Project Analyst

Background

The Reforms and Innovation (R&I) in Government for High Performance is a governance-oriented project supporting the execution of well-considered reform strategies and bringing about systemic improvements leading to efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in the public sector. Through key outputs including performance-driven management, evidence-based decision-making, and anticipatory governance, the project contributes towards social and economic uplifting and improved resilience of citizens of Pakistan including its marginalized communities and women. The project also supports digital and innovative solutions for institutional strengthening, civil service reform, and inclusive policy-making.

Against this background, R&I is looking for a Project Analyst who will support the National Programme Manager in managing the day-to-day programme implementation. The Project Analyst will assist in the design and implementation of project activities, while ensuring high quality, accuracy, and consistency of work. The Project Analyst will demonstrate a client-oriented approach, tact, and ability to work with people of different cultural backgrounds. S/he will work in close collaboration with other project colleagues of the R&I Team, as well as with other UNDP Pakistan CO units, government officials, technical advisors and experts, donors and civil society to successfully implement the activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the R&I Programme Manager/Team Lead, the Project Analyst will be tasked to deliver distinct outputs of the programme, complete specified deliverables, and submit monthly and quarterly reports on the assigned tasks through a process of quality assurance and approval laid down by the Programme Manager, to ensure quality implementation from activity design to budgeting, monitoring, and organizing events.

The Project Analyst will be directly responsible for successfully completing the below set of tasks within allotted, agreed-upon time frames:

Ensure administration and implementation of Programme activities: 

• Works with the Reforms and Innovation Team in the identification, preparation, implementation, review and adjustments in the overall Programme  implementation strategies.
• Develop assigned sections of Annual Work Financial Plans and Communications Plans.
• Supports the NPM in drafting, analysis, and summarizing of proposals on the assigned thematic areas.
• Ensures oversight of Programme activities in the field and produces monthly implementation progress reports with specific attention to the assigned priority areas.
• Supports preparation of various reports.
• Carries out implementation of assigned tasks and activities and submits specific deliverables assigned by the Programme Manager on a quarterly basis 

Provides effective support and contributes to the efficient management of the Programme: 

• Contributes in the preparation of programme document drafts,  work plans, budgets, low-value agreements, proposals on implementing arrangements. 
• Contribute in the preparation of required budget revisions.
• Supports the preparation and coordination of the Local Project Appraisal Committee (LCAP) and Contracts, Assets and Procurement Committee (CAP).
• Supports tracking of financial resources; follow-up on performance indicators / success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation of reports in close cooperation with RAI Monitoring Evaluation Reporting and Learning (MERL) Manager.
• Prepares quarterly progress reports with analysis of financial implications and impact on Programme delivery targets 
• Guide the implementation of action plans for governance reform and system enhancement.

Advise and support the NPM in efficient and effective donor and stakeholder coordination:

• Participates in key stakeholder meetings, including donor coordination meetings, as advised by the NPM;
• Follows up with the Reforms Team on key actions that need to be taken following stakeholder discussions;
• Supports Democratic Governance Team in ensuring compliance with key internal processes pertaining to reporting, quality assurance.

In close cooperation with R&I MEL Officer, ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the project focusing on achievement of the following results: 

• Organization and facilitation of training for the programme / project personnel and project counterparts.
• Synthesis of Lessons Learnt and Best Practices from the Project’s implementation.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Drafts and reviews knowledge products developed by the project, including policy briefs, reports and proposals

The incumbent of the position will uphold the non-discriminatory behaviour and ensure that: 

• Human rights and gender equality is prioritized as an ethical principle within all actions; 
• Activities are designed and implemented in accordance with “Social and Environmental Standards of UNDP”; 
• Any kind of diversities based on ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, class, or gender are respected within all implementations including data production. 
• Differentiated needs of women and men are considered; 
• An inclusive approach is reflected within all actions and implementations, in that sense an enabling and accessible setup in various senses such as disability gender language barrier is created; 
• Necessary arrangements to provide gender parity within all committees, meetings, trainings, etc. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver makes improvements
• Learn Continuously:  LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, ask for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident 
• Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Direction & Strategy           

• System Thinking - Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Development          

• Knowledge Facilitation - Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally

Business Management           

• Project Management - Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Partnerships Management - Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
• Communication - Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience 
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels
• Monitoring - Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results

Ethics  

• UN policy knowledge – ethics - Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, including Development Studies, Project Management, or relevant related fields is required, or
•  A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years (with a Master´s degree) or 4 years (Bachelor´s degree) of professional work experience in the development sector, project management, communications/advocacy/reporting, or relevant related field is required.
• Proven experience with project management and project implementation is required.
• Proficiency in standard software applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc. is required
• Proven experience in effective partnership development with national counterparts, development partners, and civil society is desired.
• Relevant work experience in sustainable area development policy and programming, community peacebuilding, and development at the level of communities is an advantage.
• Previous experience in International Organizations, UN Agencies, OR UNDP is an advantage, especially knowledge about Business Processes. 
• Proven analytical and writing skills 

Required Languages

• Fluency in English and Urdu (as national language) is required. 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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