Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers worldwide. Established in 1950, UNHCR's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. The organization operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance and protection to millions of displaced individuals. UNHCR's efforts are guided by international laws and conventions, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which outline the rights of refugees and the responsibilities of nations to protect them. In Costa Rica, UNHCR collaborates closely with the government and various partners to strengthen the asylum system and enhance the protection of refugees and asylum-seekers, particularly in light of recent challenges posed by increased migration flows from neighboring countries.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will play a crucial role in the day-to-day management and coordination of a dedicated project aimed at strengthening the asylum system in Costa Rica. This position requires close collaboration with government counterparts, including the General Directorate for Migration and Foreigners and relevant asylum units, as well as other ministries and institutions involved in refugee protection and migration management. The Project Manager will ensure effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of UNHCR's project, contributing to enhanced access to fair, efficient, and protection-sensitive asylum procedures. The incumbent will be responsible for leading project planning and management, facilitating government liaison and coordination, and overseeing monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities. This role is vital in ensuring that the project aligns with UNHCR's multi-year strategy and the country's operational plans, ultimately aiming to improve the asylum system's efficiency and integrity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Planning and Management: Lead the overall planning, organization, and management of the asylum system strengthening project, ensuring alignment with UNHCR's multi-year strategy and relevant government plans. Develop and regularly update detailed project work plans, implementation schedules, and resource plans in consultation with government counterparts and UNHCR teams. Oversee day-to-day project implementation, ensuring that activities are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and in accordance with UNHCR standards and donor requirements. Manage project risks, issues, and dependencies proactively; propose and implement mitigation measures and adjustments to work plans as needed. Coordinate the preparation, revision, and tracking of project budgets, ensuring sound financial management and compliance with UNHCR rules and regulations.
• Government Liaison and Coordination: Facilitate coordination mechanisms between UNHCR and government counterparts for project planning, implementation, monitoring, and review, including regular technical meetings and steering committees as required. Support government counterparts in articulating priorities, defining project activities, and identifying opportunities to reinforce institutional ownership and sustainability. Promote coherent and complementary approaches between this project and other national efforts and international cooperation initiatives related to asylum. Contribute to initiatives to strengthen case management systems, including digitalization, data management, and information flows, in coordination with relevant government departments and technical experts.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Maintain a project results framework, including indicators, baselines, and targets, in line with UNHCR results-based management standards and any donor requirements. Compile, analyze, and interpret data and qualitative information to track progress, identify challenges, and propose corrective actions. Prepare high-quality project reports (internal and external), including progress, annual, final, and ad hoc reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with agreed formats. Lead the joint preparation and quality assurance of all contractual reports to the donor regarding the project, including inception, interim, annual, and final narrative reports. Contribute to project evaluations, reviews, and learning exercises, and document good practices and lessons learned to inform future programming. Maintain regular communication and coordination with the donor, in close collaboration with UNHCR and IOM senior management.
• Other Responsibilities: Provide regular briefings to UNHCR senior management and government steering structures on project progress, challenges, and opportunities. Perform any other related duties as required by the supervisor in support of the project or the broader UNHCR operation.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, implement, and monitor complex projects effectively. A solid understanding of asylum and refugee protection issues, particularly in the context of Costa Rica, is essential. The candidate should demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with various stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and international organizations. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are also required, along with proficiency in financial management and reporting. The candidate should be adaptable, flexible, and able to work in a dynamic environment, demonstrating professionalism and accountability in all aspects of their work.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, international relations, law, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be considered an asset. Additional training or certifications in project management, refugee law, or related areas would be advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management, preferably in the field of refugee protection, migration management, or humanitarian assistance. Experience working with government institutions and international organizations is highly desirable. Proven experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects and coordinating with various partners is essential. Familiarity with UNHCR's mandate and operations, as well as knowledge of the asylum system in Costa Rica, will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in Costa Rica. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is essential for reporting and communication with international stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in San José, Costa Rica, and is classified as a family duty station. The role is full-time and may require occasional travel within the country for project-related activities. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance, relocation assistance, and support for dependents' education. The contract duration will be determined based on project needs and funding availability, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project continuation.