Ministry of Amerindian Affairs VACANCIES The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs invites applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the following position: 1. Project Manager Kindly refer to the Terms of Reference attached below. Applicant must have a good knowledge of Amerindians and their way of life. All positions may be required to spend at least 50% of his/her official working time in the Hinterlands. Applications should be forwarded to the address stated below on or before May 6, 2014. The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Amerindian Affairs 251-252 Thomas & Quamina Streets Georgetown.
MINISTRY OF AMERINDIAN AFFAIRS 251-252 Quamina and Thomas Streets, South Cummingsburg Georgetown, Guyana TERMS OF REFERENCE: PROJECT MANAGER: AMERINDIAN LAND TITLING (ALT) PROJECT Rationale: Guyana s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) emphasizes the importance of protecting Indigenous land rights and opening windows of opportunities for Amerindians, especially those who depend on forest resources as a means of livelihood. The objective of this project is to facilitate the Amerindian Land Titling process. Amerindians comprise 9.1 percent of Guyana s population and currently own approximately 13.9 percent of the land, up from 6 percent in the early 1990s. The Government of Guyana has set the policy objective of addressing all Land Titling issues by 2015, for Amerindian villages where two thirds of the adult population request this to be done based on the principles of free, prior and informed consent. Historically, high cost has been a barrier to achieving this policy objective. The Government intends to allocate substantial funding from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) via this project to remove this barrier. Through engagement and consultation and based on requests from villages or communities, the project seeks to enable Amerindians to secure their lands and natural resources with a view towards sustainable social and economic development. It is expected that titling of communities will strengthen land tenure security and the expansion of the asset base of Amerindians, enabling improved long term planning for their future development. It is also expected to enhance the opportunities for villages to opt in to the REDD+ and the LCDS, should they wish to do so. JOB TITLE: Project Manager (PM) PLACEMENT PROFILE The Ministry 0f Amerindian Affairs (MOAA) was established in 2005 after years of being a department of the Office of the President. It is covered by the Amerindian Act of 2006 which outlines the framework for the recognition and protection of the 1
collective rights of the Amerindian villages and communities. It spearheads the governance and administration of the Amerindian people of Guyana, the granting of lands, to and the promotion of good governance within Amerindian Villages. OVERALL PLACEMENT PURPOSE Under the direct supervision of the MoAA Permanent Secretary (PS), the Project Manager (PM) has the authority to run the project on a day to day basis on behalf of the Project Board within the constraints laid down by the Board and in coordination with the MoAA Projects Office. The PM has responsibility to ensure that the project produces the results (outputs) specified in the project document, to the required standard of quality, consistency with UNDP s safeguards and standards, and within the specified timeframes and cost. The PM shall ensure exchange of information among the Amerindian Land Titling project and other projects developed under the GRIF. This includes working closely with the UNDP as the Partner Entity, and ensuring open channels of communication with similar programmes/projects in the country, to facilitate synergies and upstream policy engagements. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Projects Manager must perform top level management functions. These include: Project Management: Runs the project on a day to day basis on behalf of the Project Board. A. Ensures that the project produces the results (outputs) specified in the project document. B. Ensures that the project is on schedule and within budget C. Coordinates with UNDP on project activities in order to ensure application of safeguards and standards and FPIC D. Interfaces with the GRIF Project Management Office (PMO) and receive guidance from the GRIF PMO as appropriate. Project Integration Management: includes aligning activities outlined in the Annual Work Plan (AWP) and the Results and Resources Framework (RRF) of the ALT Project ensuring that the project activities are well-planned and executed within a structure of continual readjustment based on external and internal environmental needs and demands. A. Coordinates with all relevant stakeholders regarding the effective implementation of the activities set out in the AWP; 2
B. Spearheads all investigation processes involved in all applications for titling of communities and village extensions in accordance with the provisions of the Amerindian Act 2006; C. Ensures that all logistics are in place for the effective implementation of the project in coordination with the MoAA Projects Department; D. Ensures that all processes are well documented and recorded. Management of titling and demarcation A. In coordination with the Guyana Lands & Survey Commission, Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and any other relevant Government Agency or Department, ensure the titling and demarcation of Amerindian lands in accordance with the objectives of the project; Management of disputes A. Coordinates with the UNDP to map the various intervention points and carry out an analysis of the regulatory and administrative mechanisms in the Titling process B. Collaborates with the UNDP to formulate and organize workshops on conflict resolution Project Communications Management: The PM must ensure that all stakeholders are properly informed of project information relevant to their position in the organizational chart/structure of the project. A. Ensures that all members of the investigating team are duly informed of the dates, time, and venue of scheduled consultations with villagers of eligible communities; B. Communicates with the PS and/or the Minister on Matters and/or constraints that need to be addressed urgently especially those that may negatively impact the effective implementation of the project; C. Ensures that output 3 is duly achieved; D. Prepares Quarterly Reports/Annual Reports that will be submitted to the Project Board and for the information of all stakeholders; E. Makes Presentations during Project Board meetings or any public engagements where the status of the project needs to be disseminated. Project Time Management: The PM must ensure that projects are consistently completed on time. This includes identifying and time-boxing all significant activities so those milestones can be appropriately anticipated. 3
