Location:

Dhaka, Bangladesh
Salary:

negotiable / YEAR
Job type:

CONTRACTOR
Posted:

3 weeks ago
Category:

Management and Strategy, Programme and Project Management
Deadline:

12/12/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

While graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status is a testament to Bangladesh’s developmental progress, it will bring various challenges, requiring adroit policy responses to manage the transition and prepare, especially for the loss of LDC-specific trade preferences. If Bangladesh can successfully navigate and mitigate any adverse implications for its export trade following its graduation from the LDC status, the transition should not precipitate major economic consequences, but will rather represent a natural progression in economic development. However, to navigate the transition effectively, Bangladesh must adopt a dual approach: securing extended LDC-type trade preferences as a transitional buffer and bolstering export competitiveness.

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) will play a crucial role in the post-LDC scenario, despite facing limited resources—encompassing human, financial, and technical capacities—and programmatic support. The IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) – II project, funded by the UK government, aims to bridge these gaps, aligning closely with national priorities for a smooth LDC graduation, particularly on Bangladesh’s trade policy and trade negotiation skills, inter-ministerial coordination on compliance issues, private sector’s competitiveness, and evidence-based policy initiatives.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will also play a crucial role in supporting ongoing growth and economic development and reaping potential benefits from the LDC graduation. In an evolving context, Bangladesh will need to improve investment facilitation, retention, and aftercare services to attract more FDI. The IP TEPP-II project, through its Research and Analytics Unit (RAU), anchored in the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) of the Prime Minister’s Office will also support evidence-based policy reforms for improved investment climate in Bangladesh.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager will work under the supervision of the Senior Governance Specialist, DG Cluster. However, she/he will take technical guidance from the Senior Economic Adviser of UNDP Bangladesh. The Senior Governance Specialist will be responsible for the performance assessment of the Project Manager.

The Project Manager will oversee the day-to-day management and coordination of the IP TEPP-II Project, ensuring that it achieves its objectives in alignment with UNDP standards. This role will involve close collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the private sector, local think tanks, and other relevant stakeholders. The key responsibilities of Project manager are outlined below:

Lead Project Coordination:

Lead the day-to-day management of the IP TEPP-II project, ensuring timely and effective implementation of project activities.
Coordinate with project partners and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Commerce, BIDA, local think tanks and private sector associations to ensure alignment with project objectives.

Develop Strategic Planning:

Develop and implement project work plans in line with the project document, ensuring clear objectives, milestones, and deliverables.
Monitor project progress against established targets and adjust plans as necessary.

Financial Management:

Oversee project budgeting, ensuring adherence to financial regulations and guidelines.
Prepare financial reports and ensure timely disbursement of funds.

Ensure Quality Assurance:

Maintain the highest standards of quality in project outputs and deliverables.
Conduct regular reviews and evaluations of project activities to ensure they meet specified results.

Develop Stakeholder Engagement:

Foster a collaborative environment among project partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
Organize regular meetings, workshops, and consultations to facilitate communication and collaboration.

Ensure Reporting and Documentation:

Prepare progress reports and documentation for stakeholders, including UNDP, FCDO, and government partners.
Ensure proper documentation of project activities, lessons learned, and best practices.

Facilitate Capacity Building and Knowledge Management:

Identify training and capacity-building needs among project partners and stakeholders.
Support the development and implementation of training programs to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the project.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making

People Management competencies:

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy

Effective Decision Making: Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.
Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Management

Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Risk Management: Identify and organise action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
Monitoring and Evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results; Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming; Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

2030 Agenda: Prosperity: Inclusive Growth

Economic Transformation

Partnership management:

Strategic engagement: Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field is required,
A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years (with master´s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience in project management, preferably in economic policy advocacy, governance, or development sectors.
Proven track record of experience in multi-stakeholder project management including coordination, financial management, risk management and partnership management is an asset.
Previous experience working in the UN agencies/ development sector/ academia/ think tanks/donor organizations, etc. is an asset.
Working experience on economic development issues including trade and investment and public sector reforms is an asset.
Knowledge of research techniques and data analysis.
Prior experience in leading a project team comprising national and international experts.
Prior experience of resource mobilization.
Ability to make new and useful ideas work.
Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefully.
Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.
Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement.
Meets goals and quality criteria for delivery of products and services.
Ability to identify and execute opportunities to improve operational efficiency.

Required Languages:

Fluent in English and Bangla is required.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Scam warning

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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements

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