In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
General Assembly Resolution 2186 (XXI) decided to “bring into operations the United Nations Capital Development Fund as an organ of the General Assembly which shall function as an autonomous organization of the United Nations. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDFs vision is to help mobilize and catalyze an increase of capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States to address the most pressing development challenges facing vulnerable communities in these countries and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity.
As a Flagship Catalytic Blended Financing platform of the UN, UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022 - 2031.
As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG aligned projects in partnership with private sector, UNOs, International and Local Finance Institutions, Development Finance Institutions as well as Foundations and Philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investments flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful, but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on three priority areas, including:
UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by an Executive Board comprised of UN Member States.
Within UNCDF’s thematic area of peace and resilience financing, the Pro-Congo project, a joint initiative by UNEP and UNCDF under the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) Private Sector Window, aims to support entrepreneurs and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Congo Basin countries by providing technical assistance and access to financial instruments including grants and loans, to promote tropical forest conservation, emission reductions, job creation, and biodiversity protection. Targeting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo (RoC), Cameroon and Gabon, the project seeks to drive sustainable economic growth by facilitating access to capacity building, finance and market access for both mature and early-stage businesses.
To facilitate the achievement of these objectives, UNCDF seeks to hire a Project Manager to lead project implementation, coordinate the project team, and ensure successful achievement of project objectives
The Project Manager will report to UNCDF’s Senior Portfolio Manager and will maintain a close collaboration with the Resident Coordinator’s Office in the countries of implementation through the UNCDF Regional Lead for West and Central Africa and the Caribbean.
Under the guidance of UNCDF’s Senior Portfolio Manager, the overall responsibility of the Project Manager will be to act as liaison for all project stakeholders, providing technical assistance and ensuring proper implementation of the Pro-Congo project. He/She will conduct the following tasks:
a) Ensure the implementation of all project activities and achievement of deliverables:
c) Build partnerships with relevant stakeholders and undertake advocacy activities:
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
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:
LEVEL 3: Appropriately involves team in different stages of work and decision-making
Thematic Area Name Definition
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 Partnership management CSO engagement Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs Partnership management Strategic engagement Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives Business Direction & Strategy Strategic Thinking Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNCDF’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight Business Direction & Strategy Entrepreneurial Thinking Identify and seize opportunities to service and add value to clients, create clarity around UNCDF value proposition to beneficiaries and partners, develop clear service offers responding to client needs in line with UNCDF’s organizational priorities and mandate. 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 Business Management Portfolio Management Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimising return on investment. . Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, International Relations, Programme or Project Management, Economics, or related fields is required, or
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in above or related fields in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master´s degree.
Minimum 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in managing complex, multi-country projects or programmes in climate, environment, sustainable finance or international development, including work planning, resource and budget monitoring, results-based management and risk management.
International experience working in developing countries in Africa.
Track record of experience managing donor-funded projects (CAFI, UNCDF, UN agencies, or similar).
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:
Experience with reporting to and managing donor and partner relationships including grants and reporting mechanisms.
Experience applying UNDP and UNCDF rules, procedures, and corporate project-management tools
Experience leading a multidisciplinary project or programme team, including non-staff personnel, consultants or implementing partners.
Experience working with the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI), Global Funds, IFIs, UNCDF and/or another UN entity.
Experience of engaging with private sector, development partners and government stakeholders in Central Africa.
Experience managing or overseeing private-sector investment programmes and/or transactions, including investment due diligence, transaction structuring and/or monitoring of financing instruments for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Fluency in French and English, is required.
Working knowledge of another United Nations official language is an asset.
The Project Manager is expected to render services from the UNCDF regional office in Dakar, Senegal. UNCDF will cover the cost of travel of the individual to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon completion of their services. Frequent travel within Central Africa (DRC, RoC, Gabon and Cameroon) for stakeholder engagement and on-site verification of project activities will be required and will be paid for by UNCDF, in accordance with UNCDF travel policies. A separate TOR with clear deliverables, budget and timelines will be prepared and agreed prior to each field mission.
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.
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.
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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