Hi, I’m
Elsie Hampalekie Simeon
Waigani,NCD
Summary
With 9 years of experience in diplomatic missions and development programs, I am currently serving as a Project Manager at UNDP PNG. Prior to this role, I have held positions as a Project Associate and Project Administrative and Finance Assistant. In my current capacity, I am tasked with overseeing the day-to-day management of project implementation. Additionally, I serve as a liaison/protocol officer when accompanying the UNDP Resident Representative on missions pertaining to the Environment Portfolio. I have also taken on the role of Defacto Project Manager for the Spotlight Project, providing guidance and leadership to the team. Through my leadership, we were able to significantly increase project delivery from 2.5% to 97% by the end of December 2020. I have also provided surge capacity support to other projects and programs as required. My expertise encompasses a comprehensive understanding of UNDP Procurement Guidelines, Financial Rules and regulations, and the financial system. I am proficient in UNDP programmatic processes, including risk logs, monitoring plans, communication plans, stakeholder contract management, budgeting, and financial management. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated dependability, hard work, ethical behavior, problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and meticulous attention to detail. I prioritize adherence to organizational policies and guidelines to uphold compliance and integrity. Furthermore, I currently hold the esteemed position of President of the Staff Association, where I advocate for the voices of staff members across multiple UN Agencies. One of my most notable accomplishments includes organizing events that fostered collaboration among all UN Agencies under my leadership.
Professional manager with significant expertise in overseeing complex projects and ensuring timely delivery. Skilled in strategic planning, budget management, and risk assessment. Strong focus on team collaboration, fostering results-driven environment, and adapting to changing needs. Known for reliability, leadership, and effective communication.
Overview
26
years of professional experience
Work History
UNDP PNG
Project Manager
05.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Manage and coordinate Project activities based on the Project Document, including the supervision and guidance of project staff, consultants, and experts, to achieve the intended Project results successfully
- Plan and develop Project Annual Work Plans according to the Project Document in close consultation with the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of the project and the Government as the Implementing Partner
- Develop/review all project operational plans (procurement, HR, M&E etc), budget revisions and cash allocation and disbursements of donor funds in line with donor requirements and UNDP rules and regulations
- Drafting of TORs and associated contracting requirements for the procurement of goods, services and personnel needed to implement project activities
- Prepare for and facilitate Project Board Meetings and implement actions from the Project Board Meetings and circulation meeting minutes to all stakeholders
- Regularly meet with the Government and other project partners to ensure identified project risks are managed with mitigation measures implemented and updated
- Manage and where necessary report issues with significant impact on UNDP’s reputation and effectiveness to the Technical Advisor for assessment and escalation to Senior Management for discussion and decisions
- Ensure UNDP’s corporate policies and procedures are complied with in all programme and operational activities with appropriate actions taken to address challenges
- Identify opportunities to deepen cooperation with partners and stakeholders and at the same time provide recommendations on approaches to deal with stakeholders based on the information gathered during project design
- Appropriate management of project assets, records filing system etc
- Delivers effective programmatic implementation and conducts quality assurance activities
- Assess project impacts and oversee the appropriateness and accuracy of methods used to verify progress against results and prepare reports according to UNDP, Donor, and Government requirements
- Ensure clear governance processes and procedures are correctly followed with required actions addressed or implemented in a timely manner
- Closely monitor the progress of the project and ensure it is in line with the project implementation timeframe as agreed and approved in the project document
- Provide regular project updates/reports on the progress of the project including issues, risks, and challenges with recommended remedial actions to the project board and UNDP for informed decisions and corrective actions
- Have in place an information management system for data collection, analysis and tracking against targets, outputs, and outcome results
- Ensure gender mainstream access to all project activities
- Monitor and provide project quality assurance across projects’ financial, procurement and administrative processes in compliance with UNDP rules and regulations
- Coordinate timely and effective submission of quality reports monthly, quarterly, and annual implementation progress reports and briefs as required by UNDP, Government and Donors
- Implement audit recommendations for the project and provide inputs to audits and evaluation management responses, tracking, and implementation of actions
- Facilitates and coordinates the provision of high-quality technical advice and builds partnerships
- Coordinate advisory activities of the Project’s technical staff and consultants
- Ensure that technical outputs are provided according to plans and up to the highest technical standards
- Establish, maintain, and facilitate strategic dialogue between Project staff and Government officials at national and local levels, NGOs, partners, donors and other stakeholders in Project sites and sectors of work
- Advocate positively for UNDP with partners and other stakeholders
- Identify resource mobilization opportunities in close collaboration with UNDP’s Environment Portfolio
- Develop Project Concept Notes and proposals as and when requested or required
- Knowledge management and experience sharing
- Ensure that the Project systematically builds the capacities of implementing and project partners through the introduction of innovation and best practices
- Facilitates access to knowledge and expertise and promotes the application of these through the Project implementation
- Promote teamwork, information sharing and collaboration within the Project and among the Project Team and the larger Environment Portfolio within the UNDP Country Office
- Promote skills development of Project staff through the provision of opportunities for training, coaching, and mentoring
- Ensure lessons learnt during the Project’s implementation are fully captured and disseminated for knowledge building, learning, and scaling up
- Create an electronic platform for the exchange of information, best practices, and experiences
- Facilitate the Project’s representation and/or participation in international knowledge Networks to draw on, and share best practices, and lessons learned for application in PNG
- Recruitment of New Staff
- Contract Management
- Procurement of goods and Services
- Grants allocation and Management with Stakeholders
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement
UNDP
Project Manager
10.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Oversee project implementations and management of the project
- Types of activities supported by the project are: Establishment of the Blue Accelerator Program, Identifying 5-10 Blue businesses with reef-positive solutions, Catalyzing Financial options or resource mobilization, Community Engagement
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Enhanced overall project success by conducting thorough post-project evaluations and incorporating lessons learned into future efforts.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
- Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
- Fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project outcomes while maintaining costeffectiveness.
