Project Manager (All applicants)

Background

• 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

  1.    Office/Unit/Project Description:

  Djibouti faces extreme climatic conditions, with average annual rainfall ranging between 150 mm and 300 mm. Over the past three decades, the frequency of extreme climate events, particularly droughts, has significantly increased. Between 2008 and 2011, repeated droughts had severe and widespread consequences. Future climate projections predict a temperature increase of 0.6 to 2.4°C by 2050, along with a potential decrease in rainfall of up to 11%. These changes are expected to lead to more frequent and severe droughts, rising sea levels, and increased risks for key socio-economic sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, tourism, and water resources.
  
  In response, Djibouti has implemented several climate adaptation policies and programs, including the National Adaptation Action Program (PANA, 2006), National Communications to the UNFCCC (2002, 2014, 2021), the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC, 2016), and the National Climate Change Strategy (SNCC, 2017). Climate change adaptation is also identified as a national priority in Djibouti’s Vision 2035 and the National Development Plan (PND) 2020–2024, which supports this ambition. The formulation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), in the framework of the Accelerated Growth and Employment Promotion Strategy (SCAPE 2015–2019) and the current PND, marks the next critical step.
  
  The NAP aims to:
  (i) Reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts and strengthen national resilience, and
  (ii) Integrate climate change adaptation systematically into national and sectoral planning and budgeting processes.
  
  However, significant barriers persist. These include limited institutional and technical capacities of national coordination bodies, insufficient coordination of adaptation programming, poor access to knowledge-sharing platforms, delays in national reporting mechanisms, lack of sectoral risk and vulnerability assessments, and weak integration of climate considerations into national and regional development planning, budgeting, and monitoring systems.
  
  The project funded under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme aims to address these gaps. It will support the Government of Djibouti in developing and institutionalizing key policy instruments and tools to mainstream climate adaptation into national and regional planning and budgeting processes, strengthen private sector engagement, and enhance climate-sensitive monitoring and evaluation frameworks across all levels of government.
  
  This project builds on national priorities identified through extensive stakeholder consultations and leverages lessons learned from past climate adaptation and readiness programmes. It aligns with the broader GCF framework to help countries increase sustainable financing, improve national adaptation planning capacities, and develop integrated approaches for responding to climate risks.
  
  In this context, and as part of the project’s operational structure under the UNDP Direct Implementation Modality (DIM), the recruitment of key project personnel is essential to ensure effective project delivery and coordination. The project foresees the establishment of a national implementation team embedded within the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD), composed of:
  
  •     Project Manager provide technical leadership, quality assurance of deliverables, and capacity-building support to national counterparts;
  •     Project Analyst   to manage day-to-day operations and ensure effective delivery and coordination of project activities in close collaboration with the National Director and UNDP Country Office;
  •     Financial and Administrative Associate  to support financial management, procurement processes, and administrative functions of the project.
  
  2.    Scope of application

  Project Manager (Climate Change) will be a senior expert embedded within the National Project Management Unit under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist and in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Office environment team and the National Director (MEDD) /the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD). The Project Manager plays a critical role in providing strategic and technical support to ensure effective implementation, delivery, and reporting of the project.

  Duties and Responsibilities 
  Provision of Strategic and Technical Leadership
  •     Provide high-level technical advice on climate adaptation planning, policy development, and mainstreaming adaptation into national development strategies and budgeting frameworks.
  •     Ensure project alignment with Djibouti’s Vision 2035, UNSDCF, SDGs, NDCs, and GCF Readiness objectives.
  •     Facilitate coordination and policy dialogue with senior government officials, donors, and development partners.
  Ensure Project Delivery Monitoring and Quality Assurance
  •     Actively support the Project Analyst in tracking project implementation to ensure timely delivery of activities and outputs.
  •     Lead and supervise the technical quality assurance of all project deliverables (e.g. vulnerability assessments, adaptation plans, climate finance strategies, knowledge products).
  •     Ensure all deliverables meet GCF, UNDP, and national quality standards.
  •     Propose solutions to address any delivery delays or quality issues.
  Lead Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer
  •     Develop and implement a capacity development plan for government stakeholders, CSOs, and private sector partners.
  •     Provide tailored technical coaching and mentoring to project staff and consultants.
  •     Promote institutional learning and knowledge retention to ensure sustainability of the results beyond the project duration.
  Ensure Effective Implementation of NAP Process Guidance and Stakeholder Engagement
  •     Guide technical inputs for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process and ensure consistency with other national and GCF-funded adaptation initiatives.
  •     Facilitate meaningful stakeholder consultations at national and regional levels.
  •     Design and oversee the delivery of at least four national and regional sensitization and validation workshops.
  Development and Peer Review of Knowledge Products
  •     Lead, review, and ensure quality of technical deliverables including vulnerability assessments, climate finance frameworks, policy briefs, and communication materials.
  •     Ensure deliverables support decision-making and contribute to national climate adaptation planning.
  Ensure Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
  •     Contribute to the design of M&E frameworks and indicators for tracking adaptation results.
  •     Provide technical input for the preparation of quarterly, semi-annual, and annual project reports.
  •     Coordinate and contribute to the preparation of high-quality narrative and financial reports for submission to the GCF, UNDP, and MEDD, ensuring full compliance with donor and institutional requirements.
  •     Support the Project Analyst preparation for audits, reviews, and evaluations.
  Provision of Review and Advisory Role
  •     Review all key Terms of Reference (ToRs), consultant outputs, and deliverables to ensure technical excellence and alignment with project objectives.
  •     Serve as the technical focal point for quality control within the project’s implementation cycle.
  The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

