Project Analyst (Operations)

Job Posting Organization:
Aspire to Innovate (a2i) is the Government of Bangladesh’s flagship digital transformation initiative, managed by the ICT Division and Cabinet Division and supported by UNDP. Established over a decade ago, a2i has been pivotal in accelerating public sector innovation, enhancing governance, and making public services more accessible, affordable, and efficient for millions of citizens. The program drives comprehensive government reforms through various components, including institutionalizing public service innovation, catalyzing digital financial services, and incubating private sector-enabled public service innovation. a2i collaborates closely with ministries, local governments, private innovation ecosystems, development partners, and civil society to design and scale citizen-centric digital solutions. The initiative spans diverse sectors such as governance, education, health, social protection, digital financial services, skills development, and private sector-enabled innovation, requiring robust operational and coordination support to ensure effective implementation of activities across all components and projects.

Job Overview:
The Project Analyst (Operations) will play a crucial role in supporting the a2i program by providing operational, administrative, and coordination support to ensure the effective delivery of multiple workstreams. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the International Project Manager and will closely coordinate with UNDP operations teams. The role involves ensuring compliance with government and UNDP standards while facilitating the smooth implementation of various initiatives related to public service innovation, digital transformation, digital financial services, skills development, and stakeholder engagement. The Project Analyst will be responsible for tracking program delivery against budgets and work plans, monitoring expenditure trends, and proposing corrective actions as necessary. This position is vital for maintaining the operational integrity of the program and ensuring that all activities align with the strategic goals of a2i.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Analyst (Operations) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Delivery Oversight: Supporting the Project Manager in tracking program delivery against budgets and Annual Work Plans (AWPs), monitoring expenditure trends, and proposing corrective actions.
• Procurement & Vendor Coordination: Assisting in procurement planning, tracking procurement processes, and ensuring compliance with UNDP and Government of Bangladesh procedures.
• Administrative & HR Operations: Coordinating recruitment processes, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with HR policies.
• Logistics, Asset & Event Management: Managing logistics for field surveys, workshops, and training programs, and ensuring proper asset management.
• Programme Support & Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating operational follow-up for program activities, liaising with various stakeholders, and supporting documentation and reporting.
• Travel Coordination: Coordinating travel arrangements for consultants and field teams, ensuring compliance with financial rules. The incumbent will also perform other duties as required for the smooth functioning of the program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be considered. CIPS level 3 certification is highly desirable, and candidates holding this certification at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates with lower-level CIPS certification will have a proportionate advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or Finance. A first-level university degree may be accepted in combination with additional qualifying experience. CIPS certification is also a significant asset for candidates applying for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public sector procurement management for candidates with a master's degree, or 4 years for those with a bachelor's degree. Experience in coordinating procurement, financial tracking, budget monitoring, and operational coordination is essential. Familiarity with digital transformation and innovation projects is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Bangla and English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working with various stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector partners. The role is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and may require travel for field activities. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and values diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. 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 in the future. Importantly, UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.