- Effectively managed scope creep by establishing clear boundaries on requested changes while keeping projects aligned with original objectives and budgets.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Mentored junior team members in project management best practices to enhance their skills and contribute to better overall performance.
- Created accurate budgets based on resource requirements, allowing for optimal allocation of funds across all aspects of the projects.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
- Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
- Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
- Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Reduced project costs, negotiating contracts with suppliers and optimizing resource allocation.
- Ensured projects aligned with strategic objectives, working closely with senior management to refine project goals.
- Led cross-functional teams to successful project completions, improving team cohesion and productivity with effective leadership strategies.
- Achieved high levels of team engagement and morale by promoting collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Maintained compliance with industry standards and regulations, conducting regular audits and updates to project practices.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, conducting post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and best practices.
- Improved stakeholder satisfaction with detailed project updates and proactive issue resolution.
- Enhanced team performance with targeted training programs, addressing skill gaps and promoting professional development.
- Facilitated smoother project transitions, ensuring thorough documentation and effective handovers.
- Enhanced project delivery times by streamlining communication channels between development and operations teams.
- Optimized project schedules, identifying critical path tasks and reallocating resources to maintain momentum.
- Achieved significant improvements in project quality by establishing rigorous quality control processes.
- Improved client relationships, consistently meeting or exceeding project expectations and maintaining open lines of communication.
- Enhanced project visibility, implementing dashboard and reporting tools for real-time progress monitoring.
- Developed comprehensive risk management plans, minimizing project delays and unexpected challenges.
- Promoted innovation within project teams, encouraging exploration of new tools and methodologies to enhance project outcomes.
- Oversaw implementation of new project management software, facilitating more efficient workflow and better project tracking.
- Streamlined procurement process for project materials, reducing wait times and avoiding potential delays.
- Streamlined project initiation processes, enabling quicker transition from planning to execution.
- Completed projects within tight deadlines, coordinating team efforts and prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
UNDP
Project Associate
01.2019 - 10.2022
Job overview
- Assist the SFPNGPA Chief Technical Adviser on Investing in Coral Reef & Blue Economy Engagement Incubation Facility Project initial plan project management processes, contracts, budgets, and payments
- In December 2022, provided surge support/advice in the capacity of A/ Defacto Project Manager for Spotlight Initiative project for Gender-Based Violence in to achieve their deliverable target
UNDP
Project Admin & Finance Assistant
11.2017 - 08.2019
Job overview
- In 2021, part of the surge capacity team to assist the country office programme support team on the project 'Creating Conditions of Peace in the PNG Highlands project funded by the Peace Building fund through MPTF
Australian High Commission
Visa Processing Officer
05.2014 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Performed assessment and decisions on Return Residence, Temporary, Student and Permanent Migration including Partner and child Migration, New Zealand citizenship and other migration visa applications and made decisions on them
- Assisted in assessing the Temporary Visitor Visa Applications
- Use the IRIS and ICSE database systems to process the applications
- Interpret the Australian Immigrations Policy & regulations and apply it when assessing the visa applications
- Respond to email queries from clients
- Registry of applications received through post/mail
- Answer telephone calls or queries from clients
- Keep entries of registered mails
- Mentored and trained staff when required
- Participated in the Austrade Roadshow speaking to the public regarding the student visa and the new program that started on July 1, 2016
- Sit in the meeting with the Senior Migration Officer to speak to sporting Organizations such as Cricket PNG on appropriate temporary work visas
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Project Administration Coordinator
01.2010 - 05.2010
Job overview
- Coordinate and organize meetings, conferences for the project, travel arrangements for stakeholders etc
- Provisions of things involved completing project cheques for payment for machines, office supplies, equipment etc
- Attend meetings with stakeholders and consultants
- Organize and facilitate training for trade negotiation skills
- Assisted the component 2 consultant who was dealing with laboratory equipment for food safety with NARI/NISIT/NAQIA
- Organize consultation meeting for consultation with relevant private and government authorities for the PNG Trade Policy Review
- Supervise the subordinates such as the project secretary and driver when required
- Assisted in putting in place office processes for the project office such as inventory, logbooks, registries etc
