Country: Central African Republic
Closing date: 16 Jul 2017
Background Information – UNOPS
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and
development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the
ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
Background information - DR Congo
Located in Kinshasa, DR CONGO, the UNOPS office in Central Africa (CDOH) covers the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. After the Democratic Republic of Congo office, Central African Republic office is CDOH’s second largest operations. Overall, CDOH has developed strong working relations with international partners, UN agencies including UN Missions and Governments of Central Africa over the years. It provides technical support and capacity building in strategic development areas including in peace, security and reconciliation, in infrastructure rehabilitation and development across health, education, public works and project management and sectoral advisory services.
Background information – Job specific
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a highly fragile country with a history of recurrent conflict, the most recent of which took place in 2013 between multiple armed groups. The violence that followed the 2013 crisis greatly damaged public assets and infrastructure, disrupted service delivery, further weakened the social fabric, and exacerbated people’s poverty and vulnerability to shocks. As a result, roughly one-quarter of the population was internally displaced or had to flee as refugees to neighboring countries. Upon the elections that have seen a leadership committed to peace, security, reconciliation and recovery of the country, improvements in the security situation have resulted in the voluntary return of displaced populations, estimated to be about 15 to 20 percent. However, the return of displaced to areas of origin remains fragile and dependent on overall security situation. The growing need to: rapidly increase access to basic services, to rehabilitate infrastructure and provide safety nets and communicate with a destitute population and with local authorities remains short term priorities and essential to the stabilization and economic revitalization of the country.
CDOH’s office in Bangui, CAR has a growing portfolio of experience providing project support services to peacekeeping operations, through its agile and flexible operational mechanism. In this framework, UNOPS CDOH is looking for a Project Development Manager to lend the crucial project development support to the CAR office.
Functional Responsibility
The Project Development officer will report directly to the CDOH Head of Office/Program Manager (HoO) in Central African Republic (CAR) and also to the Partnership Development Advisor as a secondary supervisor based in Kinshasa. He/She will support the project development and business acquisition activities of UNOPS CDOH.
Under guidance of HoO and Partnership Development Advisor, work with Project Managers and partners (new, potential and existing) on developing project ideas and complementary and/or additions to current and potential project opportunities, draft amendment/revision needs on existing contractual agreements. More specifically, he/she will:
- Drive attainment of business so as to augment the CAR portfolio in services types and partners diversification;
- Contribute to the development of CDOH’s BD strategies and respond to Hub requests regarding Business Development in CAR;
- Conduct research and prepare communication materials for Business Development support;
- Explore opportunities for business development intelligence (facilitate assessments of client needs, UNOPS comparative advantages, and partner survey analysis, among others);
- Prepare Letter for Expression Interest for potential business and lead in the preparation of project proposals for donors and partners in CAR;
- Prepare concept notes, project documents, proposals for further discussion with clients and donors;
- Draft agreements and/or contractual documents for the implementation of new projects;
- Act as a liaison resource to the Hub’s Partnership Development unit with the donor community in CAR and as such liaise with the Government of Central African Republic, UN sister agencies, MINUSCA, AFD, AfDB, PBF and other partners on BD opportunities and development.
- Provide logistical and substantive support for visits of donors and other delegations;
- Attend inter-agency meetings and assist on any portfolio and programme issues;
- In full coordination with the project management teams support in the preparation of amendments of agreements and budget revisions when applicable;
- Perform any other functions as may be tasked by the supervisor.
- Monitoring and Progress Control:
BD Matrix/Progress Reports
Success/performance evaluation:
- Realization of Contribution to augmenting size of portfolio and diversification of partners in CAR
- Contribution to achieving EA and NER targets set for CAR.
- Reporting
The Project Development Officer is responsible for contributing to the overall growth and portfolio diversification of CDOH business targets and needs in CAR.
Competencies
Integrity & Inclusion:
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Leading Self and Others:
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnering:
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Results Orientation:
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Agility:
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Solution Focused:
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Effective communication:
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in business/commerce, marketing, economics, management, international affairs, political science, development studies or related area is required.
- First level University degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in business/commerce, marketing, urban planning, economics, management, international affairs, political science, development studies or related area in combination with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
- A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in an international development environment which includes leading roles in developing opportunities and projects is required
- At least two years’ experience in project development/partnership development, including the development of BD/Financial Agreement project document, plans, budgets and initiatives
- Working experience in Africa is an asset
- Have previous experience within a reconciliation setting highly desirable
- Have a work experience in peace building, reconciliation or other post crisis domain an asset
- Have ability in communicating consistently, clearly and effectively with a broad range of stakeholders
- Have a knowledge of UNOPS rules and regulations an asset
Languages
- Fluency written and oral in French is required
- Fluency written and oral in English is required
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: IICA-2 (ICS10)
Contract duration: Six (6) months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
How to apply:
Qualified candidates may submit their application to: https://jobs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=12573