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

UNDP is the development agency of the United Nations and operates in more than 170 countries and territories. In Europe and Central Asia (ECA), UNDP is represented by 18 offices and the Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH). IRH serves as an advisory hub for the region, providing policy and advisory support and implementing regional projects in collaboration with a wide range of partners. Its objective is to connect the region to a global network of development experts, build knowledge and capacity, and forge partnerships to address the development challenges of the region. 

UNDP, in collaboration with the World Bank, is implementing EU- (DG-ENEST) funded Multi-country Assessment of the Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities of Roma in the Western Balkans and Turkiye. The quantitative and qualitative components of the survey are expected to generate comprehensive and credible evidence on the underlying drivers of Roma vulnerability. The project includes: (i) fielding a quantitative, geo-tagged household survey in all Western Balkan economies; (ii) conducting region-focused qualitative research on Roma youth in Turkiye; and (iii) undertaking gender-responsive qualitative analysis on Roma youth employment, entrepreneurship, and readiness for skills required by the future of work, including digital and green jobs in the Western Balkans.

The Regional Project Manager position is established within the  Prosperity and Wellbeing Team (IGT) to ensure the effective implementation of the project referenced above.

Beyond direct project implementation, the position also contributes to the Istanbul Regional Hub's regional knowledge management function, connecting the project's thematic and data expertise to IRH-wide analytical quality standards, platforms, and dissemination. This position also reflects the IRH's approach to building data literacy and analytical infrastructure through programmatic work

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader for  Prosperity and Wellbeing, the Regional Project Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. 

Lead, manage, coordinate, and develop effective project planning and implementation. 

  • Effectively manage, monitor, and report results for the Multi-country Survey on the socio-economic vulnerabilities of Roma in Western Balkans and Turkiye, in line with UNDP procedures (POPP), financial rules and regulations, and UNDP’s Internal Control Framework;
  • Prepare and ensure the effective implementation of annual workplans, procurement plans, and budget revisions, based on expected year-end outputs;
  • Oversee the administrative and financial aspects of the project, in accordance with the Project Document;
  • Support synergies with relevant regional projects implemented by UNDP or other international organizations; 
  • Ensure regular communication and coordination with Projects’ counterparts and develop and maintain effective mechanisms for integrating their feedback and suggestions;

Ensure effective project monitoring , reporting  and strategic partnerships 

  • Ensure effective monitoring and results-based management against annual and quarterly work plans and budgets, using monitoring & evaluation and risk management tools in Quantum;
  • When and where necessary, propose updates to the overall project framework based on reviews, lessons learned, and best practices derived from different thematic areas and evaluations;
  • Compile and draft high-quality reports to donors according to UNDP’s contractual obligations to EU (DG ENEST);
  • Ensure strategic partnerships and advocacy by providing high-quality presentations of project activities at events and working meetings, organized by national counterparts and development partners -  DG ENEST and the World Bank

Facilitate knowledge management and knowledge sharing 

  • Ensure knowledge management and project visibility by preparing analytical reviews, dissemination of lessons learnt from the Project implementation and participation in knowledge networks and UNDP’s collaborative work spaces;
  • Support UNDP’s GPN on issues related to socio-economic exclusion of marginalized communities and the pledges to leave no one behind, by using the project’s experience and lessons learned;
  • Support the timely preparation and quality control of the content of the technical reports prepared by the survey company and short-term experts, briefs, webinars, and other knowledge events organized by the project;

Contribute to the implementation of Regional Knowledge Management 

  • Support the implementation of the IRH Knowledge Management plan, including light maintenance of relevant SharePoint (or equivalent) collaborative workspaces, ensuring accessibility, currency, and coherence of regional knowledge products;
  • Serve as coordinator of the IRH Quality Assurance Review Committee for regional analytical outputs, supporting adherence to methodological standards;
  • Provide data support to IRH teams if needed, including practical guidance on internal platforms (e.g., Power BI) and data structuring, drawing on the technical expertise developed through the project's survey work;
  • Facilitate the integration of project-generated data and analysis into the IRH's broader regional knowledge architecture, identifying opportunities for cross-thematic learning and regional uptake.

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 Regional Project Manager will report to the Prosperity and Wellbeing Team Leader. (Annex 1 – Unit Organizational chart)

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

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Digital   

  • Data Collection  
    • Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration, Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data (e.g., mobile data, satellite data, sensor data).
  • Geospatial analysis 
    • Skilled in techniques which study entities using their topological, geometric, or geographic properties.

Data      

  • Data Analysis     
    • Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making 

2030 Agenda: Prosperity              

  • Inclusive Growth             
    • Multidimensional Poverty and Human Development          
    • Social Inclusion

Business Management   

  • Project Management     
    • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals

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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (Master´s degree or equivalent) in Development, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Or
  • A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the above mentioned fields in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder, multi-year programmes.

Required skills:

  • Technical experience  in implementing programmes in the areas of poverty reduction, local development, and social protection.
  • Experience with substantive and policy issues and development challenges affecting vulnerable populations in Europe and Central Asia.

Desired skills:

  • Experience coordinating with development agencies, institutions, and international financial institutions (IFIs).
  • Experience and knowledge of EU programme procedures and processes and/or other donor-funded projects 
  • Experience working on policy issues and the unique development challenges facing Roma communities 
  • Experience coordinating with other UN agencies and engaging professionally with donors (including the EU) and regional and national partners.
  • Experience with UNDP project management systems and/or an internationally recognized project management certification 
  • Experience coordinating and/or facilitating multi-country programmes.
  • Experience with knowledge management systems and collaborative platforms (e.g., SharePoint or equivalent) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI); familiarity with quality assurance mechanisms for analytical and research outputs 

Required languages:

  • Fluency in English is required

Professional Certificates:

  • Project/programme management certification would be an asset

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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