Background
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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.ย
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The Partnership for Harmonized Operations, Effectiveness, and Navigation in Implementing EIB Resilient Syunik Program (PHOENIX: RESYP) is an EU-UNDP technical assistance initiative aimed at supporting the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI), three Project Implementation Units (PIUs), the Syunik Governorโs Office, and municipalities under the EIB-funded Resilient Syunik Program (RESYP).
The overall objective of the project is to strengthen infrastructure resilience in Syunik province and enhance the delivery of education, health, and drinking water services. The project aims to support proper implementation of the RESYP framework loan by assisting national authorities in project management, procurement, financial oversight, and community engagement.
The PHOENIX: RESYP Project outcomes include:
SO1. Improved Governance, Transparency, and Accountability in Project Cycle Management
Central and local governance, transparency and accountability are improved to ensure effective project cycle management, including preparation, planning, procurement, implementation, and monitoring of projects.
SO2. Restored and Constructed Social and Critical Infrastructure
Selected social (health and education) and critical (drinking water) public infrastructure in Syunik province is restored or/and constructed in a timely, efficient and quality manner to mitigate the indirect impacts of the war on local communities.
SO3. Enhanced Community Engagement and Capacity Building of Sectoral Implementing Agencies
Enhanced PIUs and local participatory approach and community engagement to the infrastructure recovery/rehabilitation/construction projects in accordance with the Social Management Plan and Stakeholders Engagement Plan.
The Outputs of the Project are as follows:
Output 1.1.ย Established coordination framework for MTAI. Output 1.2.ย Enhanced PIU capacity for project cycle management and monitoring. Output 1.3.ย Strengthened anti-corruption and procurement integrity measures. Output 2.1.ย Health Infrastructure Facilities Prepared and Improved. Output 2.2.ย Education infrastructure and curriculum enhanced. Output 2.3. Safe drinking water infrastructure improved. Output 3.1.ย Local Stakeholders and Communities Actively Engaged in Infrastructure Projects. Output 3.2. Sectoral PIUs strengthened for sustainable management of infrastructure projects.Duties and Responsibilities
Lead, manage, coordinate, and develop effective project planning and implementation:
Lead strategic planning for the PHOENIX project, including formulation and periodic revisions of the projectโs annual work plan (AWP), timelines and deliverables, including plans for budget, HR and procurement that are developed in close coordination with UNDPโs Country Office Programme, HR, and Procurement teams. Lead development of detailed implementation plans, ensuring effective resource allocation and adherence to project milestones. Manage, coordinate, and supervise project implementation to ensure the overall project relevance and performance, the effective realization and quality of outputs within the specified constraints of time and cost as outlined in the project document, and adherence to applicable UNDP policy and programme management procedures, EIB, EU and Government standards, rules, and regulations.ย Act as a senior advisor on issues related to project activities,ย providing strategic guidance to ensure successful execution and compliance. Oversee and coordinate all aspects of the project, ensuring compliance with Financing Documents and EIB key requirements.ย Ensure compliance with EIB procurement, financial management, environmental and social safeguards. Provide direction, guidance, and direct supervision to UNDP project personnel. Undertake technical review of project documents produced by the project team and partners, and ensure high technical standards are met.ย Ensure proper execution of all administrative activities associated with project implementation, including mobilizing goods and services, preparing Terms of Reference, completing contracting processes, recruiting/selecting consultants and experts, and managing financial arrangements/transactions and their correct authorization. Identify opportunities for synergies with other projects within UNDP and beyond, to advance the key objectives and grow its focus.ย Develop and implement quality assurance measures to ensure the highest standards of project delivery. Coordinate and manage project logistics, including team mobilization, office setup, and procurement planning, ensuring all operational processes are aligned with project timelines and budget. Work closely with the Syunik Resident Field Coordinator, the Field Engineer, and the Syunik Resident Office Support Staff to conduct field visits to project sites to oversee implementation and ensure adherence to RESYP project plans and best practices. Work closely with the Engineering Specialist, Technical component managers, who will serve Technical Component Manager for the Health, Education and Water sectors to ensure the oversight of the design, implementation, and quality control of the RESYP project in these sectors.Develop Strategic Partnership:
Substantively contribute to the harnessing of effective partnerships and lead the identification and onboarding process for implementing partners. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national and regional stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support and ensure accurate interpretation of project objectives and promote inclusive project implementation. Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as the primary liaison between UNDP, MTAI, sector-specific PIUs, EIB, and local government authorities, ensuring smooth communication and operational alignment across all parties. Organize and facilitate regular coordination meetings and workshops with PIUs, Syunik Governorโs Office, and line ministries. Engage with international partners (WHO, UNICEF, GIZ) and community stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation and effective implementation. Participate in project meetings, conferences, and public engagements. Work closely with the Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations Specialist to develop communication and visibility strategies to promote project achievements and ensure effective stakeholder engagement. Make recommendations to the management team on activities with potential for scale-up, replicability and synergies. Ensure that stakeholder concerns and recommendations are incorporated into project implementation strategies. Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project within the approved timeline and budget.Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set:
