Area Manager Vacancy-Job Ref: JKTNUNDP/0902/202454

Area Manager Vacancy-Job Ref: JKTNUNDP/0902/202454
Zarzis (Tunisia)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Anchored in the UNDP country program (2021-2035), and drawing on lessons from its SDG16+ portfolio (2018-2035), as well as an analysis of vulnerabilities, stakeholder dynamics and capacities, UNDP , in collaboration with its national partners, has developed a new portfolio, entitled, “Governance as a lever for socio-economic development in Tunisia”. It will engage institutions, civil society and the private sector to leverage accountable and effective governance to accelerate socio-economic development through an integrated area-based approach that places people at the center of local solutions . The portfolio’s intervention is based on the principle that a just society, free of corruption, and where vulnerable people are included in the search for solutions through partnerships between public institutions, civil society and the private sector, could accelerate progress.

In order to support the government’s efforts to implement planned reforms and to master the aforementioned challenges, the proposed portfolio aims to contribute to sustainable development in Tunisia, through support for the following expected results:

Outcome 1: Transparency and accountability are effectively strengthened to prevent corruption at local and national levels and promote the equitable delivery of quality services to the population.
Outcome 2: The rights of vulnerable people to local development and a decent life are guaranteed through inclusive access to services and economic opportunities.
Outcome 3: People have access to their rights and increase their confidence in more responsive, people-centered and human rights-respecting security and justice services.
Outcome 4: Data produced and analyzed to ensure adaptive management, quality programming and strengthening of program results.
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In this context, UNDP is recruiting a. Area Manager for the portfolio.

The main responsibilities of the Area Manager are as follows:

Manage, monitor and coordinate the implementation of portfolio activities in their designated region, in close coordination with the country office and portfolio team based in Tunis to ensure that they meet the required quality standards and meet specified time and cost limits.
Play a strategic advisory role to the RR/RR team and portfolio by providing ongoing strategic analysis of the political, social and economic context; stakeholder dynamics; emerging programmatic opportunities, risks and lessons relevant to achieving portfolio outcomes.
Represent and position UNDP in stakeholder discussions and meetings in the region: The sector manager will represent UNDP in discussions with all key stakeholders at regional and local levels: public authorities, including governorates, regional directorates ministries, municipalities, internal security forces, civil society, the private sector as well as international development partners.
Manage the UNDP office and team in the region as well as the regional team.
2-Tasks to perform:

Area Manager will be responsible for:

Analysis and strategic advice:

Support Principal Technical Advisors (CTPs) in daily decision-making for portfolio implementation, taking into account the need to adapt activities to the context and ensuring that teams produce specified results (outputs) within the portfolio and its related documents according to the required quality standards and within the specified time and cost;
Oversee and provide strategic guidance to local staff to ensure implementation of planned activities (including weekly staff meetings, one-on-one meetings);
Maintain very close working relationships and support to local stakeholders, integrating the territorial approach, people and results into appropriate structures;
Assist CTPs in producing all relevant information and documents for monitoring, reporting and coordination of field missions and for resource mobilization purposes;
Advise the RR, RRA and other senior program and portfolio staff on all matters related to portfolio planning and implementation at the regional/local level;
Provide advice on emerging policy developments, institutional positioning and partnerships relevant to issues covered by the portfolio at the regional level;
Where appropriate, coordinate and advise regional planning processes in line with the portfolio and decisions made by the portfolio governance bodies, including opportunities where linkages and partnerships can be developed with other stakeholders, whether whether the United Nations, the private sector, international NGOs or local organizations;
Proactively promote gender equality and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, including young people and people with disabilities;
Contribute to the development of knowledge products, toolkits, guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (POS/SOPs) based on trends and lessons learned in the field;
Support and facilitate the complementarity of interventions with other initiatives/projects/programs existing at the local level;
Actively participate in relevant meetings at the local level and provide feedback to CTPs, Program Managers and Portfolio Coordinators;
Establish strong working relationships with local authorities and other stakeholders with the aim of responding to local issues and crises as they arise;
Ensure proactive information and communication management (including management of UNDP reputational risk in line with social and environmental standards and procedures and other risk management frameworks within the portfolio) and ensure that the team senior staff and stakeholders are informed of developments.

