Project Manager

Background

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. 

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policies and guidance to support the results of UNDP's Strategic Plan. BPPS's staff provides technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. BPPS works closely with UNDP's Crisis Bureau (CB) to support emergency and crisis response. BPPS ensures that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP's development programmes. BPPS assists UNDP and partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working.  BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts.

The newly established UNDP Planet Hub will drive UNDP’s vision of a world where economies and ecosystems thrive together — where energy systems are clean and accessible, nature is protected and restored, communities are resilient to climate impacts, and pollution is minimized. By 2030, the Hub seeks to help countries achieve this vision through systemic change that aligns policy, finance, integrated solutions, and societal ownership to advance sustainable human development.  Backed by diverse partnerships and funding sources, the Planet Hub combines thought leadership, technical expertise, and strategic collaboration to help countries advance their environmental and economic goals.  

The Planet Hub will build on UNDP’s existing portfolio of over USD 5 billion in over 140 countries, as well as on key offers across UNDP.  The Planet Hub’s theory of change rests on five mutually reinforcing service lines that together enable systemic transformation:

• Intergovernmental and UN System Coherence and Support
• National Policies, Strategies, and Planning
• Innovative and Integrated Solutions 
• Scaled-up Finance
• Insights, Modeling, and Data 

The Planet Hub will be made up of eight interconnected pillars, covering strategic areas of work to deliver its core objective, as well as a set of integrated functions and support that cut across pillars and help ensure cohesive offers and delivery of the Planet Hub.  One critical component of the Planet Hub is the portfolio of support to countries on Climate and Nature Policy. The Climate and Nature Policy Pillar provide strategic leadership on integrated climate and nature policy development, implementation, and advocacy, supporting countries to address interconnected environmental challenges while advancing sustainable development objectives. The Pillar brings together expertise on climate policy, biodiversity policy, environmental governance, integrated planning frameworks, Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and science-policy interfaces. Working across all Planet Hub pillars and in close collaboration with governments, UN entities, international organizations, research institutions, and development partners, the Pillar promotes policy coherence, strengthens implementation of global environmental commitments, and supports countries in developing integrated approaches to climate action, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable development. 

Climate Transparency and implementation of Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) are paramount to the vision of the Policies pillar, under the Planet Hub. UNDP has extensive experience supporting developing countries to meet international climate reporting requirements and works closely with UNFCCC, UNEP, GEF and other partners in this area.

The Climate Transparency - Global Support Programme Phase III (GSP III) will be jointly implemented by UNDP and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (through UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre

CCC), with project management and coordination responsibilities shared between UNDP and UNEP. Effective delivery therefore requires close day-to-day collaboration between the UNDP and UNEP teams, as well as coordinated engagement with the project's governance bodies, regional networks and technical partners.

It is in this context that UNDP is recruiting a Project Manager -Climate Transparency Global Support Programme (GSP) who will manage the daily delivery of the UNDP-led activities in the GSP III, support the technical quality of activities and outputs, and act as UNDP's focal point in the Joint Project Management Unit, working closely with UNEP-CCC to ensure coherent implementation.

Purpostion Purpose

Under the direct supervision and strategic guidance of the Chief Technical Lead, Climate Transparency, and in close collaboration with the UNEP-CCC, the GSP, the  Project Manager will manage the delivery of UNDP-led activities under GSP III; support the technical quality, methodological consistency and gender-responsiveness of its outputs; coordinate work planning, budgeting, procurement, monitoring and reporting, facilitate collaboration between UNDP and UNEP teams; supervise the Climate Transparency Programme Analyst,-Administrative and Financial support personnel and contracted consultants, and coordinate the day-to-day work of the stream's technical personnel on delivery matters; and serve as UNDP's focal point in the JPMU (Joint Project Management Unit) on execution matters, and coordinate with the counterpart focal point in the UNEP-CCC stream to ensure a consistent approach across agencies; provide secretariat support to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) on behalf of UNDP, preparing agendas, technical inputs, minutes and decision-support materials, under the direction of the Chief Technical Lead. 

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1- Coordinate planning, implementation and administration of UNDP-led activities in the GSP III, in line with Project Steering Committee (PSC) decisions and Joint Programme Management Unit (JPMU)-endorsed workplans:

• Coordinate annual and multi-year workplans, budgets and procurement plans 
• Manage day-to-day implementation, delivery tracking and expenditure monitoring in line with UNDP rules and regulations and GEF requirements
• Prepare technical specifications for procurement, and manage contracts, consultants and service providers
• Organize and follow up planning and coordination meetings across all project outputs
• Coordinate with UNDP Country Offices and Regional Bureaux on delivery arrangements for country-level activities under GSP III, including mission planning, in-country support and follow-up
• Ensure timely follow-up to Project Steering Committee and JPMU decisions across all workstreams and personnel
• Maintain effective day-to-day coordination with UNEP-CCC colleagues to promote coherent implementation across the jointly implemented programme.