- Participated in organizing the schedule and shortlisting the applicants for the Project drivers
- Review work plans and budget lines with the team leader to conduct the requisition for provisions
FAO
Project Implementation Assistant
11.2005 - 11.2006
Job overview
- Implementation of four projects: TCP/RAS/3005, TCP/PNG/01, TCP/PNG/02 and TCP/RAS/3004
- Report directly to the Country Project Coordinator FAO Sub Asia Pacific Regional Branch in APIA, Samoa, and the DAL Food Security Branch National Project Coordinator
- Daily communication via emails with Apia Samoa and the Technical team in Lae
- The team consists of 4 Experts and 8 Technicians: Animal Experts and technicians, Water experts and technicians, Fruits Experts and technicians, Rice Experts & technicians and 4 local DAL officers
- Consult with appropriate authorities for payment of monthly bills for the accommodation rentals, telephone, and internet connection bills
- Consult with the Regional Office for the remittance of funds
- Maintenance of the Four Project Trust Accounts
- Conduct logistics arrangements for project activities such as meetings, workshops
- Consult with relevant embassies for visas for the consultants and technicians
- Consult with UNDSS for security briefing for visiting FAO Officials
- Conducted Reconciliation of Project funds
- Collection of expenditure documents such as receipts, quotes, and tax invoices for the reconciliation
- Collected quotes for procuring supplies
- Manage the Asset registry and inventories
- Consult with business houses for the FAO Purchase Order to be in place
- Did payments to the labourers in line with the MOU
- Comply and take minutes for the meetings
UNFPA
Casual Admin Support Person
12.2001 - 01.2002
Job overview
- Conducted clerical tasks
- Update project inventories
- Update bank reconciliation statements and cashbooks
Voluntary Project Assistant
01.2000 - 06.2000
Job overview
- Interviewed and collected information from the relevant conservation NGOs for the baseline data for the project
PNGBC
Graduate Trainee
01.1999 - 12.1999
Job overview
- Understudy the Retail banking functions and operations
- Worked with the Project Team
- Sit in meetings with the bank executives to discuss Project 2000 ideas submitted by PNGBC staff
- Installation of the Peisave (salary downloaded electronically)
- The Installation of the Peisave program into accounting software such as MYOB, Accpac, & Attaché programmes
- Understudy the back-office administration, understanding the basic ledger accounts of the branch, and the different budget lines
- Coordinated the Customer Waiting Time-Slip Project
- Understudy branches & agencies functions, different bank codes, and understanding bank manuals and operations
Education
ILX Training Centre
Prince II Certificate 1 from Project Management
01.2019
University of Papua New Guinea
Bachelor of Arts from Environmental Science, Geography
01.1998
Passam National High School
Grade 12 Certificate
01.1994
Gerehu High School
Grade 10 Certificate
01.1992
Gerehu Primary School
Grade 6 Certificate
01.1988
Skills
- Tok Pisin
- English language
- Computer Skills in Microsoft applications
- ICSE database system
- IRIS database system
- UNDP Atlas Financial System/Intranet/POPP
- GEF PIMS Portal
- Quantum
- Project Management
- Budgeting
- Finance Management
- Contract Management
- Annual Work Plan
- Risks logs
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Communication Plan
- Stakeholders Plan
- Administration
- Logistics arrangements
- Procurement Management
- Negotiation
- Critical Thinking
- Sound Mind
- Agile Mindset
- Leadership
- Survey formulation
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Project planning and development
- Project management
- Project planning
- Relationship building
- Client relations
- Stakeholder communications
- Staff management
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Risk management
- Budget control
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Coaching and mentoring
- Project closure
- Purchasing and procurement
- Presentations
- Performance improvements
- Technical support
- Logistics management
- Budget preparation
- Meeting facilitation
- Compliance monitoring
- Budget administration
- Resource allocation
- Performance evaluations
- Forecasting
- Vendor sourcing
- Influencing skills
- Contract development
- Critical design review
- Procedure development
- Financial administration
- Expense reports
- Verbal and written communication
- Deliverable tracking
- Progress reporting
- Planning and scheduling
Accomplishments
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
Leadership Experience
Current President of Staff Association, 2021 Staff Association Learning Committee & Housing Scheme Committee Lead and the focal point of Staff Learning. I have established strong relationships and effectively collaborate with senior management teams, including the UN Resident Coordinator and his office. This collaboration involves managing staff grievances, conducting salary surveys, organizing One-Un all-staff gatherings, and communicating with UN Senior Management to align operational strategies with staff welfare initiatives. My work included drafting Terms of Reference for focus group discussions, creating Action Plans in response to the Global Staff Survey and Glint/Engagement Staff Survey, and developing the Staff Learning Plan including the Engagement Response Action Plan. Additionally, I have led the Staff Retreat Committee in planning and executing staff retreats focused on leadership training and discussions surrounding the Country Programme document. Overall, my experience and expertise in working closely with senior management teams have allowed me to effectively address staff concerns, implement strategic initiatives, and foster a positive working environment.
