Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization focuses on various areas, including democratic governance, sustainable development, and climate change, and is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP Sri Lanka specifically focuses on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions as part of its flagship portfolio on SDG16, which integrates governance and peacebuilding efforts to support the government and people of Sri Lanka.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will play a crucial role in the day-to-day management of the Justice Reforms Programme (JURE Project), which is a collaborative initiative between UNDP and UNICEF, funded by the European Union. This position requires the Project Manager to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of operational, financial, and administrative outputs while adhering to UNDP rules and regulations. The Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating with project beneficiaries and partners, maintaining effective communication, and ensuring coherence among various stakeholders. The role involves leading the overall management of the project, overseeing project operations and finance staff, and ensuring that project objectives are met in alignment with the strategic goals of the SDG16+ portfolio. The Project Manager will also be tasked with developing annual work plans, managing project budgets, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, all while fostering an inclusive environment that promotes access to justice for women and children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager's duties include:

• Leading the day-to-day management of the JURE Project, ensuring timely delivery of operational, financial, and administrative outputs.
• Coordinating with project beneficiaries and partners to ensure coherence and complementarity in project implementation.
• Managing project operations and finance staff, hiring and overseeing external consultants, and maintaining relationships with key project partners.
• Developing and revising annual work plans and project budgets in accordance with project management board decisions.
• Maintaining oversight of expenditures, ensuring value for money, and implementing continuous risk analysis of project finance and operations.
• Leading financial planning, expenditure tracking, and monitoring of project budgets, ensuring compliance with UNDP policies.
• Supporting the project team in knowledge building and management, ensuring dissemination of project achievements.
• Ensuring compliance of project operations and financial management with UNDP regulations and policies.
• Conducting continuous monitoring and analysis of the operating environment to enable timely operational adjustments. 1
• Providing strategic advice on legal considerations and leading risk assessments to safeguard project operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in the same fields combined with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be considered. The position requires a minimum of 5 years of working experience (with a master’s degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor’s degree) in progressively responsible roles related to finance, business administration, or economics. Candidates should have project management experience, particularly with large-scale projects involving international donors such as the European Union, and prior experience in capacity development within the justice sector.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related area. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in these fields, combined with additional qualifying experience, will also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and financial oversight within the context of international development.

Experience:
The Project Manager should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience if holding a master's degree, or 7 years if holding a bachelor's degree. This experience should include progressively responsible work in finance, business administration, or economics, with a strong emphasis on project management and coordination of large-scale projects, particularly in the development sector. Experience in managing and coordinating projects related to the rule of law and justice sector institutions is highly desirable, as is familiarity with government and international organizations, especially within the United Nations system.

Languages:
Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil and English is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with project stakeholders and beneficiaries, ensuring that the project objectives are met and that all parties are engaged in the process.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves working within a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusion. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel can thrive and contribute to the organization's mission. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and ensures that all selected candidates undergo relevant checks. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. The project is funded for a duration extending until the end of 2027, with potential for further extension.