Position Information**

Job Title: Project Manager, RE-INTEG

Department: Economic Recovery and Institutional Development (ERID)

Reports to: Portfolio Manager

Job Family: Grade Level: P3

Duty Station: Mogadishu, Somalia

Duration and Type of Assignment: One year – TA, International

II. Job Purpose and Organizational Context

Somalia has been moving on the path of development, when the country faces myriad of challenges, emerging from decades of conflicts, terrorism, coupled with the natural disasters. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the stakeholders, has been supporting the governments’ efforts in effective implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2020-2024, which is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and emphasizes ‘Economic and Inclusive Growth’ is one of the major thematic areas, stressing the need for the development of productive sectors and employment creation, amongst others. The unemployment issue, especially amongst the youth, remain a major concern and priority for the Government of Somalia in its recovery and development efforts. The country has relatively vulnerable unemployment, estimated at 59% (NPD). It is estimated that 70% youth of employable age are unemployed. The main reasons for the high unemployment in the country include: (a) protracted conflicts and volatile security situation, (b) lack of market-oriented skills and high illiteracy; (c) limited availability of quality business development services; (d) limited or no microfinance facilities; and (e) limited policy/enabling environment and weak institutions. A number of international development organizations, in collaboration with the national partners, has been supporting the Government of Somalia in their efforts in addressing the above issues.

UNDP Economic Recovery and Institutional Development (ERID) Portfolio has been supporting the Government of Somalia for promoting inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic recovery and development, while improving the institutional capacities, in alignment with the SDGs and the National Development Plan (NDP), and specific attention is being paid to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP).

IDPs in Somalia are consistently more vulnerable and have a lower standard of living than host communities or economic migrants, though all face poverty and deprivation. Nine out of ten people living in IDP camps live in poverty, and the internally displaced account for more than two-thirds (68 percent) of those in crisis and emergency. In all regions, the phenomenon of displacement has compounded underlying rural out-migration trends, thus increasing the pace of urbanization and intensifying pressure on already ailing urban infrastructure and services. Urban displacement is typically of a protracted nature and it has become clear that many displaced people living in urban areas will not return to their rural areas of origin. Distinguishing displaced people from the urban poor more widely poses a significant additional challenge for enumerators and policy makers alike.

As a number of studies have pointed out, the nature of displacement in Somalia does not conform to the simple cause and effect equation seen in many other countries. Moreover, many of the drivers of protracted displacement in Somalia are of a persistent or recurrent nature, meaning that new patterns of internal displacement arise on a more or less regular basis. The main drivers of displacement at the current time are conflict, the forcible acquisition of land by dominant or well-armed clans, forced evictions in urban areas, environmental factors including floods, droughts and competition over dwindling pasture and water resources, and food insecurity.

The task of finding ‘durable solutions’ to address these problems is further complicated by a range of ‘political economy’ challenges that affect the situation of displaced persons and undermine the delivery of effective development assistance. These include a well-established network of ‘gatekeepers’ (intermediaries that effectively tax IDPs and the NGOs that provide services to them), the continuing machinations of local clan politics, uncertainty over land ownership claims, weak and fragmented governance structures and the lack of adequate coordination between central, regional and local authorities.

In this context, UN-Habitat, UNDP, UNHCR, CESVI, SWDC and SIDO have formed a consortium and are since April 2017 implementing a joint programme RE-INTEG financed by the 11th European Development Fund. Over a three year period, the programme facilitates the gradual resolution of the protracted displacement of IDPs in Mogadishu, notably by enhancing local integration capacity. The programme focuses on: (a) strengthening relevant governance structures through capacity building and accountability mechanisms to create the relevant sustainability potential for solutions, on (b) implementing innovative, replicable and scalable solutions for basic and protective service delivery and employment, and, (c) producing, by the end of the programme, a comprehensive and implementable urban durable solution strategy which includes financing schemes for the scale and complexity of Mogadishu’s IDP situation. This programme originates from and directly supports the Somalia IDP Solutions Initiative led by the Federal Government of Somalia represented through the Deputy Prime Minister and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and which builds on the primary role and responsibility of authorities to support durable solutions. Over a three-year period, the programme is facilitating the gradual resolution of the protracted displacement of IDPs in Mogadishu, notably by enhancing local integration capacity. The BRA, having set up a Durable Solutions Unit (DSU), has developed a Durable Solutions Strategy for IDPs and returnees and is being implemented in Mogadishu.

