Project Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to create integrated solutions that address the challenges of poverty, inequality, and climate change. UNDP's mission is to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build resilient societies. In Belize, UNDP has been active for over 40 years, focusing on various development areas including energy, environment, governance, and inclusive growth. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. UNDP is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful work environment, free from harassment and discrimination, and conducts thorough background checks on all selected candidates.

Job Overview:
The Project Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of the 'Enabling of Belize’s Statistical System' project, which aims to enhance the national infrastructure and institutional capacity for data and statistical management in Belize. This project, with a budget of USD$3.4 million, is a collaborative effort involving multiple government ministries and UN agencies, and is designed to support the Government of Belize's Medium-Term Development Strategy (MTDS) for 2022-202

• The Project Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that project outputs are delivered on time and within budget, while also supporting resource mobilization efforts for the Governance Programme. The role requires a proactive approach to project management, including monitoring progress, addressing challenges, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The Project Specialist will also be expected to contribute to the development of strategies for improving data collection and management systems, enhancing data sharing practices, and building capacity among partners in the National Statistics System (NSS).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the implementation of the 'Enabling of Belize’s Statistical System' project, ensuring adherence to timelines and budget constraints.
• Collaborate with government ministries and UN agencies to coordinate project activities and facilitate communication among stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including technical and financial reports, to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Monitor project progress and performance, identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies as necessary.
• Support resource mobilization efforts for the Governance Programme by identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals.
• Facilitate capacity-building initiatives for the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) and other partners, focusing on areas with significant data gaps.
• Promote effective data sharing practices and collaboration across data systems to enhance the quality and accessibility of national statistics.
• Engage with local communities and stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of data and statistical management in supporting national development goals.
• Contribute to the development of strategies for modernizing data collection and management systems in Belize. 1
• Ensure compliance with UNDP policies and procedures throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications:

• Secondary education is required; a University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible administrative or project experience is required for candidates with a high school diploma, or 3 years for those with a bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing technical and financial reports, as well as managing accounts for international projects, is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in using computers and office software packages (e.g., MS Word, Excel) is essential, along with advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database management systems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a secondary education. A University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field will be given due consideration, although it is not a strict requirement for the position. The educational background should ideally provide a foundation in project management, administrative processes, and governance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a high school diploma, or 3 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. This experience should be progressively responsible and related to administrative or project management roles, particularly in the context of international development or statistical management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Spanish will be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and partners in Belize.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working closely with various government ministries and UN agencies. The contract duration is linked to the project timeline, which runs from 2024 to 202

• The role may involve some travel within Belize to engage with stakeholders and support project implementation. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UNDP standards and policies.