The Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS) was set up in June 2015, with UNDP Iraq taking the Programmatic lead at the request of the Government of Iraq and the DSRSG/RC/HC to support the newly liberated areas that were freed from ISIL. FFS supports stabilization activities in Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa and Salah al-Din. The FFS Steering Committee, which is co-chaired by the Secretary- General of the Council of Ministers (CoM), the DSRSG/RC/HC and the UNDP Resident Representative (RR), provides strategic direction to the FFS. All stabilization activities are decided in agreement with the local authorities (Governor’s office and mayors), based on priorities identified at the local level through consultations. Given the sensitive nature of stabilization and the fragile conditions prevailing in many newly liberated areas, concerns relating to human rights, protection, gender and inclusion are taken into account during the prioritization and sequencing of activities. FFS has four windows listed below.

Window One: Public Works and Light Infrastructure Rehabilitation;

Window Two: Livelihoods;

Window Three: Capacity Support; and

Window Four: Social Cohesion.

The different windows of FFS are implemented by government entities, NGOs/CBOs and other UN agencies, where relevant. However, ownership by and the leading role of the Iraqi Government (particularly at governorate level) are critical and include decision-making power on project-funding and priority setting through consultative processes with the international partners and other stakeholders. Where feasible, the contracting/implementation/monitoring of activities is coordinated with Government technical implementation entities to ensure maximum ownership.

Given the increasing number and complexity of projects under FFS, UNDP requires a Programme Manager for FFS to support the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of FFIS and FFES projects. The Programme Manager will be based in Baghdad to cover the central region: Anbar, Diyala and Salah Al-Din (except Shirqat) while another existing Programme Manager based in Erbil will continue to cover the northern region: Ninewah, Kirkuk and Shirqat in Salah Al-Din. The Programme Manager reports to the Head of Stabilisation.

• Thorough analysis of political/social and economic situation of the country and identify strategic areas of support for UNDP in areas of crisis response and stabilization
• Provide strategic direction to the programme and specialized technical advice to the Senior Management on the development of systems, processes and mechanisms to support effective programme planning, implementation, monitoring and timely reporting; 
• Builds solid relationships with key national partners and identifies institutional development and capacity building opportunities and priorities, where relevant; 
• Ensures the integration of cross-cutting issues, such as gender, conflict sensitivity, human rights, environmental safeguards and resilience into stabilization and crisis response programming; 
• Ensures systematic and effective analysis, project monitoring. Including but not limited to regular field visits, as appropriate, and participation In Project Board and/or Steering Committee meetings; 
• Ensures the integrity of financial and administrative operations as well as the consistent application of UNDP rules and procedures for programme and operations issues related to the programme.

• Leads the project teams and works closely with a wide array of partners to ensure that the projects under stabilization and crisis response directly respond to the UNDP country programme strategy; 
• Supervises the project staff, provides coaching to staff and effective leadership
• Develops, oversees and monitors work plans and budgets for all activities in the project portfolio;
• In coordination with the Stabilization Pillar’s central units, ensures timely and adequate reporting against work plans, including timely and articulate progress reports;
• Identifies risks and challenges to the ongoing operations of the projects and provides advice to the Head of Stabilisation on mitigation strategies;
• Ensures the integrity of financial and administrative operations of the project coordinating financial review with the pillar’s Finance Unit;
• Strict and consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations and ensuring the implementation of clear accountability mechanisms;
• Participates in internal control mechanisms for adherence to UNDP rules and regulations in contracts, assets, procurement, recruitment, etc., as required;
• Manages day to day administrative matters for the project with support from administrative staff and the performance of consultants, specialists, and advisers;
• Ensures high-quality and timely reporting to government partners and donors involved in the project.

• Promotes resource mobilization for the project in close consultation with Senior Management and supports reaching the annual resource mobilization targets;
• Represents UNDP in coordination fora specifically focusing on stabilization across the various sectors;
• Advocates for UNDP’s work and represents UNDP with national authorities, the donor community, and international financial institutions, where requested;
• Liaises regularly and forges close linkages with other UN programmes, agencies and entities, as well as other international and national stakeholders concerned with or providing assistance on stabilization and resilience building;
• Contributes to the harnessing of effective partnerships and competitive selection of partners/Responsible Parties for implementation of UNDP projects.

• Promotes stabilisation, ensuring appropriate levels of visibility and public awareness on results and ongoing activities;
• Provides policy advice to UNDP Senior Management, government counterparts, donors and other partners on issues related to stabilisation;
• Represents UNDP, as requested by the Head of Stabilisation.

• Promotes identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned from the project for organizational sharing and learning as well as external information;
• Actively participates in UNDP knowledge networks and takes advantage of best practices and lessons learned that are available in the region and globally and encourages project staff to do so by creating a culture of knowledge sharing and learning;
• Promotes the participation of UNDP Iraq in regional programmes related to the project as appropriate;
• Supports capacity and knowledge building of national counterparts;
• Undertakes any other tasks related to stabilisation as assigned by the Head of Stabilisation.

• Ability to make new and useful ideas work

• Ability to persuade others to follow

• Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

• Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

• Ability to get things done

• Knowledge of anti-corruption concepts, principles and policies and the ability to apply in strategic and/or practical situations

• Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge

• Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside (Programmes/Projects) or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support. Sets overall direction for the formation and management of strategic relationships contributing to the overall positioning of UNDP

• Ability to identify and organize programmes and projects to implement solutions and generate resources

• Ability to make decisions that align strategy, mission, and vision

• Ability to plan, organize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

• Master’s degree in economics, Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or other relevant fields.

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in project management and project assurance;
• Proven experience in Resource Mobilization;
• Proven track record in program support/monitoring;
• Proven management experience, preferably in UNDP or other UN agency, with sound knowledge of project cycle management;
• Experience in working in crisis or conflict country;
• Experience working in a multi-cultural and/or international work environment.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English;
• Fluency in Arabic is desirable but not essential.

• Functionally-related professional management skills;
• Plan and prioritizes work activities to meet organizational goals and organizes and oversees work processes efficiently to achieve quality results;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, as well as experience in the handling of web-based management systems;
• Experience from previous UN assignments and/or multilateral banks (World Bank, Asian Development Bank, etc.} and bi-lateral aid organizations would be an asset;
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply;
• Knowledge of Results Based Management methodologies would be an asset.

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Contract Duration: 364 days