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.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, crises, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help countries to build integrated, lasting development solutions for people and planet.
The UNDP Country Office in Thailand is a dedicated, inclusive, and energetic team of development professionals, committed to the pursuit of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP partners with the host government, communities, the private sector, civil society organizations, the United Nations system, and other development partners to support the country’s development journey, adding value to Thailand’s progress towards the SDGs.
Our UNDP team is responsible for designing, implementing, managing and/or quality assuring a range of development interventions in a fast-paced environment. We prioritize our clients’ and partners’ needs and invest in a positive, innovative team culture.
SDG localization is a priority under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026), which outlines the UN development system’s support for Thailand’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda. This priority is also closely aligned with Thailand’s ambition to become a high-income, inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and advanced nation. It is further reinforced by UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022–2025, which focuses on six signature solutions—poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender equality—to drive sustainable development. Through its Country Programme (2022–2026), UNDP plays a strategic role as the SDG integrator, working collaboratively with specialized UN agencies and partners to provide joint expertise on SDG localization, ensuring a comprehensive whole-of-society approach.
Thailand has recognized the significance of SDG localization. In 2019, the National Sustainable Development Council identified it as a priority, with the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and the Ministry of Interior (MOI) working in close partnership to advance this agenda. The SDG Localisation in Thailand Project, which is funded by the European Union, is one of the numerous initiatives currently underway in Thailand to localize the SDGs.
UNDP is looking for a new face candidate who has the communication, analytical, planning and implementation capacities that can address links, choices and connections across thematic areas and sectors. We seek an enthusiastic, motivated, and committed person to making a positive contribution to promoting sustainable development in Thailand.
The successful applicant will join a team of dedicated development professionals whose primary role is to support Thailand to achieve the 2030 Agenda. As part of the UNDP team, the focus of this position will be to work with multiple stakeholders, at both national and local level across the country, to find specific local solutions that lead to sustainable development and to ensure no one is left behind. A strong component of this project is focused on multi-stakeholder engagement and capacity building in the areas of sustainable development and the SDGs across Thailand.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Thailand Resident Representative and direct supervision of the Integrated Team Leader, the Project Manager will ensure effective and timely delivery in integrated manner of the Project titled “Strengthening Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Localisation in Thailand Phase II” and other concerned initiatives at sub-national level. The aim of the project is that dialogue to achieve the SDGs in Thailand is strengthened at national and local levels, with special attention on human rights, gender equality, environmental issues and adaption and resilience to climate change. This will be achieved through three outputs: (1) Increased engagement and coordination of public authorities and non-state actors in the localisation, monitoring and implementation of the SDGs at provincial level; (2) Increased availability of evidence-based and data-driven SDG Profiles at three additional provinces from a participatory and multi-stakeholder approach’s and (3) Increased awareness and knowledge of state actors and other key stakeholders in SDG planning, budgeting and localisation.
Ensure Effective Implementation of project results:
- Day-to-day management of project activities;
- Coordinate with relevant implementing partners and UNDP to ensure that expected outputs are delivered in a timely manner;
- Ensure that the project is implemented in compliance with UNDP Procurement and Human Resources Guidelines, and financial requirements;
- Ensure that project is executed according to work plans and within established budgets;
- Manage requests for the provision of financial resources by UNDP, using advance of funds, direct payments, or reimbursement using the FACE (Fund Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures) form;
- Put in place and facilitate results-based implementation of project activities;
- Performance of other duties as required in support of project implementation and;
- Support in the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan, promotes and advocates for gender equality in all aspects of work.
Implementation of reporting, monitoring and evaluation policies and strategies:
- Effective monitoring for ensuring implementation of project activities;
- Assess the project impact and oversee the appropriateness and the accuracy of methods used to verify progress and the results;
- Manage and monitor the project risks initially identified, submit new risks to the Project Steering Committee and Working Group for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; update the status of these risks by maintaining the Project Risks Log;
- Be responsible for managing issues and requests for change by maintaining an Issues Log;
- Prepare the Project Progress Report (progress against planned activities, update on Risks and Issues, expenditures) and submit the report to the Project Management Team;
- Ensure timely submission of quarterly financial and activity progress reports to UNDP as well as adequate financial management of allocated resources;
- Oversee timely preparation of reports for UNDP to donors and other stakeholders;
- Prepare presentations to donor partners, government and other stakeholders as required.
Liasion, partnerships and coordination with external and internal partners:
- Support to coordinate with key partners and stakeholders at national and local level to effectively implement the project, when needed, and his/her specific project activities
- Create strategic partnerships with state and non-state stakeholders and beneficiaries;
- Actively support the implementation of the resource mobilization strategy and maintain close relationships with donor partners;
- Closely liaise with the teams for programme results to ensure coherence and synergy among all projects of UNDP Thailand;
- Build relationships with other UN agencies and build upon common activities to ensure maximum impact of project activities especially when targeting vulnerable groups such as children, youth and women; and,
- Advise team members and management on new developments regarding key partners and stakeholders.
Facilitate knowledge building and management:
- Provide quality advisory services to the Thailand Country Office and facilitate knowledge building and management
- Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned
- Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories; and,
- Contribute to the design and implementation of appropriate learning strategies for stakeholders
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
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction and 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
Business Development
- Knowledge Facilitation. Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.
Business Management
- Project Management. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
- Risk Management. Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks
- Monitoring & 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.
- Partnership management. 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
Partnership Management
- Relationship Management. Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Political Science, Development Studies, Project Management, Business Management, Business Administration, or related field is required. Or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the fields stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in sustainable development and/ or project/programme management is required.
- Demonstrating expertise in end-to-end project management, including coordination, financial management, risk management, and partnership management.
- Proven track record of maintaining effective communication and relationships with diverse team members and stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience in building and sustaining effective partnerships with stakeholders, ensuring alignment of interests and fostering long-term collaboration.
- Experience in policy analysis, development work, project management and implementation (including financial management) in the area of sustainable development, is an asset.
- Experience in coordinating or implementing activities for different stakeholders in different contexts is an asset.
- Proven ability to link SDG implementation with climate change actions, promoting synergies between sustainable development and environmental sustainability is desired.
- Demonstrated expertise in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on their localization and integration into national and subnational development plans is desired.
Required languages:
- Fluency in English and Thai is required.
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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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements