Project Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates in multiple countries, working towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men. The organization is committed to addressing the socio-economic, political, cultural, and humanitarian needs of women and girls, aligning its strategic planning with the Sustainable Development Goals and national development plans.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Specialist will be responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of UN Women interventions under the Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) portfolio. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including program and operations teams, government officials, and civil society, to ensure the successful execution of programs aimed at enhancing women's engagement in agribusiness. The Project Manager will finalize annual work plans, manage project budgets, and ensure the integration of feedback from relevant thematic areas into project proposals. The position requires strong leadership skills to guide a team and manage the technical implementation of the project, ensuring that the needs of beneficiaries are met and that project objectives are achieved.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Management Specialist will manage the implementation of the project by finalizing the annual work plan and detailed project budget, drafting project documents and proposals, and leading the recruitment of implementing partners. They will oversee the technical implementation of the project, provide technical advice, and ensure synergies with other teams. The role includes managing the monitoring and reporting of project activities, developing monitoring tools, and finalizing quarterly and donor reports. The Project Manager will also oversee people and budget management for the program team, ensuring effective communication and coordination across the office and with other UN Women units. Additionally, the incumbent will coordinate with other UN agencies and partners, provide technical assistance and capacity development, and lead advocacy and knowledge-building efforts related to the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in fields such as Rural Extension, Business Management, Social Sciences, Human Rights, Gender/Women's Studies, International Development, or a related area. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification, such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®, is considered an added advantage. The role requires excellent program formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills, as well as the ability to develop operational plans and budgets effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Rural Extension, Business Management, Social Sciences, Human Rights, Gender/Women's Studies, International Development, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may suffice. A project management certification is a plus, indicating a formal recognition of the candidate's project management skills.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience at the international level in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects is required. Candidates should have experience in project management, particularly in women's economic empowerment, and should be familiar with coordinating and liaising with government agencies, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and donors. Experience in leading and managing a team is also desirable, as is familiarity with the UN System.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves leading a team that includes two Project Analysts and a Program Associate, along with a Monitoring and Reporting Analyst. The role requires a commitment to UN Women's values and competencies, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. Candidates must be prepared to undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct.