As part of the immediate COVID-19 response, some national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) are implementing household cash transfer programs that entail disbursing funds to millions of identified households and businesses within a very short period. However, traditional cash- and paper-based systems lead to delays and an increased risk of corruption. As a result, NGAs and LGUs are exploring alternative means for funds to reach beneficiaries in a more timely, efficient, and transparent manner. Digital financial services (DFS) offer one way by which funds can be disbursed faster, more securely and with greater transparency, and can also enable previously unbanked or underbanked households to benefit from access to DFS. 

The large-scale cash transfer support programs being implemented as part of the COVID-19 response offer an opportunity to test and potentially scale up the use and application by NGAs and LGUs of DFS that include transactional accounts, and thus promote greater financial inclusion among poorer households. For example, at the national level, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is implementing a Php 270 billion (US$5.3 billion) Social Amelioration Program that provides up to Php 5,000-8,000 (US$100-150) per month for two months to 18 million identified families. At the local level, many LGUs are establishing their own cash transfer programs to provide supplementary support to those not covered by DSWD’s program. For example, in Pasig City, the administration has committed to providing additional relief payments to 167,000 families. 

The Adaptable Digitally-Enabled Post-Crisis Transformation (ADEPT) Project, will test the core components of an end-to-end digital solution for household cash transfers that can be offered to a range of NGAs and LGUs that are interested in using DFS in both rural and urban contexts, beginning with support for a pilot of 600 households in Pasig City. Discussions are currently on-going with DSWD to also run a pilot in a rural area to better understand the contrasting urban-rural contexts.

Contrarily to the current situation where beneficiaries either have to wait in line at LGUs or NGAs to obtain cash, or else obtain funds in Land Bank wallet in which funds cannot be stored, this approach aims to offer beneficiaries the option to save money on their mobile wallet, rather than be forced to cash out. The greater resilience offered to beneficiaries from having formal savings, as well as the increased financial footprint that becomes possible from the long-term use of DFS, will contribute to increasing financial inclusion amount these disadvantaged communities.

This project will also decrease the amount of time and money spent by beneficiaries to collect their government payments, an important consideration for indigent households. Furthermore, this approach will also reduce the costs and required level of effort from LGUs and NGAs, now that their staff no longer have to be available to distribute physical cash to those beneficiaries included in the project.

A Project Manager leading the ADEPT project management team, is required to oversee and ensure the successful implementation of this ambitious and multi-faceted project.

The Project Manager will be responsible for managing the following:

The Project Manager will ensure not only effective day-to-day operations but also strategic leadership and innovation, the Project Manager will lead the project’s efforts to boost the quality, usefulness and project impact of the ADEPT project.

He/she is expected to analyze and interpret the UNDP’s financial rules and regulations and other corporate policies and processes on project and procurement management to accelerate the delivery of outputs. S/he is expected to promote a collaborative and client-focused approach to delivering quality services and results. S/he shall lead a team that is composed of a Quality Assurance Officer and a Finance and Administrative Assistant; and work closely with responsible parties, consultants, and suppliers to deliver services with impact.

The Key Summary of Functions:

• Ensure strategic management of the project and provide day-to-day financial and administrative management for the delivery of the project’s activities
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships and coordination with key counterparts to ensure the strategic positioning of UNDP
• Support resource mobilization, financial accountability and human resources management
• Efficient support to tasks related to advocacy, programming, monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

Ensure strategic management of the project and provide day-to-day financial and administrative management for the delivery of the project’s activities focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Lead the preparation and updating of the project’s annual work plan, procurement plan and M&E plan;
• Manage project funds, maintain financial integrity, and ensure effective use of project resources;
• With the Quality Assurance Officer and Finance and Administrative Assistant, provide quality and timely financial reports, as per UNDP financial rules and regulations and Government requirements;
• Operational coordination through support to existing coordination mechanisms, propose modifications of the plan to respond to changes in the project context.
• Overall management of the initiative and technical inputs in the implementation of the project under the overall guidance and advisory support of UNDP;
• Preparation of detailed annual and financial plans based on the project results framework and theory of change;
• Management, certification and reporting on financial disbursement based on approved work plan and payment schedule;
• Monitoring, reporting and evaluation of outputs and accomplishments towards the achievement of project intended outputs;
• Ensuring the effective, efficient and timely implementation of activities;
• Programme advocacy and visibility and coordination with relevant stakeholders; and
• Support services to the project for procurement, subcontracting and outsourcing of services.

Develop and maintain effective working relationships and coordination with key counterparts to ensure the strategic positioning of UNDP focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Build and maintain an effective relationship with key partners and stakeholders
• Develop and finalize Memorandum of Agreements, Responsible Party Agreements, or other relevant legal instruments with relevant entities, such as thinks tanks and academic institutions;
• Promote coordination, dialogue, and good practice knowledge sharing among stakeholders; and
• Ensure effective collaboration with the UN and other development partners.

Support resource mobilization, financial accountability and human resources management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identify and collaborate with potential partners to leverage Project funds and results;
• Effective application of UNDP financial oversight through the Atlas enterprise management system, including processing purchase orders, requisitions and payments;
• With the Project Officer and Finance and Administrative Assistant, ensure proper coordination and availability of all project documents for any internal and external audit requirements;
• Draft terms of reference and support the recruitment and management of national and international consultants, subject matter experts, consulting firms, and other such resources;
• Work closely with program administration and finance staff to ensure efficient and transparent use of project resources in line with approved budgets and within UNDP rules and regulations;
• Supervise the project team members and provide necessary guidance and coaching; and
• Set performance parameters for the project team, assess their performance and provide feedback.

Efficient support to tasks related to advocacy, programming, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Ensure the implementation of the communications and advocacy plan for the project;
• Establish suitable monitoring mechanisms and undertake regular monitoring and reporting on project progress, risks and constraints; updates the implementation plan as required; and
• Promote accountability through effective programme results reporting (monthly, quarter, and annual progress and financial reports)

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification of sources of information related to project implementation related issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to project goals.
• Maintain effective network with development partners and Government at national level and subnational level.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Organization of trainings for the projects staff on programme.

Core Competencies:

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers

People Management

Ability to improve performance & satisfaction

Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

Technical/Functional Competencies

Project Management

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

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Monitoring and Evaluation

Knowledge of methodologies, assessment tools, systems & apply practical experience in planning, monitoring, evaluating & reporting. 

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Sustainable Development Goals

Knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical solutions

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Knowledge Management

Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Collaboration and Partnership

Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.

Level 5:Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in finance, economics, business development, public administration, information management, community development, or related area.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in designing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and/or evaluating development programs and projects, managing the development and execution of policy and institutional reforms and innovations, coordinating development cooperation and collaboration of sectors with a multilateral international organization, I/NGOs, civil society organizations, and/or government agencies;
• Experience in managing and/or implementing a large-scale and complex beneficiary payment program and/or cash transfer, ideally in the Philippines; and/or implementing a development project related to social protection, digital innovation, and/or public sector digital transformation.
• Demonstrated capacity in project financial management including preparation of budgets, annual work plans and financial reporting is required;
• Proven experience of effective partnership development with national counterparts, development partners and civil society is required;
• Previous working experience with UN organization is advantageous.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Filipino required

Important application information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment

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 with be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Contract Duration: four months with possible extension depending to project budget and performance