Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below: 

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)

• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts

• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background

Office/Unit/Project Description 

Hosted by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the MPTF Office is the only United Nations unit exclusively dedicated to the design and administration of multi-stakeholder pooled financing instruments. Since 2003, it has supported over 200 UN-backed pooled funds, providing an integrated platform of inter-agency pooled fund services to help UN organizations and partners make fast and efficient progress towards collective outcomes, like the 2030 Agenda.

The MPTF Office’s trustee and fund administration service is a standard setter in the UN System – professionalized, highly transparent and firewalled from all UN implementing entities. The MPTF Office has put in place a number of tools and systems to support its transparent and accessible fund administration services such as its digital platform the MPTF Office Gateway. As a shared UN service provider, the MPTFO operates in a distinct and dedicated business unit. It provides an integrated service platform that, in addition to core trust fund design and administration functions, provides complementary services to users like data analytics, research administration, and knowledge management.

In the context of MPTFO’s surge initiative for excellency in fund administration, the Portfolio Manager leads the substantive development and administration of a funds in the Climate and Innovation team under the supervision of the Senior Portfolio Manager.

Scope of Work 

Under the overall guidance of the Senior Portfolio Manager, the Portfolio Manager’s responsibilities will include the following main functions:

1) Fund Formulation, Establishment, and Policy Analysis: 

• Leads the development and management of the assigned funds;
• Translates new fund objectives and theory of changes into detailed fund architecture, scope and governance structures; identifies cost and risk drivers; evaluates and monitors financial viability;
• Ensures the design incorporates required management features and promotes efficiency and effectiveness within the parameters of new and emerging systems for fund implementation;
• Negotiates and finalises memorandum of understanding and contribution agreements using pre-established legal agreeements.

2) Fund Administration and Result-Based Reporting:

• Leads the fund administration of the portfolio of funds under her/his portfolio ensuring high quality services are provided in line with the MPTFO’s Operations Manual and the internal control framework;
• Leads Administration of EU contracts for the portfolio
• Manages annual reporting under the supervision fo the Senior Portfolio Manager;

3) Coordination, Participation and Networking Support:

• Actively collaborates and coordinates with the relevant Fund Secretariats regarding the external communication on the portfolio through website postings, periodic publications and public meetings;
• Raises awareness amongst the donor community and UN agencies of the MPTFO activities in the appropriate fora dealing with substantive and policy issues.

4) Knowledge Management and Advisory Services:

• Identifies and articulates lessons learnt on the operations of the MPTFs and actively contributes to the formulation of guidelines, procedures and policies that would further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations;
• Provides advisory services for new fund start-up including (a) the establishment of fund secretariats (interim staffing, formulation of operational manuals, etc.); (b) risk management (including assessment and accreditation of the fiduciary capacity of partners); and (c) support to development and operationalization of innovative financing instruments;
• Support the development of thematique brocuhers;
• Leads knowledge management database for the portfolio.

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

Institutional Arrangement

• The Portfolio Manager will report to the Senior Portfolio Manager, MPTF Office

Competencies

Cross functional & Technical competencies

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

Min. Education requirements

• Advanced university degree  (master’s degree or equivalent)  in international Development, Public Administration, Business Administration or other relevant social sciences is required, Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above,  in combination with an additional two years of qualifying  experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Min. years of relevant work experience

• Minimum seven years (with master’s degree) or nine years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in international development and with international organizations.

Required skills            

• Experience in trust fund management, preferably within the UN system
• Experience in EU contract management
• Experience of facilitation of multi-agency and multi-partner committees

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Experience in project/programme formulation and execution/implementation in UN agencies is desirable
• Knowledge of international finance architecture in Climate / Environment is an asset
• Proficiency with MS Microsoft office packages (word. Excel, etc) is desirable

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in French is highly desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.