Since 2010 UNDP has been the main partner to the Government of Armenia in advancing cross-border collaboration, enabling more effective and synchronized border management systems and modernizing border infrastructure. UNDP will build on this work by supporting the Government to prepare for  modernization of the border crossing point in Southern Armenia aiming  to provide the link with Armenia’s North-South Corridor and to create more favorable environment for  economic growth. This activities are planned as part of the project on “Support to Migration and Border Management in Armenia”  which is implemented by UNDP with financial support of the European Union and in partnershiop with the International Center for Migration Policy Development.

Main activities of the Project are:

• Study on the potential of enhanced border management for transport corridors and their positive influence on economic development
• Preparation of detailed package of tender documentation and costing for reconstruction of border crossing point (BCP) in Meghri (at the Armenian-Iranian border), including assessment of possible sources of financing
• Delivery of solutions including ICT-based to enhance transparency and accessibility of border services for clients

Apart from project coordination functions the incumbent is expected to contribute substantially to the development of the border management and development programmatic direction of UNDP
 

Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Democratic Governance and IBM Programme Analyst, and in cooperation with the Programme Associate for day-to-day activities, the incumbent will be responsible for the overall implementation of the project activities, in close coordination with relevant national authorities,  other UNDP projects and international partners. As a critical component of the project will be coordination, he/she will liaise at all times with the Project Board, which will include representatives of all national authorities, the donor community, and UNDP.

The incumbent will:

• Lead, supervise and monitor the Project implementation process;
• Ensure the efficient operation of the Project Unit, including supervision of the Project staff and consultants;
• Ensure the development and efficient implementation of activities, as per the Project Document acting flexibly to adjust to implementing realities;
• Manage the Project budget and ensuring financial delivery;
• Liaise with the Government, regional and local authorities, civil society organizations, international partners and  other stakeholders to ensure participatory approach for the development and implementation of Project activities;
• Develop   critical partnerships and networks for the specific thematic areas; participating in the activities of intergovernmental or other coordinating bodies;
• Develop and submit reports to the implementing and responsible partners, UNDP, and funding organizations on the financial and operational status of the Project;
• Supervise the Project’s communication strategy and publication of relevant reports;
• Undertake regular field visits and lead in the organization of the Project Board and Steering Committee meetings;
• Ensure overall sustainability of Project activities, especially in the areas of quality standards, constructions norms, border management procedures, ICT and capacity development;
• Provide   quality advisory services for UNDP interventions on border management and development trends and develop policy options for UNDP interventions in collaboration with Government and other partners relevant to the Project scope and stakeholders involved;
• Identify catalytic areas for UNDP work in the areas of ioorder management/cross border cooperation and local development;
• Support UNDP in providing guidance and technical expertise on the formulation of Project strategies and proposals in the related fields; coordinate preparation of project proposals in priority areas, identify potential funding sources;
• Liaise closely with UNDP’s global and regional advisors to ensure that UNDP Armenia is at the cutting edge of thinking on border management and development sector, etc.;
• Provide analysis on global and local events in the media;
• Brief senior UN officials on the trends and situation in border managemen in Armenia as relevant;
• Contribute to the preparation of the office collective products, including policy papers, corporate planning and reporting tools, resource mobilization and advocacy materials, innovative and creative initiatives, blogs, interviews etc.;
• Provide knowledge-driven policy advice and services to UNDP and the Government in the related practice areas;
• Act as project assets custodian and ensure that the project assets are properly inventoried and reported to UNDP;
• Manage and monitor identified project risks and update the status of these risks;
• Oversee the establishment of effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure project success;
• Perform other duties as required by UNDP.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural and gender sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly and without favoritism;
• Shows strong corporate commitment.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• In-depth knowledge on development issues;
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning and reporting, and facilitate crucial decision making at the highest levels of government;
• Ability to generate creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations;
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources;
• Strong IT skills;
• Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioural/attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure.

Education:

• Advanced University Degree in Engineering, Development or Security Studies, Public Administration, or related field.

Experience:

•  Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in supervision and management of projects, including civil works, architecture, etc.
• Experience in high-level policy advisory services to government counterparts.
• Experience in development of analytical documents, briefs and policy recommendations/papers.
• Ability to travel and work in  rural areas of Armenia.

Skills:   

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with people of different social and cultural background.
• Ability to deliver and reach the planned targets without undermining proper operational processes.
• Creativity, flexibility and an innovative approach to problem solving.
• Strong managerial skills, proven ability to work under time pressure and handle multiple activities and tasks concurrently.
• Good computer literacy, knowledge of MS office software and web based applications. Ability to work with office equipment.

Language Requirements:  

•  Fluency in English and Armenian; knowledge of Russian is an asset