Project Coordinator

The project commits to three inter-related outcomes:

• A project management and digital oversight dashboard to assist in the coordination of diverse projects and stakeholders, and measure progress towards the implementation of the objectives, as outlined in the Draft National Digital Strategy (2022-2025).
• An Electronic Identification (e-ID) digital application, supported by a National Trust Solution and integrated with the National Interoperability Framework, to increase the ease of access and efficiency of government services for members of society.
• Digitally transforming the operations of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS), with the potential of expanding and replicating those services at other ministries.
• The Project Coordinator for Digital Transformation at MSDFS will primarily support Outcome #3, which is the digitization of records and processs, implementation of systems to support digital processes, and supporting the digitization of benefits provided to clients of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS).

 Duties and Responsibilities

The MSDFS Digital Transformation Project Coordinator (Project Coordinator) will ensure the effective and efficient day to day management of the project under the overall guidance of the National Digital Transformation Project Manager. They will be responsible for coordination of technical product development activities, project management support, coordination and communication among multiple diverse stakeholders, analytical project progress reporting. Additionally, this role will coordinate closely with the embedded team of the Ministry of Digital Transformation (MDT) at the MSDFS to ensure alignment of project activities with the strategic priorities of the MDT and the MSDFS.  Responsibilities of the Project Coordinator include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ensure Effective Technical Project Management

• Manage end-to-end project implementation activities, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external software and systems development teams (Vendors, UNDP SIGOB Teams, MDT and IGovTT) to ensure a comprehensive understanding of product functionalities, technical requirements, and integration points.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the technical requirements for implementation of Digital Records Management Systems and general Information and Communications Technology Systems.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the MSDFS during the integration phase of the Digital Records Management System, ensuring seamless integration into their existing systems and infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges and issues that arise during implementation, working closely with engineering teams as needed.
• Collaborate with embedded MDT Digital Delivery Unit (MDT DDU) to understand integration requirements and subsequently facilitate efficient integration of UNDP Digital Platforms with the ISEMS Social Welfare Management System and national E-ID framework.

Support to the Project Manager in completing:

• A comprehensive project implementation plan inclusive of the project’s critical path is prepared and approved by the Project Board.
• Development of technical scopes and Terms of Reference for procurement of all goods and services for the project.
• Mobilisation of all contractors and suppliers, and supervision of all work in accordance with letters of agreement or contracts.
• Overseeing daily project implementation and identification and management of risks and taking corrective action where necessary with the approval of the Project Board or UNDP Country Office.
• Management of key stakeholders throughout project implementation process.

 Establish partnerships and open channels of communication.

• Act as a liaison between the UNDP, MDT and MSDFS for the Digital Records Management, E-ID implementation, and Social Benefits Wallet initiatives, and also as a liaison and point of contact for UNDP, External Vendors, and the Ministry of Digital Transformation for matters related to this project.
• Coordinate closely with the Project Team from the MDT DDU at the MSDFS to ensure alignment and integration with other existing and inter-related digital projects at the MSDFS.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with project stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, government officials, and clients.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather project requirements, align expectations, and ensure seamless communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and provide regular project updates, reports, and presentations as required.

Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set.

• Establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track project performance, impact, and sustainability.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret project data to measure outcomes and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Prepare comprehensive project evaluation reports, including lessons learned and recommendations for future projects.

Contribute to the advancement of key priorities of the UNDP Country Office (CO) in Trinidad and Tobago, including:

• External communication about CO priorities, interventions, achievements, and initiatives, through social media and blog posts, contributions to local news media, attendance and organization of conferences and stakeholder dialogues, etc.
• Ensuring the use of Gender Lenses in Project Implementation, which entails integrating gender perspectives across all stages of the project cycle, including gender mainstreaming, inclusive participation, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation, to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment effectively. This involves analyzing gender dynamics, addressing gender disparities, and fostering partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (A Master’s degree or equivalent) in either Computer Science, Software Development, Information Systems, ICT related field, project management, international development, public policy or any related field is required.  OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above mentioned areas, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s Degree.
• Certification in Emerging Technologies such as blockchain, biometrics, or digital identification would be considered an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum of up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in project management, planning and implementation is required.

Desired Skills/Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience implementing or managing software or information systems.
• At least 2 years or more experience in the implementation of government systems and software, such as digitization of paper-based records, digital access to government services, interoperability platforms, or database management.
• At least 2 years or more Experience with Agile methodologies and familiarity with project management tools and software.
• At least 2 years or more of stakeholder management experience, leading communications with senior government leaders, multilateral agencies, internal teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience working with National Governments in the Caribbean is an asset.
• Demonstrate a technical understanding of technology trends and digital solutions relevant to digitalization of records and processes, mobile social benefits wallets, and National Electronic Identification Systems (E-ID) is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability in effectively convey project status, progress, and risks to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical issues and provide effective solutions during the implementation process is desired.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with technical teams to evaluate and select appropriate digital tools, platforms, and methodologies for project implementation is an advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in the UN language of the duty station (English) is required.
• Knowledge of Spanish or any another UN language is desirable.

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/job/19051