Project Manager- MIF Project UNCDF (only Bangladeshi nationals are eligible to apply), Dhaka

• Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
• Country: Bangladesh
• City: Dhaka
• Office: UNDP Dhaka

UNDP UN Offices 18th Floor, IDB Bhaban Agargaon Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1207 Bangladesh

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Closing date: Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Project Manager- MIF Project UNCDF (only Bangladeshi nationals are eligible to apply)
Advertised on behalf of : UNCDF
Location : Dhaka, BANGLADESH
Application Deadline : 04-Nov-15
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Level : SB-4
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)
01-Dec-2015
Duration of Initial Contract : One year initially
Expected Duration of Assignment : One year, renewable on an annual basis upon satisfactory performance & availability of funds
Background
The Municipal Investment Finance (MIF) project in Bangladesh proposes the establishment of municipal finance support and dedicated funding mechanism within the Bangladesh Municipal Development Fund (BMDF) to respond to urgent needs for infrastructure development in urbanising and climate vulnerable municipalities. MIF's approach is based on the principle that properly conceived and well managed investment instruments can provide a solution to some of the difficulties faced by urban governments in managing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. MIF will support BMDF and selected urban local governments to acquire the necessary capacities to access innovative sources of funding like municipal bond, credit guarantee etc. MIF will be implemented in two phases:

• The Initial Phase will last 18 months and it will focus on developing capacities of BMDF and selected urban bodies on municipal finance and methodologies to access the capital market. Alongside in this first phase, policy analysis, policy advocacy, and Resource Mobilization will be carried out in parallel.
• The subsequent phase is the Actual Implementation Phase of MIF, during which the debt instrument, like municipal bond is expected to be piloted in the selected municipalities, subject to policy approval of government.

The MIF Initial Phase will be implemented through a Direct Implementation Modality (DIM).
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Manager will work under the overall guidance of the UNCDF Regional Technical Advisor (based in Dhaka) and close coordination with UNCDF Country Programme Coordinator and Project Manager of global MIF Project. S/he will head the Project Team and will be responsible for delivering the outputs. The Project Manager will be accountable to the UNCDF Regional Technical Advisor. The incumbent is responsible for the delivery and management of technical expertise, ensuring high quality and timely inputs, and for ensuring that the project maintains its strategic vision and that its activities result in the achievement of its intended outputs in a cost effective and timely manner. S/he will be responsible for leading the project team through planning, implementing and managing the delivery of policies, reports, knowledge products and other results approved in the project document or annual work plans. S/he will also closely work with UNCDF operations unit, Government officials, private sector, local government, non-government and civil society organizations.
Summary of key functions

1. Overall operational management for successful execution
2. Knowledge building and capacity enhancement services
3. Financial Management
4. Provide policy and programme support to the project
5. Partnerships and Resource mobilization
6. Staff supervision
7. Effective coordination with relevant partners and government

1. Overall operational management for successful execution

• Monitor programme outputs and manage progress against the outcomes defined in work plan
• Facilitate the day-to-day activities;
• Assist the BMDF and UNCDF in coordinating and managing project activities;
• Manage the human and financial resources, in consultation with the Management, for achieving results in line with the outputs and activities outlined in the project document;
• Lead the preparation and implementation of the results based work plans and result frameworks as endorsed by the management;
• Prepare progress reports and organize progress reviews;
• Facilitate organizing meetings of the Standing Committees/Advisory to function;
• Organize Advisory Panel (if relevant) and support the Management in the organization of the Management Board meeting as well.
• Coordinate the work of all project and policy advisory services;
• Coordinate the distribution of responsibilities amongst team members and organize monitoring and tracking system of all components of the project;
• Provide support to consultants and BMDF in the preparation of technical papers and maintaining effective liaison/interaction with government ministries/departments, NGOs, CBOs, local stakeholders, institutions;
• Act as officer-in-charge of the Project Team in absence of UNCDF Country Programme Coordinator and perform any other assignments as deemed necessary for effective implementation of the project;
• Facilitate international / national consultants to conduct studies related to project activities;
• Mobilize goods and services to initiate activities including drafting TORs and work specifications;
• Monitoring events as identified in project monitoring schedule plan and update the plan as required.

