Project Officer (Devolution)

Location :	Nairobi, Kenya
Organizational Unit/Agency:	UNDP Kenya
Application Deadline :	21st August 2012
Type of Contract :	Service Contract
Post Level :	SB4-
Languages Required :	English;
Starting Date : (date when the selected canditate is expected to start)	15th October 2012
Duration of Initial Contract :	1 year
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Background
UNDP Kenya is supporting the implementation of devolution implemented by the Government of Kenya. The devolution programme is implemented by the Ministry of Local Government. This project is the precursor to some of the activities that will be undertaken by the Transitional Authority (TA), and it is envisaged that the programme resources and activities will provide impetus to the TA as it settles down to work. Focus will be on the critical activities that need to be rolled out in preparation to the transition to devolved governments. The overallobjective of the programme is effective implementation of devolved government system in Kenya. The specific objective is to support the implementation of transition activities in readiness for establishment of devolved governments. The Project Officer will support the management of the project portfolio with the following expected results: Project management (planning, design, implementation, communication, monitoring and evaluation) in close consultation with the programme focal points in the Ministry of Local Government. Managing the donor funded basket fund for support to the implementation of devolution in Kenya. Project financial management and reporting including development and submission of timely and quality narrative and financial reporting of all devolution activities under the UNDP managed basket fund. Project Liaison (between UNDP & GoK/Development partners).
Duties and Responsibilities
1)    Managing the donor funded basket fund for support to the implementation of devolution in Kenya. Resource Mobilization of funds to support the support to the implementation of devolution. Contribute to the development of the requisite funding agreement instruments including the management arrangements, the joint statement of intent, annual work plans. In partnership with Ministry of Local Government and the Transitional Authority, ensure effective communication of results. 2)    Effective quality management of the Devolution project life cycle (from planning, design phase, implementation and subsequent Monitoring and evaluation). Quality management of project life cycle, by setting up (in Atlas) project baselines, annual targets, indicators and reporting on progress, risks and issues log, management responses and monitoring actions in a timely manner. Provide support to GoK in overseeing the establishment and implementation of M&E system for the programme. Effective coordination of  programme reviews and evaluations and reports on the same. Preparation of action plan/s to implement audit recommendations including the requisite approvals, monitoring and recording. Contribution to the development and review of the Governance Unit’s Integrated Programme Framework. Ensure review and approval of the Project’s Annual Work plans. Contribution to the CPAP review and outcome boards. 3)    Project financial management and reporting Support to management of project funds in compliance with UNDP and Government financial rules and regulations. Responsible for the development and submission of timely and quality narrative and financial reporting of all devolution activities under the UNDP managed basket fund. Ensure that relevant TRAC/donor funds are reflected and distributed appropriately in the online financial management system, ATLAS and effective liaison with UNDP Finance. Project income and expenditure management, particularly  management of NIM/NGO Advances. Effective, accurate and timely financial management in ATLAS as per UNDP's rules and procedures. Follow up for accounting of disbursed funds from the project and ensure correctness of information on these documents for audit purposes. 4)    Project Liaison (Between UNDP, GoK and development partners). Provide day to day linkage between UNDP Kenya and Ministry of Local Government, including procurement, financial transactions and all other programme issues. Provision of technical reports to development partners supporting the Devolution basket fund on progress of the programme and other pertinent programme issues of relevance. Provide effective engagement and leadership for the UNDP's role in the PSR Donor group. Support the organization of joint annual and midterm reviews, meetings/project board to review achievement and approve annual work plans. Provision of written sound advice to partners with the aim of influencing and shaping issues that are pertinent to the success of the programme. Support to implementation of the Communication Strategy.
Competencies
Ability to perform a variety of specialized activities related to contract, asset and procurement management, including organization and conduct of procurement processes, implementation of contract and sourcing strategies, reporting and control of assets. Substantial management and planning skills and experience with demonstrated abilities to develop and manage partnerships with donors and government counterparts. Demonstrated sound knowledge of financial rules and regulations. Demonstrated high level and result oriented engagement with partners on enhancedstrategic partnership for enhanced support to the Devolution Programme. Focuses on result for clients. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure. Demonstrates openness to change. Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view. Good inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, ability to work in a multicultural environment. Shares knowledge and experience, and contributes to capacity development of partners. In-depth and proven knowledge as well as experience in development issues, Public Service and policies and programmes relating to reforms in the public service.
Terms of Service The Service Contract is a modality of hiring of UNDP development project personnel, where UNDP at the request of an executing entity, or implementing partner under the harmonized operational modalities or where UNDP itself serves as executing entity/implementing partner of a development project provides personnel contracting services to support execution or implementation of the project. This is a non-staff contract under the Service Contract modality of hiring of the UNDP. Individuals engaged under a SC serve in their individual capacity and not as representatives of a government institution, corporative body or other authority external to UNDP. Therefore the incumbents shall not be considered as staff of UNDP, the UN system or the Government and therefore are not entitled to any diplomatic privileges, or to any other special status or conditions.
Required Skills and Expertise Education:
A Masters Degree in Strategic Management, Education, Development Studies, Law, Economics, Organizational Development, or fields related to Public Sector Administration and Management. A bachelor’s degree in the required fields with 5 years of relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of the Masters degree.
Experience:
Minimum of 3 years of experiences in implementation and/or management of Public Sector projects at national level. Demonstrated experience in working with Government partners and other stakeholders in Public Sector development programs. Prior working experience with a multilateral or bilateral international development organization is an added advantage.
Language and IT Skills:
Fluency in English, including excellent drafting, communication and presentation skills. Excellent computer skills (key MS Applications) and ability to use information technology as a tool and resource for excellent financial and project management.
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.
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