Title of the post International UN Volunteer Specialist, Field Coordinator
Duty station Mannar and Trincomalee
Host agency United Nation Development Programme Sri Lanka
Duration of Post One year with possible extension
Expected starting date Immediate
Context
The UNDP Transition Programme (TP) is designed to be a responsive and flexible delivery mechanism for large recovery initiatives which bridge the programming gap between humanitarian crises and sustainable development. Working through ten Field Offices in conflict and tsunami affected areas, the Transition Programme operates at the grassroots level in partnership with a variety of stakeholders, including local government (mainly at the district level), non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, the private sector, educational institutions, and other local development partners.
TP is firmly based on a UN inter-agency approach and will focus on economic recovery through micro credit schemes, capacity building and participatory planning and peace and reconciliation, involving partnerships with a range of stakeholders from both civil society and the public sector, including local associations, NGOs and other UN agencies.
To support the design, implementation and coordination of its efforts in the above areas and also to manage the enormous additional activities require support in the area of operations, procurement and finance management.
Purpose:
The purpose of this post is to offer comprehensive support to the Transition Programme's Recovery Projects in the District of Mannar and Trincomalee and with a view to facilitating the reconstruction and rehabilitation programme delivery, including but not limited to i) activity management, ii) monitoring of the projects; and iii) supervise national project staff.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, UNDP Transition Programme, the incumbent will:
1. Assist in the overall co-ordination and management of the Transition Programme in assigned Office;
2. Identify in collaboration with the Transition Programme national staff, government and the key stakeholders in the districts, project interventions which support economic recovery, particularly those related to infrastructure recovery through capacity building and participatory planning;
3. Coordinate and support the overall delivery of the Community Recovery Programmes in an effective, efficient and results-oriented manner, ensuring that objectives and targets are regularly met, adequate inputs are provided, agreed procedures are followed and that outputs are produced in a timely fashion;
4. Establish and maintain relations with all stakeholders, particularly the local authorities, and ensure that all activities are planned in a participatory, process driven approach, in line with local needs and assessments;
5. Gather information on potential project activities in assigned districts, with special reference to obtaining baseline reference data of potential beneficiaries and identifying verifiable indicators for the local economy and assist in preparing sub-project proposals;
6. Provide advice and training to national staff and counterparts in project management, planning, and evaluation as and when required;
7. Participate; represent and support interagency cooperation, particularly with UNHCR, ILO, UNICEF, WFP, the World Bank and the Asia Development Bank projects;
8. Oversee the ongoing management and administration of the UNDP staff and office in the assigned districts;
9. Oversee, along with the national staff, Office Cash Book and Accounts management;
10. Work closely with the UNDP PMU in Colombo to apply the UNDP DEX guidelines to project activities;
11. Provide advice to UNV colleagues about the Transition Programme and/or according to his/her area of expertise;
12. Submit to the Senior Programme Manager regular progress reports on the activities performed, achievements and recommendations for future activities; and
13. Any other duties assigned by the Senior Programme Manager.
Outputs:
，Periodically updated project workplan for the assigned District
，Up to 20 implemented projects and/or activities within the assigned District
，Monthly/Quarterly/Annual progress reports
，Inputs for donor reporting as and when requested
，Internal evaluations and sporadic reviews
，Appropriate reports for UNV
Qualifications:
Education Background:
Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture
Experience Required:
At least 3 years of practical experience in community planning and reconstruction in crisis/conflict situations
Proven project management skills
Experience as a facilitator and trainer
Experience in working at the community level
Experience of working in conflict affected areas an asset
Operational Skills:
Excellent organizational and presentation skills
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to promote team work
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Fluent in English
Ability to speak local languages (Tamil, Sinhalese) an asset
Computer Skills (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)
How to apply
If you are interested, please send a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and an application letter (both in English) via email to unv.china@undp.org
Deadline: 30 June, 2006
Acknowledgement will be sent to short-listed applicants only.
