Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1972, UNDP has been working in Bangladesh for over 50 years, focusing on democratic governance, climate adaptation, environmental protection, and inclusive growth. The organization operates in over 170 countries and territories, employing thousands of staff members worldwide. UNDP's mission is to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and shocks. In Bangladesh, UNDP has been a long-standing partner of the government, providing high-quality policy and technical advice, implementation support, development financing, and knowledge sharing to address significant development challenges, including economic diversification and climate vulnerability.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will play a crucial role in leading the Inclusive Budgeting and Financing for Climate Resilience (IBFCR) phase II project, which aims to promote climate-responsive public financial management in Bangladesh. This position requires strategic and adaptive project management skills to ensure that the project meets its objectives and delivers expected outputs and outcomes as outlined in the approved Project Document. The Project Manager will work closely with various stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations, to achieve the project's goals. The role involves overseeing project implementation, monitoring progress, managing financial and human resources, and ensuring compliance with UNDP's standards and regulations. The Project Manager will also be responsible for fostering partnerships, advocating for policy support, and facilitating knowledge management and learning within the project framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure Results-based Project Management, Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation: Provide overall management oversight to ensure project implementation aligns with the project document and approved Annual Work Plan (AWP). Manage financial and human resources, ensuring compliance with UNDP's financial rules and regulations. Lead the preparation of annual work plans, budgets, procurement plans, and operational plans. Manage the project team, ensuring clear division of labor and setting specific targets for personnel. Manage risks and issues, executing adaptive management in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Prepare and submit high-quality progress reports and facilitate governance mechanisms. Oversee procurement processes and maintain project records and documentation.
• Contribute to Technical Oversight, Quality Assurance and Partnership Management: Provide technical oversight and quality assurance across all project outputs. Identify stakeholders and develop a stakeholder engagement strategy. Establish and maintain strategic relationships with government counterparts, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners. Supervise consultants and ensure compliance with work plans. Promote integration of cross-cutting themes in project activities.
• Support Evidence-based Advocacy, Policy Support and Stakeholder Engagement: Analyze project results and provide results-based reporting. Develop and implement capacity-building activities for government counterparts. Participate in inter-agency coordination mechanisms and contribute to national policy processes.
• Facilitate Knowledge Management, Communications and Learning: Manage the development of high-quality knowledge products and ensure effective integration with other practice areas. Lead knowledge creation and dissemination related to project results and lessons learned.
• Support Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations: Mobilize and network with experts and identify funding sources. Prepare proposals and business cases for resource mobilization. Maintain effective relationships with development partners to support resource mobilization efforts.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Public Policy, Geography and Environment, Climate Change, Social Science, or related field is required. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) with additional qualifying experience may be considered.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) in Public Financial Management (PFM) and/or Climate finance is required. Substantive expertise in climate finance programming and experience in managing or coordinating project activities is essential.
• Required Skills: Strong analytical and communication skills, experience in results-based reporting, and ability to establish working relationships with government counterparts and delivery partners.
• Desired Skills: Experience with national climate policies, mobilizing financing, and understanding of Bangladesh's development context is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Geography and Environment, Climate Change, or Social Science. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with additional qualifying experience will be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of public financial management and climate finance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a Master’s degree or 4 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Candidates should have experience in Public Financial Management (PFM) and/or Climate finance, particularly in key oversight institutions. Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, is essential. Candidates should also have experience in leading teams and managing project activities to deliver measurable results.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bengali (Bangla) is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Bengali are mandatory for effective communication with stakeholders and project partners.

Additional Notes:
The Project Manager position is classified as NPSA-9 and will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative and the Head of the Resilience and Inclusive Growth (RIG) Cluster. The role involves supervising project personnel and interacting with a wide range of national and international stakeholders. 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 has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions.