Project manager (capacity development for nation building in Curacao)

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Trinidad and Tobago , in partnership with the Government of Curacao, is looking for a Project Manager that will coordinate the initiative named “Capacity Development for Nation Building of Curacao”.

The new Government of Country Curacao was established in the 10th day of October 2010 and is now seeking to develop a Development Planning Framework that will drive the country’s development in the short and medium term. The development Plan should be a comprehensive on that should address social, Economic and environmental planning. The new Government of the country has already prepared a Governing Programme which provides overall guidance on the direction that the country’s development path will take. An implementation Plan has also been drafted for the nine Ministries that are responsible for policy making and administratively heading the various sector economy.

Development planning should at all times be grounded on a sound, current statistical data and its implementation should ideally be supported by resource base, that is adequately resourced in terms of human, financial and technological inputs. To ensure that this capacity is built, the Government of Curacao is seeking under the project ‘Capacity Development for Nation Building in Curacao, to build human capacity and systems for development planning, create and maintain a national socio-economic database and develop resource mobilisation and aid co-ordination strategies in accordance with priorities set in the development plan.

Under a previous project with the Netherlands Antilles, UNDP supported the then federal Government of the Netherlands Antilles to prepare the first Millennium Development Goals Report for Sint Maarten and Curacao. Building on the findings and recommendations contained in that Report the project will assist the Government to achieve Millennium Development Goals 1 and 7 by 2015 which are the two goals where Curacao is shown to be deficient. Building on local attempts by national NGOs to cut food prices, it is proposed to tackle the achievement of Goal 1 by attempting to meet the targets set for the eradication of hunger. The project will attempt to boost capacity through training and other knowledge building techniques. For goal 7 the project will support ongoing national efforts in natural resources conservation with links to promoting awareness on solid waste management and disaster risk reduction .

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Sector Foreign Economic Co-operation, the project manager will be required to bring expert project management skills to ensure timely management of the project in the field and in his/her relationship with UNDP. He/she will be expected to develop proper project management systems and use the PRINCE2 methodology to ensure successful implementation of the project.

The Project Manager will be stationed at the Ministry of Economic Development in Molenplein, Willemstad, Curacao for the duration of the project.

Supervision will be under the Project Board, the Director, Sector Foreign Economic Cooperation , Ministry of Economic Development and the UNDP assigned Programme Officer.

To receive more information regarding the project please write to: Mr. Gianluca Giuman at gianluca.giuman@undp.org

Duties and Responsibilities

- Manage the implementation of the capacity building project Capacity Development for Nation Building for Curacao. In doing so the PRINCE2 methodology must be applied;
- Ensure coordination of all project activities between all parties (Ministry of Economic Development - UNDP and others)
- Participate in the project board meetings, prepare project progress and quarterly reports, biannual, and final;
- Provides information on the technical level and administrative issues (rules and regulations of the ministry and UNDP procedures) to enhance the link between UNDP- project and the ministry.
- Facilitates the job of the National Project Counterpart and support staff in implementing project activities ;
- Manage the relationships among the various project stakeholders;
- Ensure a transfer of knowledge to the project personnel and other staff from among the beneficiary organisations in the area of project management and the use of relevant software;
- Assist in the development of appropriate project management systems, procedures and practices for the achievement of project goals and for future project management in the Ministry of Economic Affairs;
- Identify training needs, plan and organise and conduct training exercises where possible and necessary within the context of the project;
- Develop and maintain Knowledge Management tools;
- Establish technical support teams for the cross cutting themes (National development plan, DevInfo and MDGs).

Results/Expected Outputs

- Efficient and timely delivery on the four outputs of the project;
- Ability to meet deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.

Competencies

- Demonstrated experience in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects;
- Proven experience in resources mobilisation;
- Proven knowledge regarding Governance, Public Policies, National Development Plans;
- Knowledge and capacities to facilitate Democratic Dialogues processes and multiple stakeholders coordination tables;
- Proven capacity to write knowledge products and to systematize lessons learned;
- Good monitoring and evaluation skills;
- Good experience in knowledge management, knowledge sharing and dissemination of knowledge.

Computer skills

- Sound Knowledge of Project Management Software, such as, but not limited to Microsoft Project, WBS pro, Mind Manager and Logframe.

Management & Leadership

- Has leadership qualities and motivates teams well, inspiring confidence in others;
- Flexibility in carrying out responsibilities and responsiveness to complex needs and demands;
- Develops creative solutions to particularly challenging situations and is an effective influencer;
- Ability to coach and mentor;
- Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture within the project.

Teamwork

- Works effectively in cross-functional teams, as well as through networks of diverse and dispersed people.

Communication

- Strong oral and written communication skills. Good listener and responsive to the opinions of others;
- Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.

Building Partnerships:

- Cultivates productive relationships with partners and other important institutions and individuals; mobilizes additional resources to achieve strategic results;
- Speaks confidently and exercises diplomacy in dealing with governments, UN system and national partners;
- Has the ability to think strategically, develop initiatives as well as provide innovative solutions and advice through learning and partnerships.

Respect for Diversity

- Commitment to UN’s core values; respects individual, gender and cultural differences in dealing with others. Competencies.

Required Skills and Experience

- He/she will be required to possess post graduate skills in Political Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Social Studies or related fields;
- He/she should have relevant experiences in project management and should have prior experiences in managing complex projects dealing with Governance, National Development Plan or National Development Strategies;
- He/she should be certified in project management and should have prior experience in managing complex project which cover a variety of sectors. Qualifications in PRINCE2 Foundation will be an asset;
- At least five years international experience in the area of project management associated with the capacity building in developing countries . This is a key requirement;
- At least two (3) years experience in Governance, Public Policies, National Development Plans ;
- Experience in working with public institution and international organization would be an asset;
- A sound knowledge and application of project management software programmes, tools and techniques are essential.
- Knowledge of results based management techniques and their application;
- Ability to establish and manage a (PMO) Project Management Office as well as train personnel in the establishing, managing and operating of PMOs would be an asset. Knowledge of developmental issues faced by SIDS and SIDS and expertise dealing with countries in transition.

Language Requirements

- Fluency in the English language;
- Good written and oral skills in Dutch and Papiamentu.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.