Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women. The organization emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are committed to delivering excellence in program results. UNFPA's strategic plan focuses on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager position is based at the UNFPA Odisha office in Bhubaneswar and is crucial for providing managerial, coordination, and technical support for the project "Social Empowerment of Women Self Help Groups of Mission Shakti." The Project Manager will lead a team at the Project Management Unit (PMU) and will be responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the project. This includes working closely with government counterparts, implementing partners, and undertaking field visits for program planning and management. The Project Manager will ensure that project objectives and deliverables are achieved on time and with quality, while also supporting the Head of Office in substantive and administrative matters. The role requires a strong commitment to empowering women through Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) and facilitating credit-market linkages for economic and financial empowerment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: preparing and updating the overall implementation plan for the project, supporting the Head of Office in identifying implementing partners, guiding the development of annual work plans, monitoring project implementation, managing project activities from substantive, administrative, and financial perspectives, ensuring effective communication and coordination among project personnel and partners, maintaining relationships with Mission Shakti officials, preparing reports for the project steering committee, and ensuring quality outputs and results. Additionally, the Project Manager will develop training and capacity building plans, identify policy gaps, engage in program development, and carry out any other related duties as requested by UNFPA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent in areas such as Management, Rural Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related fields. They should have two to three years of work experience in similar programs/projects, preferably with government or UN agencies. Knowledge of the ICPD and UNFPA mandate issues, experience in mobilizing partnerships, and proficiency in office software packages are also required. Experience in developing and delivering capacity building exercises is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master's Degree or equivalent in Management, Rural Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or any related area is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of project management and the socio-economic factors affecting women's empowerment in the context of the project.

Experience:
The position requires two to three years of relevant work experience in programs or projects of a similar nature. Experience working with government entities and/or UN agencies is desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing projects, mobilizing partnerships, and engaging with various stakeholders, including civil society and international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the Odia language is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of project implementation.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a contract duration aligned with the proposed project extension, with a maximum period of 11 months. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.