JOB OPPORTUNITY
Project Management Support Senior Associate (Field Coordination Associate)
Job categories: Project Management
Vacancy code: VA/2021/B5516/21290
Department/office: AR, BDMCO, Nepal
Duty station: Dhanusa, Nepal
Contract type: Local ICA Support
Contract level: LICA-7
Duration: Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or satisfactory performance
Application period: 23-Feb-2021 to 09-Mar-2021
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
General Background
UNOPS is expanding its operational support in South Asia and has recently established its presence in Nepal with six projects signed with British Embassy (BEK), USAID and World Vision supporting Nepal Government Institutions. UNOPS will provide advisory and technical assistance services with its expertise in Procurement, Project Management and Infrastructure, as well as providing capacity building to key stakeholders. The initial projects are located across all 7 provinces of Nepal, while the major project team works from UNOPS Kathmandu-based country office.
UNOPS is currently launching a project to assist British Embassy (BEK) with the creation of Project Coordination Units (PCUs) in order to support the implementation of federalism as per the Constitution of Nepal (2015). Since the new constitution came into effect in 2015, creating three spheres of Government and seven new provinces, British Embassy (BEK) is adapting the way it works to suit the new political context. While maintaining its existing bilateral aid work with the Government of Nepal, British Embassy (BEK) will also look to work closely with the new provincial and local Government spheres as they become operational. This will mean having a greater understanding and presence at the provincial level in order to support its broader development work.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
British Embassy (BEK) has contracted UNOPS to carry out a “Project Coordination” Project in close cooperation with British Embassy (BEK) leadership. British Embassy (BEK) through UNOPS will work closely with the new provincial and local Government to coordinate programmes in the provinces and provide technical assistance, as appropriate.
The Field Coordination Associate will support the Head of Provincial Project Office to provide field coordination for British Embassy (BEK)-funded projects in the province and to collect relevant field data to ensure the safe and effective implementation of British Embassy (BEK) programmes locally. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the success of British Embassy (BEK)’s programmes across Nepal as federalism is implemented.
Functional Responsibilities
Reporting to the Janakpur Head of Office, the field coordinator will be responsible for the following activities:
- Activity mapping: Support the Head of Provincial Project Office to conduct regular activity mapping exercises for all British Embassy Kathmandu-funded activities in the province, through a desk review of existing information, interviews with key informants (local authorities, BEK personnel), liaison with partners and field visits.
- Launch of coordination mechanisms: Engage key PCU stakeholders (provincial and municipal governments, British Embassy Kathmandu (BEK) and BEK-funded project personnel) to design relevant field coordination mechanisms to respond to their objectives and capacity.Timely delivery of coordination activities as per the project plan.
- Coordination mechanisms secretariat: Ensure that coordination mechanisms are fit for purpose and functioning according to their agreed requirements (periodicity, nature of data exchange, level of representation etc.) through logistical support for meeting organisation, reminders, meeting minutes and regular evaluations.
- Data collection: In collaboration with the Data Coordinator, define relevant data to collect and dashboards to set up for coordination purposes. Lead data collection among British
- Embassy Kathmandu-funded projects. Compile information for joint narrative reporting and assist the Head of Provincial Project Office to draft joint reports as required.
- Communication: Assist the Head of Provincial Project Office in ensuring communication with local and provincial governments is coordinated effectively, reducing siloes, gaps and duplication in conversations. This will include making sure that all levels of government are properly informed about field activities and feeding back information about conversations with these governments to UNOPS Nepal senior management and the Donor.
- Develop strong network and contacts mechanism,
- Update provincial context when required
- Other duties, as and when requested by the Head of Office
Monitoring and Progress Controls
- The Field Coordination Associate’s performance will be monitored through:
- The definition and bi-annual review of individual performance objectives.
- The completion of deliverables as per the project’s plan (activity mapping, joint reporting, risk management updates).
- Successfully building effective networks in the province, as well as within British Embassy (BEK), and working collaboratively with all staff
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- Secondary Education in development studies, social studies, business, management, administration or another relevant field.
Work Experience
- At least 7 years of work experience in development project implementation, peace and security, risk management, field coordination, monitoring and evaluation or a related field.
- Experience working in Nepal Experience working in Province 2 and/or Province 1 is desirable.
- Previous experience working on British Embassy Kathmandu-funded projects is essential.
Language
- Full professional command of Nepali and English.
- Ability to work in Maithili or Bhojpuri is essential.
Competencies
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Functional competencies
- Good technological competence, including experience working with MS Office and cloud-based work (Google Suite).
- Significant travel to Biratnagar (Province 1)
- Willingness to travel to Kathmandu monthly and short field trips in the required provinces.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure.
- Collaborative approach to working in a multi-ethnic team.
Contract type, level and duration
- Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
- Contract level: LICA 7
- Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
Additional Considerations
- This post is open to Nepal nationals only.
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Background Information – UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.