2. Knowledge building and capacity enhancement services

• Lead the process of knowledge captures of national, regional and global know-how in the subject area and production of knowledge-based products;
• Manage or support the formation of national and regional panel of advisors to guide the work of the project;
• Manage stakeholder expectations and participate in communication activities to inform stakeholders of progress and issues;
• Lead the process of knowledge creation and dissemination related to national, regional and global know-how in the subject area. In this context, partner with practitioners and members of the National think tanks, global networks, leadership of the practice and sub-practice teams in civil service, recruitment process, change management, HR policy and other related Bureaux on knowledge management services;
• Organize internal and external networks or communities of practice covering prominent experts in government, non-government, think tanks, private companies, international development organizations and the UN system;
• Develop country based intelligence on country situation, opportunities, interests and prospects covering government, UN and major development stakeholders. Map key competencies available in different government agencies and development organizations;

3. Partnerships and Resources

• Mobilize and network with the experts of national and regional offices of the UN System, international development organizations, sub-regional and regional associations, affiliations and bodies (inter-governmental, non-government or private sector) and prominent private sector organizations;
• Prepare proposals for mobilization of human, technical or financial resources from international development organizations, non-government organizations and the private sector;
• The Project Manager will provide inputs and services as may be required by the Management of the Project with the objective of achieving high level of performance and results;
• The key results have an impact on the overall success of the UNCDF country programme and reaching MiF goals. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design, operation and programming of activities, creation of strategic partnerships as well as reaching overall project targets;

4. Provide policy and programme support to the project

• Provide intellectual inputs in the subject area through identification of key policy issues and formulation of best possible and alternative policy and programme options for Bangladesh;
• Stimulate strategic thinking in the subject area, taking into account the needs of country as well as the opportunities to develop broader public goods;
• Undertake and facilitate necessary actions to leverage relevant policies;
• Ensure high standards in the provision of technical and advisory inputs, organization of workshops, seminars, training and delivery of outputs (products);
• Lead the analytical and policy development work of the project team. Promote the substantive quality of all knowledge products, reports and services, and ensures effective integration;
• Ensure programme outputs are aligned procedurally with UNCDF positions and practice area development;

5. Partnerships and Resource mobilization

• Mobilize and network with the experts of national and regional offices of the UN System, international development organizations, sub-regional and regional associations, affiliations and bodies (inter-governmental, non-government or private sector) and prominent private sector organizations;
• Prepare proposals for mobilization of human, technical or financial resources from international development organizations, non-government organizations and the private sector;

6. Staff supervision

• Supervise staff including work planning, performance monitoring and assessment;
• Coordination of staff responsibilities;

7. Effective coordination with relevant partners and government

• Provide support to Introduce and explain the concept of municipal bond at various government ministries and departments;
• Coordinates with various government and non-governmental agencies regarding requests for advisory and support services and lead the support from the project as required by the stakeholders.

Competencies
Corporate Competencies

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism

Functional Competencies
Knowledge Management and Learning

• In-depth knowledge on public finance issues with special focus on local governance
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice on local governance
• Excellent knowledge of monitoring and the application of methodology: Good understanding of capacity assessment methodologies; excellent ability to identify significant capacity building opportunities,
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners, respectful and helpful relations with relevant government departments.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting. Full project cycle mastery, excellent work/project planning skills.
• Ability to lead implementation and monitoring
• Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments
• Strong IT skills
• Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and influence behavioural/ attitudinal change

Management and Leadership

• Leads projects teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience
Education
Minimum Master's degree in any discipline of Financial Management Sciences;
Experience

• At least 15 years of experience in planning, designing, implementation, management and monitoring and evaluation of public finance projects at the national or international level, including 3 years dedicated engagement in project or programme management.
• Good understanding of market finance, borrowing instruments like bond, credit rating, stock market and public finance issues in Bangladesh and elsewhere will be an added qualification.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems is necessary.
• Government officials (retired or in-service) having above expertise/experience are encouraged to apply.
• For outstanding candidates, some of the requirements may be relaxed.

Language Requirements
Fluency in written and spoken English and national language of the duty station.
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.