Project Manager for Solid Waste Management

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, established to advocate for change and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build better lives. UNDP operates in 170 countries and territories, working closely with governments and communities to address global and national development challenges. The UNDP Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) was established under the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/147 on December 20, 1978, with the mission to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people. UNDP/PAPP focuses on various portfolios, including environmental and natural resources management, aiming to enhance governance, mobilize financing, and improve access to essential services. The organization is currently responding to the urgent solid waste management crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by recent conflicts, which has led to significant public health and environmental challenges. UNDP/PAPP is committed to restoring solid waste management capabilities in the region as part of its humanitarian response and early recovery efforts.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager for Solid Waste Management will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of a critical project aimed at enhancing the operational capacities of solid waste management service providers in Gaza. This role involves ensuring effective project management, which includes maintaining technical, operational, financial, and administrative outputs while tracking project progress through monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. The incumbent will coordinate day-to-day project activities, supervise project personnel, and ensure timely and quality delivery of planned activities. The Project Manager will develop comprehensive work plans, monitor financial resources, mobilize goods and services, and manage project risks. Additionally, the role requires conducting field monitoring, ensuring quality assurance, and building strong partnerships with implementing partners and stakeholders. The Project Manager will also prepare progress reports, contribute to corporate reporting, and facilitate knowledge sharing throughout the project implementation phase.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective project management by maintaining the delivery of appropriate technical, operational, financial, and administrative outputs, while tracking the project’s progress through monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Implement and manage the project on a day-to-day basis, coordinating the implementation of respective activities based on the project document, including supervision and guidance of project personnel, consultants, and experts. Ensure timely and quality delivery of planned project activities. Develop detailed project work-plans that include all activities and roles of stakeholders, setting corresponding milestones. Monitor the progress of implementation, review work-plans, set deadlines, and monitor financial resources for accuracy and reliability of reports. Mobilize goods and services to support project activities, including drafting TORs and specifications. Manage and monitor project risks, submitting information on new risks and possible mitigating measures to the Project Board. Ensure adherence to financial, procurement, and administrative processes in line with UNDP rules and regulations. Ensure gender equality and accessibility for people with disabilities are reflected in all project activities. Consult regularly with other UNDP projects for potential synergies.
• Conduct regular field monitoring and ensure quality assurance of project implementation. Plan and conduct field visits to verify activity implementation, assess progress, and identify challenges. Ensure compliance with technical specifications, safety protocols, and environmental safeguards. Develop checklists and reporting templates to document field observations. Provide on-site technical guidance to contractors and field staff. Prepare field visit reports with findings and recommendations. Support quality assurance mechanisms, including spot checks and user feedback collection.
• Build strong partnerships with implementing partners and stakeholders. Maintain relationships with partners, finalize contractual agreements, and ensure coherence among project activities. Identify opportunities for deepening cooperation and maintain communication with local and international counterparts. Engage with communities to reflect their needs in project activities.
• Prepare project progress and ad hoc reports, ensuring timely submission to the project board and donors. Contribute to corporate reporting and develop presentations on achievements and challenges.
• Ensure compilation and synthesis of lessons learned and best practices throughout project implementation. Support strategic sharing of knowledge and information in collaboration with the Communications & Partnerships Specialist. Actively commit to learning to advance professional skills and career.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Environment, Project Management, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level University degree (bachelor’s degree) in the stated areas with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be considered.
• Applicants with a master’s degree are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree must have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in managing solid waste, environment-related, or natural resources programs/projects.
• Proven experience in solid waste or natural resources project management, including planning, results-based management, financial oversight, and procurement, particularly in crisis contexts.
• Solid experience with UN, international organizations, local governments, NGOs, and donors, with demonstrated ability to liaise and cooperate with various stakeholders.
• In-depth understanding of the solid waste management landscape in Gaza, including challenges faced during crises.
• Experience managing or contributing to projects focused on natural resources and solid waste management.
• Excellent report writing skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Environment, or Project Management. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these areas, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, will be considered. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage solid waste management projects and address the complexities involved in the role.

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. The experience should include managing or serving in a key programmatic role related to solid waste management, environment-related projects, or natural resources programs. Candidates should demonstrate proven experience in project management, particularly in crisis contexts, and have a solid understanding of the challenges faced in solid waste management in Gaza.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic, both written and spoken, is required for this position. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, reporting, and ensuring that project activities are aligned with local needs and contexts. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is open only to current Palestinian nationals available for employment in the Gaza Strip and willing to work and travel throughout various cities in the region. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic and challenging work environment. UNDP is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in its workforce, and all employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role. Selected candidates will undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to UNDP's standards and principles regarding harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority.