Tiered Approach

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:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

Consistent with its mandate to prioritize the acquisition, adoption, innovation, and application of science and technology for development and its pursuit of competence, excellence and service innovation as provided in both the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Revised Transition Plan 2019-2022 for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), forged a partnership with UNDP that seeks to apply, where possible, the strategic framework and principles of the UNDP-supported Access to Information (a2i) program to the specific social, cultural and economic contexts of BARMM.

Known as the flagship programme of the Digital Bangladesh agenda by the Government of Bangladesh, a2i was selected given similar starting challenges in Bangladesh and BARMM of connectivity and local governance in remote, rural locations; shared social and cultural context; and, a2i's recognized status as a leading global program that has dramatically improved citizens access to services and information and expanded unprecedented opportunities for community participation at the local level.

This project titled "Localizing e-Government for Accelerated Provision of Services (LeAPS)" will build on the experience towards the transformation in local governance in BARMM by significantly accelerating connectivity in communities and opening up governance by enabling citizens to capitalize on the benefits of connectivity, such as through improved access to services and information, community enterprise development, assisted rural e-commerce, and skills development. The LeAPS Project is a way to overcome the dependencies on archaic, paper-based, and manual processes within and among the local government units (LGUs). This program will also maximize the use of MILG's limited manpower and resources to effectively and efficiently deliver and monitor frontline services.

The overarching outcome of the LEAPS Project is to ensure that "the most marginalized, vulnerable and at-risk people and groups benefit from inclusive and quality services and live in a supportive environment wherein their nutrition, food security, and health are ensured/protected", its outputs are targeted as follows:

  1. strengthening of the MILG to provide people's access to ICT and inclusive digital solutions; 
  2. improvement of citizens access to quality e-services reducing time and efforts of availing public services;
  3. LGUs are effectively and efficiently use disaggregated data for development and resilience planning, programming, budgeting and governance; and
  4. citizens are organized and capacitated to monitor delivery of services and optimal use of ICT equipment and digital solutions.

In this regard, UNDP is looking for a Project Manager for LEAPS Project that will lead the PMO and will be responsible for the overall management of project activities. The Project Manager will ensure not only effective day-to-day operations but also strategic leadership and innovation, the Project Manager will also lead the project's efforts to boost the quality, usefulness and project impact of the LEAPS Project and build MILG, LGUs and CSOs competencies to support e-Governance.

S/he is expected to analyze and interpret the UNDP's financial rules and regulations and other corporate policies and processes on project and procurement management to accelerate the delivery of outputs. S/he is expected to promote a collaborative and client-focused approach to delivering quality services and results. S/he shall lead a team that is composed of a Project Officer and a Finance and Administrative Assistant and work closely with responsible parties, consultants, and suppliers to deliver services with impact.

Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Institutions &Partnerships Team Lead and local guidance of the Head of the UNDP Cotabato Office, the Project Manager is expected to work closely with the MILG-Local Government Supervision Division (LGSD), other relevant MILG offices and other BARMM ministries and offices. S/he is expected to collaborate with relevant UNDP Philippines Country Office and UNDP Cotabato Field Office staff and project teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager will lead the Project Management Unit (PMU) based in Cotabato City and is expected to lead the implementation and monitoring of the activities under the project. 

Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Institutions &Partnerships Team Lead and local guidance of the Head of the UNDP Cotabato Office, the Project Manager is expected to work closely with the MILG-Local Government Supervision Division (LGSD), other relevant MILG offices and other BARMM ministries and offices. S/he is expected to collaborate with relevant UNDP Philippines Country Office and UNDP Cotabato Field Office staff and project teams.

Summary of Key Functions: 

  • Ensure strategic management of the project and provide day-to-day financial and administrative management for the delivery of the project's activities.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships and coordination with key counterparts to ensure the strategic positioning of UNDP.
  • Support resource mobilization, financial accountability, and human resources management.
  • Efficient support to tasks related to advocacy, programming, monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
  • Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management

Key functions include: 