As part of the RE-INTEG Programme, UNDP has been supporting the Benadir City Administration (BRA) for the smooth management of the DSU that coordinates the overall ongoing durable solution initiatives for IDPs and returnees, in line with the developed durable solutions strategy. One of the flagship initiatives of BRA/DSU, that UNDP is supporting, is business incubation facility – which is operational with minimum capacity. There are some local institutions/organizations, rendering business development services in Mogadishu; but these are functioning with minimal capacity. Thus, these facilities are unable to meet the high market-demands. It is critical for creating sound business development ecosystem for private sector/micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development, which is considered as an engine of employment creation and economic growth. Additionally, UNDP has a plan to implement a micro-grant management and social micro-enterprise development initiative for the unemployed IDPs and returnees.

The UNDP Project Manager will play a lead role in all aspects of project delivery, strategic planning, resource mobilization and provision of technical assistance ensuring effective implementation of related projects to reach planned targets and expected results with good quality and in a timely manner. He/She leads the day-to-day management of project activities.

The Project Manager will undertake her/his duties and responsibilities, under the direct supervision of the UNDP Portfolio Manager, Economic Recovery and Institutional Development (ERID) and overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative – Programme, in close collaboration with the government counterparts, Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs), donors, private sector and civil society.

III. Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Technical support for effective design and delivery of project outputs and activities
2. Strategic project planning, coordination and implementation
3. Management of project delivery
4. Facilitate knowledge building and management
5. Provide technical support for effective design and delivery of project outputs and activities focusing on achievement of the following results:

 Provide leadership and technical expertise to the government and CSO partners in the design, planning and implementation of activities, trainings and workshops as required;

 Provide capacity building support to Banadir Regional Administration (BRA) in establishing Urban Durable Solutions Taskforce and assist in drafting different strategies;

 Oversee implementation of Cash For Work, solar systems installation for health and education facilities and entrepreneurship training and contributory grant funding for social enterprises;

 Support in identification and selection of TVETs to provide vocational training and education linked to growth sectors and skills gaps in the local economy;

 Support establishing one social enterprise incubator for IDP entrepreneurs;

 Regularly update the relevant CO programme team and senior management through substantive progress reports, briefings and/or presentations of the implementation of project results;

Provide talking points, briefing and background papers.

1. Ensure strategic planning, coordination and implementation of the project focusing on achievement of the following results:

 In accordance with the Project Document and in close coordination with IPs and the project specialists, plan and develop project Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and establish Annual Targets according to UNDP CO timelines. Design project budget. Ensure that AWP activities suggested are in line with the overall direction set by the Project Document and lead to achievements of project targets and results;

 Coordinate various components of the project providing overall guidance and innovative solutions to projects. Constantly seek to improve project service lifecycle. Work in close collaboration with other teams in the office including programmes, operations as well as other UN agencies, Government officials, multilateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society in ensuring successful project implementation;

 Identify and build credible working relations with Governments, donor partners and other UN agencies;

 Mobilize resources to support the achievement of project outputs and outcomes;

 Ensure that gender equality and women’s empowerment is integrated at all stages of the project cycle;

 Enhance capacity of staff by providing technical leadership;

 Oversee and coordinate development and formulation of detailed implementation plans, procurement and human resources, communication and risk management plans for the Project. Coordinate and ensure timely updates of all planning instruments in close collaboration with relevant CO units;

 Ensure implementation of activities as per AWP and agreed deadlines as well as according to detailed implementation, procurement and HR plans. Identify bottlenecks and develop solutions. Regularly meet with IPs and other project counterparts;

 Assess project impact and oversee the appropriateness and accuracy of methods used to verify progress and results;

 Establish adequate monitoring procedures and systems throughout project activities in close collaboration with the CO Results Team. Ensure that adequate systems are in place to gather data and information for project monitoring and that systematic monitoring of project progress against targets is undertaken, including regular field trips for monitoring purposes. Develop innovative improvements to enhance performance of the project;

 Ensure that UNDP´s results-management systems are kept updated for project results-information including ATLAS project management module;

 Manage the accurate and timely high-quality results reporting on the progress of the project and achievement of annual targets to the Project Board and donors. Ensure that donor and UNDP reports are prepared according to UNDP’s SOPs, quality standards and in line with the contractual obligations to project donors. Ensure that all internal and external reports are submitted by deadlines;

 Coordinate and prepare ad hoc thematic and substantive reports/analysis/briefs;

 Implement project communications activities in close collaboration with the CO Communications Team;

 Organize and participate in project level coordination meetings and/or technical working groups as per project document and AWP. Share information on technical project-related issues with donors, other partners and stakeholders;

 Implement project governance arrangements. Ensure organization of Project Board meetings and ensure timely preparation of agenda, background materials to agenda items and minutes as per CO SOPs;

 Immediately escalate issues with potential to impact UNDP´s effectiveness, financial soundness or reputation to the Programme Team and CO senior management. Ensure that UNDP´s corporate interest and rules are guarded at all times and that appropriate action is taken to immediately address problems and challenges.