2- Advice and support technical guidance and ensure methodological consistency

• Support the consistent application of the methodologies, guidance, templates and procedures endorsed by the Chief Technical Lead across project outputs and regional networks
• Coordinate the review of deliverables and prepare them for clearance by the Chief Technical Lead prior to submission to the JPMU or the PSC, ensuring adherence to ETF requirements and IPCC good practice guidance 
• Ensure harmonization of methodologies and procedures across regional networks so that results are comparable
• Verify that deliverables covering GHG inventories, NDC tracking, adaptation, and support needed and received follow the technical procedures and templates agreed for the project, and flag deviations to the Chief Technical Lead 
• Ensure inclusiveness and gender-responsiveness are reflected in deliverables, in line with the project's Gender Action Plan and Stakeholder Engagement Plan
• Identify technical issues requiring escalation to the Chief Technical Lead or other designated technical experts.

3. Coordinate UNDP's engagement in the programmer’s 's joint governance and coordination arrangements

• Serve as UNDP's focal point in the JPMU and coordinate with the UNEP-CCC counterpart to ensure a unified approach across both agencies
• Provide secretariat support to the Project Steering Committee on behalf of UNDP, preparing agendas, technical inputs, minutes and decision-support materials under the direction of the Chief Technical Lead
• Prepare and consolidate UNDP inputs to PSC meetings, including briefing notes, technical analyses and progress summaries
• Coordinate day-to-day operational liaison with the IPCC TFI TSU/IGES and other executing partners on delivery, deliverables and scheduling, in coordination with the strategic partnerships led by the Chief Technical Lead
• Contribute technical inputs and materials to UNDP's participation in COP and SB sessions and the Global Transparency Forum and participate as a member of UNDP delegations as required.
• Maintain effective communication between the UNDP and UNEP teams and support resolution of implementation and coordination issues.

4. Manage monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

•    Coordinate and consolidate UNDP inputs to Programme/Project Implementation Reports (PIRs), half-yearly progress reports, expenditure and co-financing reports, audit related processes and the final project report, in collaboration with UNEP-CCC
•    Prepare and maintain UNDP’s annual planning, risk management and contingency plan in collaboration with the Chief Technical Lead
•    Maintain the project risk log and alert the Chief Technical Lead to material risks requiring corrective action, and prepare risk information for the JPMU and the PSC
•    Support coordination of the mid-term review and the terminal evaluation, and follow up on management responses and recommendations
•    Ensure monitoring products provide accurate and verifiable evidence for PSC and JPMU decision-making
•    Track implementation of agreed corrective actions and recommendations.
 

5. Coordinate the programme team and facilitate knowledge, innovation and learning

• Coordinate the work of personnel, consultants and service providers assigned to UNDP's GSP III responsibilities, in accordance with approved reporting and supervisory arrangements
• Support recruitment, onboarding and performance management of UNDP personnel and consultants as applicable
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing and inclusive working culture across globally distributed teams
• Coordinate the exchange of country-level experience, lessons and knowledge products between UNDP's wider GEF Enabling Activities and CBIT portfolio and GSP III, so that national projects and global support reinforce each other and duplication is avoided
• Facilitate the capture and sharing of lessons learned and good practices across regional networks and communities of practice
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement in the project’s ways of working 
• Share GSP III tools, knowledge products and lessons with relevant Planet Hub teams, Country Offices and communities of practice, supporting the integration of transparency work led by the Chief Technical Lead

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

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: The incumbent supervises the Programme Analysts assigned to the GSP III, as well as consultants and service providers contracted under the stream. Expected number of direct reports: 2. The incumbent additionally coordinates the day-to-day work of the Regional Network Coordinators and other technical personnel in relation to workplan delivery, deadlines and reporting; line supervision and performance management of these personnel rests with the Chief Technical Lead, Climate Transparency.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact  
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems  
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences 
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands  
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results 
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration 
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity 
 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

2030 Agenda - Planet  Climate  - Climate Change Adaptation: Climate Information and Early Warning Systems (CI & EWS)
2030 Agenda: Planet - Climate: Climate Strategies and Policy: NDC enhancement
Business Management - Portfolio Management : Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with 
its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on 
investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management
Business Management - Project Management : Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Business Management - 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
Business Direction and Strategy  - 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
Business Management  - 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 themanagement 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. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Natural Sciences, Environmental Management, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Or 
• A first-level university degree (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 of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant international professional experience in climate change is required.
• At least 3 years of proven working experience in climate transparency, MRV, GHG inventories, NDC tracking, reporting under the Paris Agreement or related areas, with a specific focus on developing countries, are required.
• At least 3 years of working experience managing or coordinating multi-country, regional or international projects, including work planning, budgeting, procurement and reporting, is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of UNFCCC processes and the Paris Agreement, particularly the Enhanced Transparency Framework, is required.
• Membership of the UNFCCC roster of experts and/or UNFCCC certifications related to MRV, BTR, etc., are desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating geographically distributed personnel or technical teams is desirable.
• Experience in supporting project governance bodies such as steering committees or inter-agency coordination groups is desirable
• Experience working across different teams, UN agencies and organizations, and building partnerships to leverage impact is desirable.
• Experience in delivering training and/or generation of technical capacity building material on transparency is desirable.
• Experience working with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is desirable.
• Experience with GEF-funded projects and GEF reporting requirements (PIRs, co-financing reports, mid-term reviews, terminal evaluations) is desirable.
• Experience within UNDP systems, policies and procedures is desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in other UN language is desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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