Ensure strategic management of the project and provide day-to-day financial and administrative management for the delivery of the project's activities focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Lead the preparation and updating of the project's annual work plan, procurement plan and M&E plan;
  • Manage project funds, maintain financial integrity, and ensure effective use of project resources;
  • Oversee the conduct of an assessment of technology options and digital solutions, both national and international, that would be appropriate to meet the ICT requirements of the project;
  • Draft terms of reference and support recruitment and management of a team of national and international consultants and subject matter experts;
  • With the Project Officer and Finance and Administrative Assistant, provide quality and timely financial reports, as per UNDP financial rules and regulations and MILG requirements;
  • Ensure delivery of outputs and contribution to outcomes through an effective implementation plan and close coordination with MILG and UNDP management and technical teams;
  • Operational coordination through support to existing coordination mechanisms, propose modifications of the plan to respond to changes in the project context;
  • Overall management of the initiative and technical inputs in the implementation of the project under the overall guidance and advisory support of UNDP and MILG;
  • Preparation of detailed annual and financial plans based on the project results framework and theory of change;
  • Ensuring the effective, efficient and timely implementation of activities;
  • Support services to the project for procurement, subcontracting, and outsourcing of services.

Develop and maintain effective working relationships and coordination with key counterparts to ensure the strategic positioning of UNDP focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Build and maintain an effective relationship with key partners and stakeholders, and keep MILG and the UNDP CO informed as appropriate;
  • Develop and finalize Memorandum of Agreements, Responsible Party Agreements, or other relevant legal instruments with relevant entities, such as thinks tanks and academic institutions;
  • Promote coordination, dialogue, and good practice knowledge sharing among stakeholders; and
  • Ensure effective collaboration with the UN and other development partners.
  • Management, certification and reporting on financial disbursement based on approved work plan and payment schedule;
  • Programme advocacy and visibility and coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Advise and support resource mobilization, financial accountability and human resources management focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Identify and collaborate with potential partners to leverage Project funds and results;
  • Effective application of UNDP financial oversight through the Atlas enterprise management system, including processing purchase orders, requisitions and payments;
  • With the Project Officer and Finance and Administrative Assistant, ensure proper coordination and availability of all project documents for any internal and external audit requirements;
  • Draft terms of reference and support the recruitment and management of national and international consultants, subject matter experts, consulting firms, and other such resources;
  • Work closely with program administration and finance staff to ensure efficient and transparent use of project resources in line with approved budgets and within UNDP rules and regulations;
  •  Supervise the project team members and provide necessary guidance and coaching; and
  • Set performance parameters for the project team, assess their performance, and provide feedback.

Efficient support to tasks related to advocacy, programming, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Ensure the implementation of the communications and advocacy plan for the project;
  • Establish suitable monitoring mechanisms and undertake regular monitoring and reporting on project progress; risks and constraints; updates the implementation plan as required; and
  • Promote accountability through effective programme results reporting (monthly, quarter, and annual progress and financial reports), to the UNDP, MIG and the Project Board;
  • Monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of outputs and accomplishments towards the achievement of project intended outputs.

Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Identification of sources of information related to project implementation related issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to project goals;
  • Maintain effective networks with development partners and Government at national level and subnational level;
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
  • Organization of training for the projects staff on programme.

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 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 Competencies

  • UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies 

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 Development: 

  • Knowledge Generation -Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations. 

BusinessManagement 

  • Communication: 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 
  • 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 benchmarks, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of clients, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make independent judgements based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. 

 Audit & Investigation

  • Investigation   Procurement concepts, processes, and management Knowledge of procurement processes and management

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Social Sciences, International Relations, International Law, Public Administration, Project Management or related fields is required. OR

  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas  mentioned above in combination with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience:

  • A minimum of five (5) years (with Master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with Bachelor's degree) of progressively responsible experience in designing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and/or evaluating development programs and projects, managing the development and execution of policy and institutional reforms and innovations, coordinating development cooperation and collaboration of sectors with a multilateral international organization, I/NGOs, civil society organizations, and/or government agencies; 

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated capacity in project financial management including preparation of budgets, annual work plans and financial reporting;

  • Proven experience of effective partnership development with national counterparts, development partners and civil society;

  • Proven experience related to information communication and technology (ICT) works i.e. system development, service digitalization and delivery, etc.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required and in other applications for programming, data analysis, design, and project management.

  • Previous working experience with UN or international organizations

  • Experience working in or with government agencies and familiarity with government processes and dynamics

Required Language(s):

  • Fluency in the English and Filipino languages is required.  

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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.

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