Project Manager
JOB DETAIL
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.
In the Philippines, Indigenous Peoples, particularly women, endure significant economic and social disparities, despite the country’s adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Barriers such as limited access to education, health care, electricity, and financial services, as well as tenurial insecurity and lack of or limited investments both public and private, persist in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) where ancestral domains are situated. These challenges, compounded by cultural and gender norms, hinder meaningful participation, leadership, and economic opportunities for Indigenous women and girls. Notably, 60% of the IPs in the country resides in Mindanao, a conflict-affected region that has been a focal point of international development efforts, including support from Aotearoa New Zealand over the past two decades.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment are central to the New Zealand Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (NZ MFAT) international development agenda, as outlined in the Ministry’s Gender Action Plan (GAP) and its broader commitment to human rights. To address these issues, a targeted intervention in Mindanao is proposed, focusing on:
- Enhancing employment and livelihood opportunities for indigenous women and girls through investments in entrepreneurial skills and leadership training.
- Raising awareness of the rights of indigenous women and girls.
- Addressing formal and informal customs that perpetuate gender-based social exclusion.
The proposed initiative, named the Indigenous Women and Girls – Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Project, aims to bolster intergenerational socio-economic development of indigenous women and girls in Mindanao. It targets two key barriers: weak participation of Indigenous women and girls in governance and management of ancestral domains, and their constrained access to education and livelihood services hindering their economic participation.
To address these barriers, the Project will carry out interventions that will result in the following: (i) IP women and girls benefiting from improved accountability and transparency of ancestral domain management and governance; (ii) IP women and girls with increased income and improved livelihoods; and (iii) improved gender and human rights-responsive policy and institutional support for IP women and girls at national and regional levels. With these targets, the I-LEAD Project will undertake three interrelated and mutually reinforcing project components:
- Ancestral domain governance is strengthened with a human rights and gender perspective
- Gender-equitable and culturally appropriate economic empowerment
- Support to NCIP and stakeholders on gender and human rights-responsive policy and knowledge management
The Project will operate in select ancestral domains in Regions XI and XII, and will prioritize gender and human rights perspectives, ensuring the full enjoyment of rights by diverse gender identities, especially women, and empowering individuals to claim and advocate for their rights.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Outcome Lead for Climate Action, the Project Manager will lead the day-to-day monitoring and implementation of the I-LEAD Project, including the design and implementation phases. S/he will work closely with government partners and stakeholders to ensure timely and high-impact delivery of targets. The Project Manager will also serve as the primary focal for the UNDP Country Office in facilitating coordination and collaboration with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the lead government agency for the Project.
The Project Manager will work under the immediate supervision of and directly report to the Programme Analyst of the Climate Action Programme Team. S/he will work closely with the Inception Phase team, project team, UNDP Country Office teams, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the New Zealand Government.
Specific Functions:
Ensure strategic project management:
- Provide quality leadership in the overall coordination and management of the Project;
- Contribute to the development and monitoring of action plans to identify and resolve issues on financial delivery towards the full and optimal utilization of project funds;
- Lead the identification of project issues, challenges and risks, and appropriate strategies, and direct and oversee implementation of these strategies;
- Supervise the preparation of the Project Document and progress monitoring reports (e.g., donor reports), activity designs, briefing papers, technical reports, situation updates, M&E documents, and other documentation as may be required in project development and implementation;
- Supervise and oversee planning and implementation workshops, needs assessments, consultations, planning sessions, and provide technical inputs as may be necessary;
- Review and approve communication assignments such as writing of articles, press releases, development of knowledge products and other related activities;
- Mentor and coach team members as they perform their duties; and
- Perform other tasks as may be assigned by the supervisors.
Efficient project implementation:
- Based on the approved work plan, review and endorse approval of suitable partnership agreements and project activity designs;
- Provide guidance and supervise the implementation of partnership agreements and project activities;
- Ensure compliance to physical and financial delivery deadlines by implementing remedial measures to address bottlenecks, if needed;
- As needed, consult with or obtain approval from the Project Board on major changes to the agreed upon work plan; and
- Spearhead the conduct of spot-checking and quality assurance activities to ensure that implementation of activities are within the quality standards of UNDP and remain on track.
Adaptive project delivery:
- Foresee possible roadblocks, as well as opportunities, and be able to put forth and implement contingency measures;
- Oversee the interaction of the project team, experts, partners, and stakeholders and ensure that collaborations contribute to the strategic goals of the project;
- Provide new innovative ways of working to achieve the goals of the project in the most efficient and effective means possible; and
- Ensure that deliverables of the project team, experts, and partners contribute to the strategic goal of the project and provide timely and technically sound feedback.
Effective partnership management:
- Network and build strong working relations with authorities and experts from the government agencies, UN system, international development organizations, private sector organizations, and other donor partners;
- Establish, develop and maintain mutually beneficial strategic partnerships with private sector, universities, civil society and community groups, the press and media, the business sector, etc.; and
- Closely collaborate with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), New Zealand Government, and work closely with the respective UNDP programme teams and operations team to support effective delivery of project activities in line with strategic objectives.
Facilitate Knowledge building and management:
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- Identification of credible sources of information concerning programme implementation and related issues;
- Identification and synthesis of best local and international practices and lessons learned directly linked to the project;
- Effective network with development partners and government both at national and subnational level; and
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
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 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have listing impact
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
People Management
- UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Direction & Strategy
- System 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
- Effective Decision Making: Ability to make decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources
Business Management
- Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
- Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
Digital & Innovation: Team design & management
- Ability to create a clear sense of shared purpose while leveraging curiosity, expertise and agency at an individual level
- Set up and manage team rituals and rhythms that create a safe space for learning and reflection. Foster a positive culture around failure, encourage exploration, experimentation
- Set the conditions and structures for ‘fluid’ team modelling and distributed leadership enabling the team to continuously develop and renew itself
- Ability to create synergy between team members with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, being able to leverage their broad knowledge and skillsets
2030 Agenda: Planet
- Nature, Climate and Energy: Ecosystems and Biodiversity:
2030 Agenda: Prosperity
- Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility: Women’s economic empowerment
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in development studies, business management, business administration, social sciences, environmental management, or related field is required; OR
- 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 the master’s degree.
Experience:
- Minimum up to 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in management and implementation of development projects is required.
- Experience with international non-government organizations, bilateral and multilateral donors, and national government agencies is required.
- Proven experience in forging strong partnerships and working relationship with diverse stakeholders including Indigenous Peoples is required.
- Proficiency in software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
- Experience in working with indigenous communities in the Philippines;
- Experience working on and/or familiarity with gender mainstreaming and/or social inclusion in the Philippines.
- Progressive experience on project design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation at the national and international level.
- At least 10 years of experience on foreign-funded projects focused on biodiversity conservation and Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines is preferred, specifically in supporting the community
Required Languages:
- Fluent in written and spoken English and Filipino is required; with excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Disclaimer
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.
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