Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, established to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. UNDP connects countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build better lives. It operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on sustainable development and providing expert advice, training, and grants support to developing nations. UNDP emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from marginalized populations and ensuring a fair recruitment process.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will oversee the Somali Women Media Project (SWoMP), which aims to empower women journalists in Somalia by establishing a media unit run by women within an existing media house. This role involves managing project operations, financial resources, procurement, and logistics, while also supporting advocacy efforts and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders and donors. The Project Manager will work closely with the Deputy Resident Representative for Programme and the Economic Recovery and Institutional Development Portfolio Manager, ensuring that the project aligns with UNDP’s corporate priorities and engages effectively with external partners. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying new opportunities and partnerships, managing political risks, and ensuring the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of project staff and assets. The Project Manager will also be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to maximize the visibility of the project and its impact on women's journalism in Somalia.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective management and strategic oversight of the Somali Women’s Media Project (SWoMP), including setting the strategic agenda, identifying new opportunities, and managing day-to-day operations.
• Identify and manage political risks associated with the project, including relationship management with key decision-makers.
• Coordinate project goals with UNDP’s corporate priorities and ensure integration into corporate reporting.
• Guide the implementation of audit requirements and ensure the security of project staff and assets.
• Maintain documentation and update the UNDP knowledge hub.
• Develop and implement a multi-year project communication plan in line with UNDP CO communications strategy.
• Create a strategic media and donor plan to maximize coverage of Bilan and keep issues related to women journalists in the public eye.
• Oversee production of communications products and donor-facing materials.
• Coordinate development of detailed implementation plans, procurement, and human resources plans for the project. 1
• Manage timely updates of all planning instruments and ensure implementation of activities as per the annual work plan. 1
• Regularly meet with implementing partners and assess project impact. 1
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on project progress to the Project Board and donors. 1
• Organize project-level coordination meetings and ensure effective communication with stakeholders. 1
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local and international media houses. 1
• Identify new opportunities for collaboration and advocacy campaigns related to women journalists.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Journalism, Mass Communication, Development, Political Sciences, Economics, Management, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will also be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in managing media-related projects, communications strategies, and donor relations, or a related field (7 years with a bachelor’s degree).
• Familiarity with gender issues in the Arab states region is desirable.
• Extensive managerial experience, including leading multi-cultural teams in stressful environments, is preferred.
• Experience in emergency or post-conflict environments is an advantage.
• Good computer literacy, including MS Office applications and web-based management information systems, is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Journalism, Mass Communication, Development, Political Sciences, Economics, or Management. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, will be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in managing media-related projects, communications strategies, and donor relations, or a related field. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree should have at least 7 years of relevant experience. Familiarity with gender issues in the Arab states region and experience in managing complex projects in emergency or post-conflict environments are highly desirable. Experience in leading multi-cultural teams and managing media visits is also an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in another UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve supervisory responsibilities, including overseeing the Project Admin and Finance Associate and the Advisor. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those from marginalized communities. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and conducts thorough background checks on selected candidates. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions.