Portfolio Coordinator for Urban Missions

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to address development challenges. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce, promoting a culture that values the contributions of all individuals, particularly those from marginalized or underserved populations. UNDP is committed to ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission and adheres to strict policies against harassment and discrimination.

Job Overview:
The Portfolio Coordinator for Urban Missions will play a pivotal role in supporting mission-based urban planning initiatives under the Mayors for Economic Growth Facility and the Slovak Transformation Fund. This position is crucial for the implementation of the EU-funded 'Mayors for Economic Growth' (M4EG) program, which has been operational since 2021 in five Eastern Partnership countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The M4EG program aims to enhance local economic planning and make cities more attractive for investment through innovative approaches. The coordinator will be responsible for designing and coordinating the Mission-Oriented Economy Programme, which focuses on inclusive and sustainable economic revival in secondary cities. This role requires collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders to develop comprehensive urban transformation portfolios that address complex development challenges, including energy transition and digital cultural heritage. The coordinator will also facilitate training and capacity-building opportunities for local authorities, ensuring that they are equipped to implement effective local economic strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Portfolio Coordinator will lead the design, development, and coordination of the Mission-Oriented Economy Programme within the M4EG and support urban portfolios under the City Experiment Fund. Key responsibilities include:

• Designing processes for the mission programme to engage diverse partners and enhance cross-sectoral collaboration.
• Supporting local authorities and partners in designing portfolios of interventions using systems thinking to identify strategic entry points.
• Producing visual representations of processes and mission outputs.
• Advancing portfolio and mission development practices by reflecting on lessons learned.
• Developing capabilities of local authorities and partners in systems thinking and iterative learning methodologies through learning sessions.
• Coordinating with city teams on portfolio design and ensuring effective learning activities.
• Monitoring portfolio progress and synthesizing insights for knowledge dissemination.
• Managing relationships with local authorities and partners to ensure synergies during portfolio design and activation stages.
• Engaging with partners and donors to share lessons learned and generate impactful products. 1
• Performing other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in International Development, Economics, Urban Studies, Development Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in the aforementioned fields combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be considered. A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience is required for those with a Master's degree, while candidates with a Bachelor's degree should have at least 4 years of experience. Proven experience in designing complexity or mission-based plans or strategies is essential. Desired qualifications include experience working with cities or municipalities, facilitation skills, knowledge of the Eastern Partnership regional context, and exposure to process design work in development.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as International Development, Economics, Urban Studies, or Development Sciences. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in these areas will also be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban development and economic planning.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a Master's degree, or 4 years for those with a Bachelor's degree. Experience should include the use of innovative mechanisms and methods in development, particularly in designing and implementing complexity or mission-based plans. Familiarity with urban development challenges and the ability to engage with local authorities and stakeholders is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Eastern Partnership region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based, but the successful candidate is expected to be available during regular office hours of the Istanbul Regional Hub. The role involves a significant degree of collaboration with regional and national teams, and the incumbent will be expected to engage actively with local authorities and partners. UNDP emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment. The organization also encourages applications from individuals belonging to marginalized or excluded populations.