National Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. The organization focuses on various areas including governance, peace, and gender, and is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. UNDP encourages individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply, ensuring that all applications are treated with the utmost confidentiality. UNDP has a strong commitment to safeguarding against sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination, and all selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer will be based in the UNDP Country Office in Port Moresby and will report directly to the Chief Technical Adviser (Anti-Corruption). This role is crucial for the management of the Strengthening Papua New Guinea Civil Society Organizations (PNG CSOs Project), which aims to enhance the capacities of PNG CSOs to engage effectively in governance and public policy. The project aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly focusing on promoting just, peaceful, and inclusive societies (SDG 16) and fostering partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). The officer will be responsible for ensuring that all project activities are implemented efficiently and effectively, aligning with the project objectives and outcomes. This includes strategic planning, coordination, and implementation of project activities, as well as managing relationships with various stakeholders, including CSOs, government entities, and donors. The role also involves monitoring project performance, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Officer will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Project Planning and Coordination: Develop and revise the project’s annual work plan, ensuring alignment with UNDP’s Country Office Programme, HR, and Procurement teams. Coordinate the development of detailed implementation plans and ensure effective execution of administrative activities associated with project implementation.
• Grant Management: Design and administer low-value grants (LVGs) for CSOs, including drafting terms of reference for calls for proposals, organizing information sessions for applicants, and facilitating inception meetings for grantees.
• Capacity Building: Lead the delivery of tailored capacity-building trainings for CSO grantees, focusing on grant proposal writing, financial management, and results-based reporting.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop baselines and indicators for project monitoring and evaluation, coordinate the implementation of the results framework, and conduct field visits to verify project activities.
• Reporting: Prepare corporate and donor reports in line with UNDP and donor requirements, ensuring timely provision of ad hoc reports as requested.
• Risk Management: Maintain and update the project risk register, collaborate with CSO grantees to ensure compliance with UNDP and national standards, and conduct periodic spot checks to verify compliance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate coordination meetings among CSO grantees, promote peer learning, and ensure effective communication of project results and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in the aforementioned areas combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be considered. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in project management, CSO grants design and management, and capacity building. Proficiency in the use of computers and office software packages is essential, along with experience in handling web-based management systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, or Social Sciences. A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, will also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for candidates with a master's degree, or 7 years for those with a bachelor's degree. This experience should be progressively responsible and include project management, design and management of CSO grants, and capacity building at either the national or international level.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Tok Pisin is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where it operates. The organization does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, or discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level.