Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's lead development agency, established to support poverty eradication, reduce inequalities, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Operating in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP focuses on six signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender equality. The UNDP's Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) was mandated by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/147 on December 20, 1978, to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people. UNDP/PAPP's programming emphasizes democratic governance, rule of law, public service delivery, environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth, and gender equality, particularly in East Jerusalem, Gaza, and Area C. Following the destruction from the 2023 war, UNDP has intensified emergency and recovery interventions in the WASH sector, focusing on restoring access to safe water and rehabilitating critical wastewater systems, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing the planning and management of water and wastewater projects in Gaza. This position involves close collaboration with the Programme Specialist to develop project plans, concept notes, and proposals, including budgets and timelines. The incumbent will manage day-to-day project activities, ensuring effective coordination with implementing partners and stakeholders. Key responsibilities include leading project initiation processes, preparing comprehensive implementation plans, and ensuring adherence to UNDP strategic frameworks and national strategies. The Project Manager will also supervise project staff and consultants, ensuring alignment with project objectives and efficient functioning of the project team. This role is vital for transitioning from emergency responses to sustainable reconstruction, requiring strong leadership and technical oversight.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Planning and Management: Develop project plans, concept notes, and proposals; manage water and wastewater project activities; lead project initiation processes; prepare implementation plans and schedules; ensure adherence to strategic frameworks and technical standards; supervise project staff and consultants.
• Technical Management and Quality Assurance: Review and develop tender documents and engineering designs; conduct field visits to assess implementation progress; verify compliance with safety protocols and standards; oversee adherence to environmental and social safeguards.
• Financial, Procurement, and Administrative Oversight: Monitor financial management; ensure compliance with procurement procedures; oversee procurement processes; coordinate mobilization of goods and services.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Monitor project performance; prepare analytical progress reports; maintain project risk log; support corporate reporting requirements.
• Partnership Building and Stakeholder Coordination: Engage with various stakeholders; facilitate coordination meetings; ensure community engagement and participatory decision-making.
• Knowledge Management and Capacity Building: Develop knowledge products; provide training and mentoring; support capacity strengthening of partners.
• Compliance and Safeguards: Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards; integrate gender equality and social inclusion in project activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Water Engineering, or a closely related field, or a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience.
• Applicants with a master’s degree are not required to have professional work experience; those with a bachelor’s degree must have at least two years of relevant experience in water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience in project planning, management, and execution, including results-based management, finance, and procurement.
• Strong technical expertise in water supply, wastewater, and environmental sanitation.
• Proficiency in engineering and project management software, including AutoCAD and GIS.
• Excellent technical writing and reporting skills; high level of computer literacy.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Water Engineering, or Environmental Engineering. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these areas, combined with two years of qualifying experience, will be considered. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of water and wastewater management and engineering.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Those with a master’s degree are not required to have prior work experience. Relevant experience should include implementing and supervising water and wastewater infrastructure projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of project management and technical oversight in this field.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local stakeholders and international partners is crucial. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is open exclusively to current Palestinian nationals available for employment in the Gaza Strip. Candidates must be willing to work and travel throughout various cities in the Strip. The UNDP emphasizes equal opportunity and diversity in its hiring practices, ensuring that all personnel can contribute to the organization's mission without discrimination. The organization does not charge fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a workplace free from harassment and abuse.