Provide leadership and technical advice to the project in developing baselines and indicators for project monitoring and evaluation and coordinate the finalization of detailed results framework. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting.ย Lead the implementation of project monitoring, evaluation, and results framework to identify plan deviations and other problems; and make needed course corrections within agreed upon tolerances to achieve results. Conduct field visits as required to verify project activities relative to stated targets and provide regular field updates to UNDP management.ย Lead the development and conduct of mid-term and annual reviews, and end line assessment; and coordinate the conduct of independent evaluations. Organize project review and evaluation meetings. Follow up on the implementation of decisions, recommendations, and course corrections. Manage and monitor project risks, including social and environmental risks, initially identified and submit new risks to appropriate project governing bodies for consideration and decision on possible actions.ย Coordinate the preparation of corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and EIB requirements. Ensure provision of ad hoc reports and information requested by relevant entities. Ensure project reports capture results, lessons learned and good practices for possible wider application. Ensure effective budget planning and financial management, in line with UNDP and EIB financial regulations and requirements. Work closely with Procurement and Contract Management Specialist to ensure compliance of procurement processes of RESYP Project with EIB and UNDP standards, including oversight on integrity in procurement and anti-corruption measures. Facilitate technical support to PIUs on procurement processes and contract management to ensure transparency and accountability. Work closely with the Finance and Disbursement Specialist to ensure proper financial oversight and transparent fund allocation. Oversee and guide financial forecasting, budget realignment, and expenditure monitoring to ensure cost-effective implementation of the RESYP Project. Ensure timely disbursement of funds and compliance with all financial reporting requirements. Facilitate regular financial audits and reviews to ensure transparency and accountability in resource management. Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project within the approved timeline and budget.Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic areas:
Identify capacity building needs and opportunities. Lead training and capacity-building efforts for PIUs and local government officials on project cycle management, procurement integrity, and environmental/social safeguards. Strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms within PIUs to ensure adherence to procurement transparency and good governance practices. Work closely the Infrastructure Coordination Experts / Project Analysts for Health, Education, Water Sectors to provide technical assistance to the corresponding PIU (Health, Education, Water) on sector-specific project planning, design reviews, implementation, and monitoring, including through training to PIUs and local counterparts on technical aspects and standards in alignment with EIB requirements. Develop and implement structured training modules focused on governance, accountability, and project sustainability. Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on development and project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDPโs engagement in this area.ย Establish mentorship programs for government staff and PIUs to enhance institutional knowledge and best practices. Promote the adoption of digital tools and innovative technologies for improved governance and infrastructure management. Promote advocacy for UNDPโs work and opportunities for collaboration in addressing development trends in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff.Legal, Contractual, and Compliance Oversight:
Work closely with legal and technical teams to ensure compliance with contractual agreements and financing conditions. Review contracts, offers, and proposals, advising on contractual matters, amendments, and variations. Monitor construction schedules and ensure timely disbursements in line with project progress and contractual agreements. Identify and address any delays or issues that may impact project timelines, implementing corrective measures where necessary. Prepare the relevant Terms of References to mobilize, manage and oversee the work of project consultant.Environmental and Social Best Practices, Gender Equality, and Non-discrimination:
Ensure that project interventions integrate environmental and social best practices and comply with international safeguards. Ensure all project interventions integrate a gender equality perspective/gender equality mainstreaming to the extent local context allows. Develop and implement gender-sensitive and socially inclusive strategies in project design and execution. Monitor and address any barriers impacting different stakeholder groups, ensuring equitable access and participation. Promote non-discrimination and equality principles in all aspects of project management, procurement, and stakeholder engagement. Work closely with the Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist to ensure that environmental and social impact assessments are conducted, and mitigation strategies are effectively implemented.Institutional Arrangements:
The Project Manager works under the general supervision of UNDP CO Democratic Governance Programme Analyst / Team Leader, and collaborates closely with UNDP CO team, including but not limited to RBM Programme Analyst; Democratic Governance Programme Associate; Communications Analyst; Procurement Analyst; Operations Associate and HR Analyst, the incumbent provides effective and efficient implementation of project activities with major focus on ensuring UNDP, EU and EIB standards, policies and procedures under all pillars of the Project.
The Project Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
The Project Manager will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment. Materials provided to the Project Manager and all proceedings within the consultancy contract shall be regarded as confidential, both during and after the consultancy. Violation of confidentiality requirements may result in an immediate termination of contract.
The Project Manager will be based in Yerevan with frequent travel to Syunik province. S/he will report to the UNDP Team Leader โ Democratic Governance Unit and work closely with:ย
Infrastructure Coordination Experts for Health, Education, and Water Procurement and Contract Management Specialist Finance and Disbursement Specialist Syunik Resident Field Coordinator Engineering Specialists (Health, Education, Water) Community Engagement and Social Safeguards Specialist PIUs within the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Armenian Territorial Development Fund (ATDF) EIB focal point in charge for the implementation of the RESYP ProjectCompetencies
Core Competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems Learn Continuously:ย LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner:ย LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivityPeople Management Competencies:
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicatedย site.ยCross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Effective Decision Making: Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.ย System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the systemย Partnership Management: 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 policiesย Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goalsย Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.ย Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channelsย Relationship Management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understandingยRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Master's degree or equivalent inย Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field is required, or; Bachelorโs degree in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years ofย qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
Minimum 5 years (with masterโs degree) or 7 years (with bachelorโs degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, and/or leading and managing projectsLanguages:
Fluency in English and Armenian languages is required.Required skills:
Experience in project coordination, design and implementation, including supervising staff. Experience in working, liaising and collaborating with Government counterparts, private and international organizations. Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.Desired Skills:
Experience in research and designing capacity development and training modules. Theoretical knowledge and experience of FIDIC conditions of contract, as well as IFI procurement and financial management rules (especially EIB, EBRD, WB, ADB).ย Practical knowledge and proven experience in infrastructure development projects. Additional training and certification in project management. Prior experience with the UN/UNDP.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
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