GRO Grant Project Manager- IPSA 11

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.   Office/Unit/Project Description 

The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) is responsible for positioning UNDP as the world’s leading global development agency, promoting its global authority and thought leadership on sustainable development and the interconnected issues of poverty, inequality, and climate change. BERA leads and supports UNDP in building and nurturing strategic relationships and alliances essential to achieving its mission. Creating strong political and financial backing for UNDP by providing partners and supporters with a clear understanding of what UNDP does and how our mission, capabilities and flagship services relate to them. The Bureau leads UNDP’s work on innovative and diversified partnerships and ways of financing the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is also responsible for global campaigns on critical development issues, which aim to inform government policies and build partnerships around high-impact solutions. BERA coordinates and sets corporate standards across the functions of partnerships, marketing and communications within UNDP and leads on internal communications. The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy is positioned around three service lines; Public Partnership; Advocacy, Marketing and Communications; and Private and Finance Partners, all working in close collaboration and coordination under the guidance of the Directorate and with the support of the Management Support Unit and Strategic Analysis and Engagement team. BERA has a robust network of Representation Offices (Brussels, Copenhagen, Geneva, Tokyo and Washington D.C.) and Regional Teams in five hubs (Africa, Arab States, Asia Pacific, Europe and CIS, and Latin American and the Caribbean) co-led with Regional Bureaux, all of which play a critical role in audience centric communications and management and strengthening of relationships with Public and Private Partners to help build a strong brand for UNDP within the local ecosystem. 

In April 2021 UNDP opened a new representation office in Germany. The office is a reflection of the complementary agenda between UNDP and Germany and the shared ambition of supporting country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through the promotion of democratic governance, poverty eradication, stabilization and conflict prevention in fragile contexts and action on inequalities, climate change and the environment, making for a highly convergent partnership agenda.   The Office is expected to deepen the partnership with Germany, increase the visibility of UNDP and its work among German constituents and support UNDP at headquarter, regional and country levels in better positioning with German counterparts. The office will cultivate, build and nurture strategic relationships including with parliament and its committees, Ministries, KFW, civil society, the private sector, foundations, academia, think tanks and the media. 

BMZ has been supporting the GRO through the provision of grants for thematic activities. Currently the GRO has three smaller-scale projects that it implements with BMZ resources focused on the following thematic areas: 

1. Climate partnerships with the private sector: Activities under this grant aim to deepen partnerships with German private sector companies and integrating them into UNDP’s climate and nature portfolio. The intention is to achieve a higher sense of environmental and climate responsibility among German companies, engage them in multilateral climate efforts such as the Paris Agreement hence also contributing to achieving the SDGs.

2. Digital and data partnerships: Activities under this grant aims to expand the partnership with BMZ and German counterparts in the digital sphere, including activities focused on data governance, digital solutions generated through the UNDP Accelerator Labs and exchange formats on digitally focused topics.

3. Financing for development: Through its Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) and as part of the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) facility, UNDP supports governments in more than 85 countries to create integrated national financing frameworks. Activities under this grant are focused on deepening the partnership between UNDP, GIZ, and other relevant German counterparts to improve and scale support to governments at the country level and enable the development of new financing instruments and policy reforms that channel investments toward the implementation of the SDGs and NDCs. 

These activities are also strongly aligned with the main themes of the UNDP co-chaired Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC).  As such, it is important that in this context they are planned and implemented in such a way that they help increase UNDP visibility and positioning in these important areas in the run up to and during this important event and support the strengthening of UNDP’s partnership and complementary agenda with BMZ.

The GRO is now looking for a Project Manager responsible for managing and implementing the three BMZ funded projects.    Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct guidance and supervision of the Director, the Project Manager will be responsible for the planning and implementation of activities, in strong alignment with the HSC. This includes organizing events, networking opportunities and workshops, as well organizing project focused social media campaigns and developing communication materials.

Key Functions:

Project Management

Project Implementation

Monitoring and Evaluation

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Director and will be based in Berlin. Competencies Achieving results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact. Thinking innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.  Continuous learning: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences. Adapting 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 Promote diversity and inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-functional and technical skills Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals. Business Management Results-Based Management Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.  Business Management Ressource Management Ability to allocate and use resources in strategic or tactical way in lines with principles of accountability and integrity.

Business Management

Partnership 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.  Business Management

Communication

-Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience

-Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness

Advanced University Degree: (master’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Law, Human Rights, Public Policy Management, Social Sciences, Development Cooperation, or a relevant discipline is requried. Or.

A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree)in the above-mentioned fields of study,  with additional two additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master’s degree.    Min. years of relevant Work experience  A minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree or equivalent) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional relevant work experience in the field of economic, social, and political development.  Required  skills and competencies

At least 2 years’ experience as a project manager.

Proficiency in ICT tools, especially Microsoft Office products. Desired additional skills and competencies

-Experience working in the areas of climate, digitization, and SDG financing is desired.

-Experience working with the private sector is an asset.

-Knowledge and understanding of the political and socio-economic context of Germany an asset.

-Prior experience working with UN/UNDP asset.

-Experience working in developing countries an asset.

-Experience working and communicating in a team is desired. Required Language(s) (at working level) -Fluency in English and German is required.  Professional Certificates - Possession of PMP and/or PRINCE2 certifications or equivalent would be an advantage. Disclaimer
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