process in ATLAS the transactions in line with the Internal Control Framework;
Prepare the procurement plans for the projects and monitoring of their implementation;
Prepare the submissions to the Contract, Asset and Procurement Committee (CAP);
Arrange for equipment maintenance and insurance as required;
Ensure that contractual processes follow the stipulated UNDP procedures;
Physically clear and ensure delivery of equipment and supplies procured for the various programme sites;
Maintain the equipment and spare inventory including verification and transfer when required.

Other duties as assigned.

Assume full responsibility for and manage effectively and efficiently financial, physical / material assets, etc. in order to meet expected results;
Apply UNDP programming tools utilization, and namely, introduce and control over the financial data in ATLAS.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Adheres to the core values of the United Nations; in particular, is respectful of differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or other status; displays sensitivity and adaptability to the diversity;
Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures;
Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility;
Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions.

Functional Competencies:
Results-Based Programme Development and Management: Contributing to results through provision of information

Provides information and documentation on specific stages of projects/programme implementation
Provides background information to identify opportunities for project development and helps drafting proposals

Promoting Organizational Learning And Knowledge Sharing: Basic research and analysis

Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things
Identifies and communicates opportunities to promote learning and knowledge sharing
Encourages the learning of others.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise: Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
Possesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks (broad range of specialized knowledge related to financial resources management, including formulating budgets, maintaining Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables, reporting).
Identifies new and better approaches to work processes and incorporates same in own work
Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Promoting Organizational Change and Development: Presentation of information on best practices in organizational change

Documents ‘best practices’ in organizational change and development within and outside the UN system
Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions
Design and Implementation of Management Systems: Data gathering and implementation of management systems
Uses information/databases/other management systems
Provides inputs to the development of simple system components
Makes recommendations related to work procedures and implementation of management systems

Client Orientation: Maintains effective client relationships

Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
Establishes and maintains contacts with senior-level officials of the host government.
Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
Responds to client needs promptly

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management: Gathering and disseminating information

Gathers and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems
Prepares timely inputs to reports
Maintains databases

Core Competencies:

Adheres to the core values of the United Nations; in particular, is respectful of differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or other status.
Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures.
Self-development, demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Initiative-taking. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
Creating synergies through self-control. Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Managing conflict
Informed and transparent decision making

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University Degree in economics, finance, accounting, law, public administration or other related field.

Experience:

At least five years of experience in administrative work, accounting/finance, economics, or other substantive area is required;
Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, consulting company, or NGO, or previous experience with UNDP is a very strong advantage;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in both oral and written English, Romanian and Russian;
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.