Awards
OK TEDI MINING LIMITED SCHOLARSHIP
References
- Ms. Patricia Kila, National Project Manager, GEF5 Project, 3212877, 7333 4145, patricia.kila@undp.org
- Mr. Edward Vrkic, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP PNG Country Office, 321 2877, 7459 3100, edward.vrkic@undp.org
- Mr. Andrew Rylance, Chief Technical Officer, UNDP PNG CO, 321 2877, 7030 3291, andrew.rylance@undp.org
- Mr. Michael Sembenombo, Monitoring & Evaluation Analyst, UNDP PNG CO, 321 2877, 7553 1885 / 7092 1339, michael.sembenombo@undp.org
- Ms. Emily Fajardo, Technical Specialist, UNDP/GEF CbFCCRM Project, 321 2877 ext. 252, 7099 1596, emay.fajardo@gmail.com
- Ms. Rocio Larroque, Senior Migration Officer, Australian High Commission, Port Moresby, 325 9333, 7217 3818, rocio.larroque@dfat.gov.au
Training
- UNDP Mandatory Online Training Certificates
- UN Course on Prevention of Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority Certificate
- UNDP Legal Framework, What Staff Should Know Certificate
- UNDP Protection Against Retaliation Certificate
- Ethics Certificate
- Fraud and Corruption Certificate
- Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of the Local Population (PSEA) Certificate
- The Gender Journey_ Thinking outside the box (Programme Staff) Certificate
- UN Human Rights Responsibilities Certificate
- Introduction to Evaluation IN UNDP Completion Certificate
- ILX UNDP Certificate of Management
- Social Media Risks Completion Certificate
- Advance Security in Field Training Certificate
- Bsafe Security Training Certificate
- UNDP HACT Assurance Responsibilities Certificate
- LinkedIn Online Training Certificates
- Artificial Intelligence
- Business Analysis
- Creating a Business Plan
- Digital Networking Strategies
- Edge Analytics IoT and Data Science
- Effective Listening
- Entrepreneurship raising start Capital
- How to do a Strategic Thinking Habit
- How to Proactively Manage Conflict as an Employee
- Improving Your Thinking
- Learning Personal Branding
- Mastering Self Leadership
- Negotiating the Nonnegotiable Blinkist Summary
- Organization Communication
- Project Leadership
- Project Management Foundations
- The Eight Essential People Skills for Project Management Blinkist Summary
Communication Skills
As the Chairperson of the UNDP Staff Retreat Committee led the weekly virtual meetings. I also facilitated the staff mini-virtual session to discuss the results of the 2020 Global Staff Survey and drafted the Action Plan based on the meeting's outcomes. Additionally, I have hosted the staff's weekly meetings when called upon to do so.
Timeline
Project Manager
UNDP PNG
05.2024 - Current
Project Manager
UNDP
10.2022 - Current
Project Associate
UNDP
01.2019 - 10.2022
Project Admin & Finance Assistant
UNDP
11.2017 - 08.2019
Visa Processing Officer
Australian High Commission
05.2014 - 01.2017
Project Administration Coordinator
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
01.2010 - 05.2010
Project Implementation Assistant
FAO
11.2005 - 11.2006
Casual Admin Support Person
UNFPA
12.2001 - 01.2002
Voluntary Project Assistant
01.2000 - 06.2000
Graduate Trainee
PNGBC
01.1999 - 12.1999
University of Papua New Guinea
Bachelor of Arts from Environmental Science, Geography
Passam National High School
Grade 12 Certificate
Gerehu High School
Grade 10 Certificate
Gerehu Primary School
Grade 6 Certificate
ILX Training Centre
Prince II Certificate 1 from Project Management
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