Agency UNCDF. Title. Project Management Specialist, MM4P (UNCDF) Job ID /12/2016. Time Left. 7d 19h 41m. Education & Work Experience

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1 Agency Title UNCDF Project Management Specialist, MM4P (UNCDF) Job ID 7066 Practice Area Job Family Poverty Reduction Vacancy End Date 28/12/2016 (Midnight New York, USA) Time Left Duty Station Education & Work Experience 7d 19h 41m Kampala, Uganda I Master's Level Degree 5 year(s) experience Languages Required: Desired: English Grade Vacancy Type Posting Type Bureau Contract Duration P3 FTA International External UNCDF 1 Year with possibility for extension Return to Previous Page to Friend Apply Now Background UNCDF is the UN s capital investment agency for the world s 48 least developed countries (LDCs). With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers last mile finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. This last mile is where available resources for development are scarcest; where market failures are most pronounced; and where benefits from national growth tend to leave people excluded. UNCDF s financing models work through two channels: savings led financial inclusion that expands the opportunities for individuals, households, and small businesses to participate in the local economy, providing them with the tools they need to climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives; and by showing how localized investments through fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance can drive public and private funding that

2 underpins local economic expansion and sustainable development. UNCDF financing models are applied in thematic areas where addressing barriers to finance at the local level can have a transformational effect for poor and excluded people and communities. By strengthening how finance works for poor people at the household, small enterprise, and local infrastructure levels, UNCDF contributes to SDG 1 on eradicating poverty with a focus on reaching the last mile and addressing exclusion and inequalities of access. At the same time, UNCDF deploys its capital finance mandate in line with SDG 17 on the means of implementation, to unlock public and private finance for the poor at the local level. By identifying those market segments where innovative financing models can have transformational impact in helping to reach the last mile, UNCDF contributes to a number of different SDGs and currently to 28 of 169 targets. Mobile Money for the Poor (MM4P) With support from Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade ( DFAT formerly AusAid) and by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), UNCDF launched Mobile Money for the Poor (MM4P) in March 2012, a global thematic initiative to address the opportunities and challenges of implementing branchless banking and mobile money in challenging markets in Africa and Asia. MM4P s long term mission is to help low income and rural households in LDCs increase their financial security through appropriate, affordable and secure means to receive, manage and save money through these digital financial services (DFS). To do so, its intermediate goal is to help build inclusive digital financial sectors such that a wide range of digital financial services are provided responsibly, and at reasonable cost, by sustainable institutions in a wellregulated environment. UNCDF s starts by defining the different stages of a market s development and the range of interventions needed at different levels (i.e. macro, meso, micro, client) to move it across the stages. This combines a making markets work for the poor approach with UNCDF s traditional operational model of directly supporting the most crucial level retail service providers. UNCDF is currently implementing this in 9 countries (Laos, Nepal, Myanmar, Benin, Liberia, Malawi, Senegal, Uganda and Zambia). In partnership and with financing from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), UNCDF is implementing an ecosystem support programme in Uganda to hasten the scalability of digital finance (DF), particularly in rural areas. This includes a high level of training, technical assistance and grants to financial service providers, agent networks, bulk payers, aggregators and the government of Uganda. Based on MM4P Theory of Change, UNCDF s objective is to help and hasten the shift of the Ugandan digital finance market from expansion stage until they are firmly in the consolidation stage. Objective at end of 2019 is to reach at least 50% of the adult population actively using digital finance (90 days). Duties and Responsibilities As part of the extension of its program in Uganda, UNCDF is looking for an experienced project manager based in Kampala, Uganda who will take on the management of the portfolio of pilots projects with the goal of delivering every project on time, within budget and within scope and to industrialize the roll out to reach national scale. The main outcome of this position is to scale the portfolio of current and future projects in agro value chains (coffee, seeds, tea, dairy, fish, etc.) and other payments value chains (Social transfers, NGOs, etc.) to additional users, by integrating new stakeholders.