Management

Contribute to the preparation of the annual regional work plan and ensure adequate monitoring of the implementation of activities;
Actively contribute to portfolio coordination meetings organized with UNDP portfolio staff in Tunis and the relevant region;
Ensure progress is reported in the portfolio information management tool;
Ensure, at the regional level, that portfolio-related activities in the region are properly implemented, monitored and evaluated in an efficient and effective manner;
Share findings and lessons learned, and ensure that an adequate flow of information is disseminated;
Ensure appropriate monitoring and liaison with other UNDP operational projects in the region;
Certify various expenses in accordance with the work plan and operational activities of the area;
Ensure that financial disbursement records and inventory records comply with UNDP rules and regulations;
Ensure procurement complies with UNDP rules and regulations.
Serve as secondary manager (matrix) to technical experts based in the regional office, in close coordination with the primary supervisor in Tunis;
Representation

Represent UNDP at regional/local level meetings involving government sector officials, representatives of international and national NGOs and the United Nations;
Act as the main focal point for UNDP external partners at the regional/local level on all matters related to portfolio coordination in their designated areas;
Strengthen links between the portfolio and relevant national coordination mechanisms as established in the governorate;
Support key ongoing cross-sector integration efforts, including conflict sensitivity, environment and gender;
Maintain close collaboration with relevant government counterparts, including regional directorates, municipalities or delegations, governorate offices and other public institutions at the regional/local level on all matters related to portfolio implementation;
Promote local and programmatic strategies in close coordination with interagency and program colleagues;
Based on collective analysis, provide advice to partners on program priorities, targeting and design;
Identify information gaps and define evaluation and research needs to inform strategies;
Contribute to the development and updating of regional plans and ensure the implementation and adaptation of these plans at the local level.
The incumbent performs other tasks falling within his functional profile which are deemed necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the Office and the Organization.

3- Institutional arrangement

Area Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative and in close collaboration with the “Inclusive Growth and Human Development” Team Leader (primary supervisor) and the “Governance” Team Leader (secondary supervisor) as well as with the CTPs/project managers for results 1 to 4. The sector manager will also be a member of the portfolio coordination team which reports to the RRA and meets weekly to address cross-cutting issues relevant to the entire portfolio .

4-Skills

Fundamental skills
Achieve results LEVEL 3: Set and align ambitious and achievable goals for multiple projects, have a lasting impact
Think innovatively LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Continuously learn LEVEL 3: Create and seize opportunities to broaden horizons and diversify experiences
Adapt with agility LEVEL 3: Initiate and champion change proactively, manage multiple simultaneous demands
Act with determination LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate tasks and obstacles and act to achieve better results
Get involved and join LEVEL 3: Political acumen, navigating a complex landscape, promoting interagency collaboration
Foster diversity and inclusion LEVEL 3: Appreciate the benefits of the diverse workforce and promote inclusion
People Management (Insert phrase below standard if position has direct reports.)

UNDP people management skills are available on the dedicated website .

Transversal and technical skills (insert up to 7 skills)

Thematic area Name Definition
Business direction and strategy

Systems thinking
Ability to objectively analyze and judge issues to understand how interdependent elements coexist within an overall process or system, and ability to examine how changing one element can impact other other parts of the system
Business direction and strategy Strategic thinking
Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans consistent with UNDP objectives, based on systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; Connect vision to reality on the ground and create tangible solutions
Ability to leverage learning from diverse sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; demonstrate foresight to model what future developments and possible pathways for the future of UNDP will look like
Business Management Resource management
Ability to allocate and use resources strategically or tactically in accordance with the principles of accountability and integrity
Business Management
Customer Satisfaction/Customer Management

Ability to respond quickly and appropriately with a sense of urgency, deliver consistent solutions and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to meet and understand real customer needs. Provide input for the development of the customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond immediate customer demands.
Ability to anticipate future customer needs and concerns.
Business Management Communication
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and unambiguously through written and verbal communication; Adapt messages and choose communication methods based on the audience
Ability to manage internal and external communications, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Partnership management Relationship management
Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, establishing, maintaining and/or strengthening working relationships, trust and mutual understanding.
Business Management Portfolio Management
Ability to select, prioritize and monitor the organization’s programs and projects, in accordance with its strategic objectives and capabilities; Ability to balance implementing change initiatives and maintaining the status quo, while maximizing return on investment
5-Passed NPSA Minimum Qualifications

Min. Academic teaching

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences, economics, business administration, international development or a related field, or
An undergraduate university degree (bachelor’s degree) with 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Min. years of relevant professional experience

Minimum 5 years (with a Master’s degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience at national or international level in the operational planning and implementation of social and economic development activities as well as consolidation of the peace and/or any related area;
Required skills and competencies

Good knowledge and understanding of socio-economic development in the country and region;
Experience in promoting networks and partnerships and ability to coordinate with UN agencies, international organizations and other stakeholders in the sector.
Experience using computers, office software (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and database software.
Desired skills in addition to required skills

Good communication, facilitation and coordination skills/experience.
An experience in gender-based development, inclusive and favorable to poor populations;
Experience in management and leadership
Experience in formulating and managing budgets and work plans;
Required language[s]

Excellent oral and writing skills in French and Arabic are required.
A good command of English would be considered an asset.

6. Travel:

1- Mission travel to visit project sites and to Tunis is required for this position.
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