Project Manager

Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 
 
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. 

UNDP positions itself as a development partner that brings global knowledge, through a multi-sectoral approach – the key comparative advantage of UNDP - and concentrates its work on 3 programmatic fields: i) Inclusive and Sustainable Growth, ii) Inclusive and Democratic Governance, iii) Climate Change and Environment (CCE).

CCE Portfolio focuses on three programmatic areas that complement each other: 1-Natural Resource Management contributing to sustainable environment management and conservation of natural resources in production landscapes, within the general framework of the ecosystems approach; 2- Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (including chemicals and waste) strengthening institutional capacities for analysis and risk management for resilience with a specific emphasis on climate change, and 3- Cooperation with relevant stakeholders to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The Support to Earthquake-Affected Provinces for Ecosystem Restoration, Nature-Based Solutions, Alternative Livelihoods and Disaster Awareness Raising project’s objective is to rehabilitate/restore ecosystems and livelihoods through the use and promotion of nature-based solutions in the earthquake-affected provinces; and to increase the public’s awareness of fault lines, earthquake-prone areas and sensitive ecosystems to promote disaster risk reduction, preparedness and recovery.

The project aims to address these issues by a) showcasing and repairing the ecosystem damage done by earthquakes and b) leveraging nature-based green opportunities to contribute to earthquake recovery by delivering three main outputs:

1.         Building national capacity in mapping, needs assessment and planning for ecosystem rehabilitation/restoration in the earthquake-affected provinces; 

2.         Building capacity to apply nature-based solutions in delivering municipal services; raising awareness about nature-based solutions; and creating livelihoods based on nature-based solutions in the earthquake-affected provinces; and

3.         Developing a concept for “green fault lines.”

The Project Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Climate Change and Environment Portfolio Manager, in close collaboration with the CCE Portfolio Administrator/Projects Implementation Administrator and CCE Portfolio M&E Officer to ensure smooth and timely management of inputs and for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of results. S/he will be responsible for the coherent operation of the project team, including coordination of the project experts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate effective project planning and implementation:

• Develop project planning process and ensure the work plan and a fully costed budget are prepared based on sound capacity assessments and in accordance with UNDP POPP/PPM Guidelines;
• Coordinate / manage the day-to-day activities of the assigned portfolio and the overall implementation process, including planning and monitoring in order to optimize the use of resources and to ensure the successful achievement of project objectives and results specified in project document;
• Provide subject matter technical advice and support and ensure outputs are delivered on time, within the set budget and specified constraints, and to high-quality standards;
• Facilitate establishment of interactive and inclusive platforms for project implementation and collaborate with other programme units and project teams to ensure integration of critical development issues in the project activities and expected project outputs;
• Ensure implementation activities are in alignment with UNDP policy and programme management procedures and all project interventions integrate a gender equality perspective/gender equality mainstreaming to the extent local context allows;
• Ensure operational management of assigned portfolio including through timely procurement of goods, services and/or infrastructure (as relevant), effective management of human, technical and financial resources, etc.

Establish partnerships and open channels of communication:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support key objectives and ensure inclusive implementation and participation of key stakeholders in assigned portfolio;
• Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify stakeholder needs and how best to leverage their participation and/or strengthen their engagement;
• Prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and opportunities for joint initiatives;
• Make recommendations to the management team on activities with potential for scale-up, replicability and synergies;
• Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners;
• Support resource mobilization efforts and project development.

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

• Review the results framework and update the indicators, baselines, and targets of the assigned portfolio;
• Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting;
• Monitor implementation and progress in achieving goals and targets in accordance with the established quality criteria and UNDP rules, regulations, and standards;
• Identify, analyze, and take adequate measures to manage emerging issues, problems, and risks. Conduct field visits to project location sites;
• Liaise with the Finance team to ensure administrative requirements, budgets and use of financial resources are managed and executed in a timely and appropriate manner and within UNDP and donor rules and regulations;
• Prepare corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements;
• Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s):

• Organize training, workshops, and capacity building activities in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia;
• Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners;
• Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on project related issues;
• Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area;
• Promote advocacy on development trends and opportunities to collaborate in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement:

S/he will report to the UNDP Climate Change and Environment Portfolio Manager.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results:          
  • LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work.
• Think Innovatively:      
  • LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking.
• Learn Continuously:  
  • LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning.
• Adapt with Agility:       
  • LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process.
• Act with Determination:          
  • LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously.
• Engage and Partner:   
  • LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion:          
  • LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

• System Thinking:
  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
• Knowledge Facilitation:
  • Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.
• Project Management:
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
• Partnerships Management:
  • Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
• Communication:
  • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
• Monitoring & Evaluation:
  • Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively.
  • Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.
  • Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.
  • Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. 
  • Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. 
  • Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
• Climate Change:
  • Climate change adaptation policy and planning: National Adaptation Plans.
     

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• Master's degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Engineering, Political/Social Sciences, Forestry, Biology, Environmental Sciences or related field is required, OR;
• Bachelor’s degree in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, and/or leading and managing projects. 

Required Skills:

• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages;
• Experience in project cycle management in the public or private sector or NGOs or international organizations;
• Experience in forest management and/or protected areas and/or ecosystem restorations and/or nature-based solutions;
• Experience in team management;
• Experience in organizing and coordinating events and activities.

Desired Skills:

• Working  experience in the field of forestry and/or biodiversity;
• At least 5 years of experience working with international institutions/organizations;
• Experience in administrative/financial and/or technical reporting;
• Experience in budget planning and monitoring;
• Experience working in UN Organizations.

Required Languages:

• Fluency  in English and Turkish is required. 

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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