Location : Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA
Application Deadline : 16-Aug-11
Additional Category Poverty Reduction
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Level : SB-4
Languages Required :English
Duration of Initial Contract : 6 months
Cambodia remains one of the countries in the world most affected by landmines and UXOs. The 2010-2019 National Mine Action Strategy (NMAS) aims to significantly address Cambodia’s remaining mine and ERW problem. As part of its request for a ten year extension of its Article 5 deadline under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty (APMBT), the RGC has estimated that some 646 square kilometers of land remain suspected or contaminated by landmines.
The RGC has requested continued donor assistance for this purpose, including support for the implementation of UNDP’s Clearing for Results Phase II project (2011-2015). The project falls under UNDP’s 2011-2015 Country Programme Action Plan whereby Clearing for Results is expected to contribute to the strengthening of national structures and mechanisms to develop a more diversified, sustainable and equitable economy by ensuring that demining resources are effectively allocated promoting the release of land for productive use.
Clearing for Results Phase II (2011-2015) is a multi-donor project implemented by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance (CMAA) with technical and financial support from UNDP and other donors. It builds on the successful implementation of the first phase of the project (Clearing for Results, 2006-2010) during which considerable gains were achieved in building CMAA’s capacities in the areas of quality assurance, strategic and policy formulation as well as the socio-economic management of mine clearance. The CMAA however recognized that given the task ahead, more support is required to ensure that land is being cleared from the landmine threat in an effective and cost-efficient manner. To that extent, the CMAA is formulating a capacity development plan to equip the organization and its staff with the skills, tools and processes to deliver on CMAA’s mandate and to achieve the goals of the NMAS.
The project is articulated around three key deliverables as follow:
- Empower the CMAA to formulate policies and strategies that ensure resources are effectively allocated onto national priorities and maximize the land available for local development;
- Equip the CMAA with the technical and functional capacities required to manage the sector within an evolving environment;
- Support mine clearance activities that promote cost-effectiveness, accountability and transparency. Demining contracts are to be allocated by the CMAA by using competitive procurement mechanisms.
A CMAA Project Team is managing the project with advisory and capacity development support from a UNDP Advisory Team.
In support of the national execution of the project and in line with the objective to assist the Royal Government of Cambodia to further strengthen the use of national systems, the Operations Specialist assists the CMAA to put in place efficient, effective and accountable operations management procedures and advise the CMAA on operations management under the Clearing for Results 2 Project.
The Operations Specialist will support the set up of transparent, accountable and efficient systems for managing allocated resources. In this respect, he/she will ensure that planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation comply with the RGC and UNDP rules and regulations and international standards.
The Operations Specialist will work closely with the project team to assist in developing results-based work plans; applying best practice in operational management; and, by liaising with UNDP operations’ staff, coordinating competitive bidding process and sourcing of specialist services, and all aspects of results-based project management. The role of the Operations Specialist is to strengthen national capacity and to ensure that UNDP National Implementation requirements are met.
To the extent possible, the Operations Specialist will assist with the development of national systems for procurement, recruitment, financial management, and administration, taking into account progress in the roll-out of PFM reform and other potential requirements in the sector. He/she will also assist with the development and implementation of internal control and risk management systems at CMAA. The Operations Specialist will provide advice to the CMAA Project Team in the daily management of operations to deliver activities under the project work plan. The Operations Specialist will ensure that manuals and guidelines are aligned with international standards.
The overall aim is to help the CMAA establish itself as operationally strong institution with reliable and accountable system to efficiently and effectively manage donor funds under its responsibility.
Duties and Responsibilities
A. Provide operational- support and advice for transparent and accountable procurement, recruitment, and financial management:
- Support CMAA Project Team in preparing and implementing operations plan (procurement, finance, HR, and administration) to ensure quality and timely results delivery;
- Assist CMAA Project Team in consultation with relevant Departments in preparing and implementing POC, by helping to develop a system to manage performances;
- Support CMAA Project Team in identifying consultants and sub-contractors as required;
- Support the CMAA Project Team with the preparation and implementation of bidding processes;
- Support CMAA Project Team to put in place or maintain adequate accounting and financial management systems (petty cash, DSA, payment process, bank reconciliation, FACE Form, etc.) that comply with specified and agreed standard; and
- Provide advisory service in the preparation of the FACE Form, Cash Advance and Financial Reports including all supporting documents;
- Support CMAA to develop effective administrative procedures (i.e. protocol, logistic, and other arrangement of similar kinds);
- Assist CMAA in the formulation and implementation of effective control and risk management frameworks
- Provide training and raise awareness on procedures, manuals or guidelines as required.
B. Ensure highest quality of support and delivery of services to the project in collaboration with the UNDP team
- Contribute to capacity development activities such as workshops and trainings with staff and various departments where needed;
- Work closely with the UNDP Advisory Team in supporting the CMAA to plan, implement and report on all project activities;
- Liaise closely with relevant offices in UNDP (procurement, finance, HR, administration) to facilitate the delivery of support services and a smooth disbursement of funds;
- Work closely with UNDP Programme Analyst and Associate to facilitate workflows and work processes.
C. Results-Based Management-Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting on results
- Advise project team to formulate annual and quarterly work plans, budgets, and indicators for results-based management if required;
- Comment on quality of project activities implementation and contribute to formulation of relevant activities as required;
- Support preparation of Project Board and ad hoc meetings with partners as required;
- Advise project team on design and implementation of M&E plan specific to the management of the project by the CMAA as required;
- Utilize technical knowledge and resources of other UNDP/Government projects.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional Competencies:
- Sound project management skills, including project cycle management, and financial and contractual management procedures.
- Strong analytical skills and proven ability to work independently.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrates capacity and substantial experience in dealing with policy and strategic issues.
Management and Leadership Skills:
- Focuses on impact and result and responds positively to feedback.
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
- Creativity and pro-activeness, ability to tap sources of knowledge for innovative ideas, to see emerging opportunities for UNDP’s intervention and translate those into a well-designed programme support.
- Good team player and willing to take on additional responsibilities.
Required Skills and Experience
- Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or other related fields;
- 3 years of relevant experience in managing operations or providing operations management advisory services including finance, procurement, Human Resources;
- Hands-on experience in development projects and establishing inter-relationships between international organization and national governments;
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages; experience in the use of Quick book is an asset;
- Experience in working with government entities managing donor funds is an asset;
- Experience in handling of web based management systems.
- Fluency in spoken and written English and Khmer is mandatory; French language skill is an advantage.