  3.    Institutional arrangement

  The project will be physically based within the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) to maximize integration with national technical services and government priorities. The project will work in close collaboration with the designated National Director, who will play a key role in strategic oversight and coordination with the various relevant national institutions.
  In line with the project’s structure under the Direct Implementation Modality (DIM), the UNDP will retain fiduciary, administrative, and operational responsibility for the project. Accordingly, all activities will be implemented under the leadership of the UNDP Programme Specialist, who will ensure overall project guidance and coordination in close collaboration with the government and UNDP regional and global teams.
  At the national level, the project will rely on a National Project Management Unit (PMU), jointly integrated with other ongoing GEF/GCF projects in the country, and hosted within the MEDD premises in Djibouti, while maintaining a strong institutional linkage with the UNDP Country Office.
  The dedicated project PMU will include:
  •     A full-time Project Analyst, who will be the principal responsible for the daily management of the project and will represent both UNDP and the implementing partner;
  •     A full-time Administrative and Finance Associate, responsible for all administrative, logistical, and financial aspects of the project;
  •     A Project Manager, who will act as a senior advisor on climate change policy and provide technical support to the project team to ensure the quality and consistency of project deliverables in line with national and international commitments.
  •     At the global level, this framework programme will be supported by a Project Management and Technical Support Unit (GPMTSU).
   

  4. Competencies Core   Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting 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 (insert up to 7 competencies) 
   

  Thematic Area Name Definition 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 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 the implementation of strategies,     programmes, and projects with a focus at improved     performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge     and understanding of relevant theories, concepts,     methodologies, instruments, and tools Business Management Partnerships Management  Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control     resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals       2030 Agenda: Planet Climate  Climate change adaptation policy and planning: National Adaptation Plans       2030 Agenda: Planet Climate  Climate Change Adaptation: Water Resource Management and Access to Water 

  5.Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA: Minimum Education requirements     Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Climate Change, Environmental Science, or a closely related field is required.  Or    A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Minimum years of relevant professional experience Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) relevant experience in climate policy, environmental planning, or capacity development in climate change and/or environment.  Required skills Experience in technical facilitation and strategic advisory support to government partners in climate change area is required.   Demonstrated ability to engage with high-level officials, CSOs, and the private sector is required.     Desired skills Demonstrated ability to engage with high-level officials, CSOs, and the private sector   Proven capacity to influence change in attitudes, systems, and behaviors within institutions.        Similar experience in developing countries settings       Prior experience and seep understanding of UNDP’s/UN rules, processes, and policy guidance       Prior experience in project monitoring and quality assurance  Required language(s) Fluency in French and English is required.   Fluency in Arabic is an asset Professional Certificates  

  6. Travel:

  All work will be carried out at the MEDD in Djibouti City, Djibouti. In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel expenses, including tickets, lodging, and terminal costs, must be agreed upon between the respective UNDP business unit and the Chief Technical Advisor prior to travel and will be reimbursed in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations for personnel under the NPSA modality.

  📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

  ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

  7. The following documents are required from applicants:

  Personal CV or P11, indicating all previous positions held and their main underlying functions, their duration (months/years), qualifications, as well as contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate, and at least three (3) most recent professional references from previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

  A cover letter (1 page maximum) indicating why the candidate believes he or she is suitable for the position.

  Managers may request (on an ad hoc basis) any other documents useful for the pre-assessment of the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other documents.

  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.

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