3 Under the direct responsibility of the Country Technical Specialist (CTS), the Project Management Specialist will specifically: 1. Manage/support a team of DF experts and consultants responsible of the project implementation 2. Manage the projects portfolio with the objective to deliver successful pilots and scaling results 3. Assist in the development of new projects to reach scale 4. Assist CTS and support programme intervention as needed Manage/support a team of DF experts and consultants responsible of the project implementation (4 6 members) Take over the current technical team and support in recruitment of additional team members Make sure each team member has received a proper induction about UNCDF, MM4P and Uganda programme and understand objectives and ways of working within the programme Assign each team technical expert (consultant) specific projects and value chains and give clear learning and results objectives to each team member for their assigned projects Support each team member to develop detailed plans, objectives and priorities to achieve successful and sustainable projects and opportunity to scale Work with Programme Management Associate in Brussels to make sure project cycle and project monitoring ways of working are applied and projects are properly monitored Manage the tasks of the expert consultants to ensure proper distribution of workload Assist team member to prepare of periodic project steering committee meetings and bi weekly project team meetings Manage the project file configuration system, making sure files are properly stored, accessible and safe keeping of documents. Ensure collection of lessons learned and reports on achievements for wider sharing. Manage the projects portfolio with the objective to deliver successful pilots and scaling results Management of the portfolio of projects with the goal of delivering every project on time, within budget and within scope Plan, budget, oversee and document all aspects of the projects Manage changes to the projects scopes, project schedules, and project costs using appropriate verification techniques and in line with UNCDF procedures Measure project performance using appropriate tools and techniques and work closely with Results Based Management Associate Monitor sub contractors/consultants to ensure guidelines are maintained and deliverables are submitted to standard Perform risk management to minimize project risks Report and escalate to CTS as needed Provide tactical and implementation guidance for UNCDF Uganda projects, assuring that the learning and results of projects are met Support strategic partnerships and sound working relations with DF stakeholders and development partners for successful implementation of project interventions. Work closely with CTS and to make sure that the scope and direction of each project is on schedule. Assist in the development of new projects and scaling of existing ones Together with team, select the best projects and provide appraisal to reach scale and further develop impact in the country

4 Oversee the technical experts in the design of these projects (project descriptions) and facilitate multi stakeholder engagements associated with the project Assist the CTS in drafting project appraisal documents for internal validation Assure quality standards are met throughout the project management cycle Support the procurement of consultants and sub contractors Undertake regular analysis and prepare briefs on the evolving trends in the country to identify implementation risks. Assist CTS and support programme intervention as needed Support the CTS in updating country strategy and drafting the Annual Work Plan Assist CTS in develop annual workplans and Progress Reports as per frameworks Support in preparation of cash flow projections, monthly budget reports, and other aspects of financial management of the portfolio in close conjunction with Programme Management Unit in Brussels Assist the CTS in the planning, budgeting, oversight and documentation of all aspects of the country program Assist in CTS drafting donor reports (quarterly and annual) Undertake ATLAS functions (financial management system of UNDP) as required Ensure close synergies of the Uganda projects with the other UNCDF Programmes as appropriate. Support DF Programme functions, as required, to successfully develop and implement programme outcomes. Liaise with the Procurement, Finance and Management support team to support delivery of project results (in close conjunction with Project Administration and Finance Associate); Ensure facilitation of documents and other knowledge products in collaboration with the knowledge management and results measurement teams. Impact of Results The Project Management Specialist is expected to provide implementation support to the project and work in close collaboration with the DFS team to ensure achievement of intended results. Primarily, working closely with the DFS Associates, program partners and DFS market stakeholders, the PM is to ensure effective project and financial management of the project. Competencies Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNCDF; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Treats all people fairly without favoritism. Functional Competencies: In depth understanding and experience of project management functions; Proven experience in project management functionalities; Time Management: experience managing multiple and competing deliverables Analytical Skills: demonstrated analytical skills in project management.

5 Management and Leadership: Leadership Skills: proven experience motivated employees, resolve conflicts Remains calm, in control and good humor even under pressure; Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills; Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches. Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms. Develops and/or participates in the development of tools and mechanisms, including identifying new approaches to promote individual and organizational learning and knowledge sharing using formal and informal methodologies. Job Knowledge Technical Expertise Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff Continues to seeks new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally Client Orientation Anticipates client needs Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider Demonstrates understanding of client s perspective Keeps the client informed of problems or delays in the provision of services Uses discretion and flexibility in interpreting rules in order to meet client needs and achieve organizational goals more effectively Solicits feedback on service provision and quality Required Skills and Experience Education: Experience: Master s degree in business, management, social sciences or development studies Minimum 5 years of project management experience of working on development programs; Experience in leading technical teams Experience with fundraising, donor reporting, and working knowledge of international donor organizations is highly desirable Understanding of benefits of digitizing payments and its contribution to poverty reduction is desirable Experience in working in Africa is an asset

6 Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines DF experience is a plus, but not mandatory Language Requirements: Disclaimer Fluency in English in both writing and speaking. Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G 4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. For more information please click here and here. UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications. 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. Scam warning The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.