National Project Manager

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 solutions that improve the quality of life for people everywhere. The organization focuses on various areas including poverty reduction, democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, environment and sustainable development, and gender equality. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture, and encourages individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring that all applications are treated with the utmost confidentiality. Selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks to uphold these standards.

Job Overview:
The National Project Manager (NPM) will oversee the management of a Full-size Project (FSP) aimed at addressing critical environmental issues in Mongolia, particularly in the cashmere and leather tanning sectors. This role involves mobilizing project inputs, supervising project staff, consultants, and subcontractors, and ensuring effective project planning and implementation. The NPM will coordinate day-to-day activities, develop work plans and budgets, and provide technical advice to ensure project outputs are delivered on time and within budget. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and the private sector, to foster responsible production practices and enhance resource efficiency. The NPM will also be responsible for monitoring project progress, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and procedures, particularly in relation to gender equality and environmental sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Project Manager include:

• Coordinating effective project planning and implementation, ensuring that work plans and budgets are prepared in accordance with UNDP guidelines.
• Managing day-to-day activities of the project portfolio, optimizing resource use, and ensuring successful achievement of project objectives.
• Providing subject matter technical advice and support, ensuring high-quality outputs are delivered on time and within budget.
• Establishing interactive platforms for project implementation and collaborating with other program units to integrate critical development issues.
• Ensuring alignment of implementation activities with UNDP policies and gender equality perspectives.
• Managing operational aspects of the project, including procurement and resource management.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, conducting stakeholder mapping, and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts and monitoring project progress against targets.
• Overseeing the implementation of safeguard plans and managing social and environmental grievances. 1
• Conducting field visits to project sites and liaising with finance teams to ensure timely management of budgets and resources. 1
• Organizing training and capacity-building activities, documenting best practices, and promoting knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Agriculture, Textile Industry, Public Administration, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in management advisory services or hands-on experience in design, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects.
• Proficiency in using computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), with advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Solid experience in the agriculture sector is considered an advantage, along with previous experience in development projects and stakeholder engagement.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Textile Industry, Public Administration, Environmental Sciences, or a related area. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage the project and address the complex challenges associated with environmental sustainability in Mongolia.

Experience:
The National Project Manager should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience if holding a master's degree, or 4 years of experience if holding a bachelor's degree. This experience should be at the national or international level and should include providing management advisory services, as well as hands-on experience in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of project management principles and practices, particularly in the context of environmental and sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Mongolian is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, partners, and team members, as well as for the preparation of reports and documentation. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage, particularly if they facilitate engagement with diverse stakeholders in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role within the UNDP framework, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic and challenging work environment. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The role may involve international collaboration and requires a commitment to the principles of equality and inclusion. UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.