1. Ensure timely and effective management of programme delivery focusing on achievement of the following results:

 Ensure compliance of all actions and activities with organizational rules, regulations, policies, strategies and internal control mechanisms;

 Mobilize personnel, goods and services, training and grants schemes to initiate activities, including drafting and reviewing terms of references and work specifications and overseeing all contractors’ work. Oversee effective provision of services to IPs as required;

 Oversee the appropriate use of project funds as well as the consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations. Manage requests for the provision of financial resources by UNDP, through advance of funds, direct payments, or reimbursement using the FACE (Fund Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures);

 Develop project budgets. Monitor budget implementation and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of project expenditure. Coordinate preparation of financial reports to donors, as required;

 Supervise and manage project personnel and consultants. Develop ToRs/JDs for project staff positions. Oversee recruitment processes. Establish performance objectives and standards and ensure timely and appropriate feedback, guidance and support to ensure optimum performance. Undertake performance evaluation according to UNDP´s policies and deadlines;

 Manage and monitor project risks. In collaboration with the technical project staff, IP’s and donors identify new risks and update risk frameworks for consideration of the Project Board for consideration and decision on possible actions if required. Update the status of these risks by maintaining the project risks log;

 Provide management with top quality advice relating to strategic direction of project implementation and proper design of project activities;

 Facilitate day-to-day functioning of the Team. Manage resources (both financial and human) for achieving results in line with outputs outlined in the project document ;

 Is in charge of the financial management elements of the project and approve project transactions (eRequisitions) under written delegated authority from the Country Director;

 Solve complex project related issues and escalate sensitive matters to CO management in an efficient manner to seek a common solution;

 Prepare timely and regular progress reports for submission to CO management and external stakeholders

 Assist with implementation of audit requirements;

 Ensure security of the staff and assets belonging to the project;

 Ensure inclusion of lessons learnt and best practices to improve quality of future projects;

 Perform any other responsibilities that could be delegated by the supervisor;

 Ensure appropriate management of project assets, attendance records, filing system;

 Implement audit recommendations for the project. Provide inputs to audit management responses;

 Initiate operational closure of the project.

1. Facilitates knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

 Ensure that the project systematically builds capacities of Implementing Partners and other national partners through introduction of innovation and best practices, access to knowledge and expertise and promote their application to project implementation;

 Promote teamwork, information sharing and collaboration within the Project Team and between the Project Team and the CO Programme Team;

 Promote skills development of project staff through coaching and mentoring;

 Ensure capturing and disseminations of lessons learnt during project implementation;

 Facilitate the Project’s representation and/or participation in international knowledge networks to draw on and share best practice and lessons learned for application in Somalia;

 Maintain documentation on events and knowledge development

IV. Competencies and Selection Criteria

Core

• Innovation
• Leadership
• People Management
• Communication
• Delivery

Technical/Functional

Displaced Communities/Populations

• Knowledge of displaced communities/populations issues and solutions and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

Innovation

• Ability to try out / test new ways of engagement and communications. Openness to different and new ways of doing things; willingness to modify one’s preferred way of doing things

Jobs and Livelihoods

• Knowledge of Employment Creation, Income Generation, emergency employment and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

Collaboration and Partnership

• Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside (Programmes/projects) or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support. Sets overall direction for the formation and management of strategic relationships contributing to the overall positioning of UNDP

Entrepreneurship

• Knowledge of Entrepreneurship in the developing world and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

Knowledge Facilitation

• Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Results-based Management

• Ability to manage programmes and projects with a strategy aimed at improved performance and demonstrable results

V. Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

Master degree in social sciences, development, political sciences, economics, management or other relevant science.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in managing IDP integration or social entrepreneurship project development and management in challenging environments with focus on planning, monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder and team coordination in international development organizations;

 Demonstrated experience of management of a project of similar complexity and nature;

 Demonstrated knowledge and management experience of projects focusing on social entrepreneurship or business development, including business incubator development, skills and social enterprise/SME development, business development services.

 The ability of building innovative projects from the ground up would be an advantage;

 Experience in building or supporting startups, social enterprises or cooperatives would be an advantage, preferably in the context of Durable Solutions for IDPs;

 Excellent knowledge of project management principles and best practices. Project Management Certification, either Prince2 or PMP/PMI would be an advantage;

 Extensive managerial experience including experience in leading multi-cultural teams in stressful environments

 Experience in working at the country level including in fragile/conflict environments;

 Good computer literacy – MS office applications, web-based management information system

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in English.