Project Cost Management: The PM must ensure that all project costs are included, estimated and managed against an approved budget. A. Prepares specific budgets for site visits, trainings, etc; and ensures that these are accessible in the most expedient manner; B. Prepares Financial Reports with corresponding analysis of project expenditures in compliance with the standards set upon by UNDP; Project Quality Management: The PM shall ensure that project processes are operating satisfactorily against predetermined standards. A. Coordinates all quality assurance and M & E activities with MoAA and UNDP; B. Helps define indicators as necessary, and ensures that relevant data are gathered, recorded and analyzed accordingly. Project Human and Material Resource Management: The PM must coordinate all activities of the ALT Project Unit s personnel and ensure that all personnel are effectively and efficiently utilized. The PM must be able to coordinate with other Departments in order to ensure achievement of each output. The PM must devise a performance appraisal of her/his staff in consultation with the technical staff of MoAA. The PM will prepare and submit a procurement plan for approval by the MOAA and UNDP for financial commitment. The PM will manage all materials and equipment that the Projects Unit needs for its functions. Project Risk Management: The PM must be able to identify, analyze risks and makes recommendations on any adverse factors that hinder the project from achieving its objectives on time and within budget. Project Procurement Management: The PM must ensure all goods and services required for the projects are obtained fairly and expeditiously under an agreed contract following required standards. Project Information Management: The PM must oversee the unit s information system regarding land titling and demarcation. He/she must be able to interpret data on the GIS and make these available to decision makers. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Must have at least 5-7 years of experience in project management Experience working in government or an international development organisation; Bachelor s Degree in any of the following disciplines: management, Indigenous/Human Rights, Development Studies, Rural 4
Planning/Environmental Science/Geography, or a related field from an accredited university A Master s Degree would be an asset; Experience working directly with indigenous communities especially in the field of governance, culture, and indigenous peoples rights Proven experience in policy interpretation, local polity, and local leadership. Substantial experience working with multi-lateral agencies Excellent communication skills, both written and oral Excellent analytical skills especially interpretation of data, policy review and excellent ability in communicating these to decision makers. Desirable: Experience in working with Indigenous Peoples Organisations Must be willing to travel to the Hinterlands with limited facilities Familiarity with the Amerindian Act 2006, and other Laws that are relevant to Amerindian Land Titling Familiarity with UNDP procedures and standards Familiarity with Log Framework Excellent computer skills Familiarity with GIS PERSONAL QUALITIES Professionalism and Cultural sensitivity The PM must always demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in the placement evidenced by punctuality, timely completion of assignments, integrity and a professional demeanor. He/she must be able to work within the cultural context of Amerindians, and must exhibit respect for a sub-culture different from his/hers. Self-assurance and confidence to work on own. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is a small ministry that is responsible for fostering the development of the indigenous people of Guyana. Therefore, the PM should have the confidence and independence to work on his/her own and make decisions when needed. Tact and diplomacy to relate to colleagues and people from different backgrounds. The PM will be required to relate to persons in the government ministries, donors, etc., and also to persons at the community level for general acceptance and to negotiate to get things done. 5
The PM must be able to develop appropriate professional relationships with a variety of entities including Toshaos, Village Officials, villagers and with and his\her colleagues and superiors. Flexibility and Adaptability The PM would need to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility and adaptability. The PM needs to be able to adapt his/her work to this change and take into consideration recommendations for improvement from people as the project implementation proceeds. WORKING CONDITIONS The office of the PM will be based at the MOAA. The PM may be required to spend at least 50% of his/her time in the Hinterlands. Means of travel may include land, water, or air; accommodations in the hinterland can vary from staying in a guest house to sleeping in a hammock; The job entails both mental demands (analysis and synthesis, communication facilitation and writing, and physical demands (travelling, walking, etc) 6