Project Manager

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the development arm of the United Nations system, with offices in 180 countries. Globally, the organization employs 17,000 people and manages a budget of USD 5 billion each year.

The UNDP office in Skopje employs a team of 71 and currently manages a portfolio of projects in environmental protection, good governance and social inclusion worth USD 16 million per year.

UNDP is seeking a Project Manager to coordinate the work of all involved parties in order to ensure smooth operations of the planned project activities.

UNDP in the country provides a continuous support to the Government in preparation and implementation of the Operational Plan for Active Labour Market Measures (ALMMs) since 2007. To address some of the structural challenges that hinder the country’s growth, in 2021 UNDP initiates additional interventions, complementary to the ongoing programme, focused on skills shortages at the labour market.

The project will support the establishment of a multi-stakeholder skills development platform that will promote innovation, digital transformation and green transition in selected economic sectors in North Macedonia. The overall objective is to mobilize all locally available potentials and move beyond traditional forms of stakeholders’ engagement. In this regard the project will develop a collaborative and platform-based model for engagement of stakeholders in addressing complex development issues, while taking into consideration gender aspects in all phases of the design stage.

The platform will provide advisory, training and support services to companies and workers to quickly adapt productive capacities and skills. This will be achieved by providing synthesized, accessible, up-to-date, and practical information to employers and workers in formal and informal economy, regarding latest industry trends, new occupational requirements and standards, driven by digitalization and technological transformation. At the same time, this interactive marketplace, will promote innovation and diffusion of smart technologies into agriculture, construction, textile and renewable energy by connecting innovators with those seeking creative solutions.

The management of the project require an experienced Project Manager with a specialization in technical disciplines and understanding of the complexity of the labour market. Her/His tasks include delivering the results specified in the project document within the established timeframe and budget, as well as regular reporting to the donor and the main beneficiaries.

The incumbent’s duties are outlined below and will be fulfilled in line with the prevailing UNDP rules and procedures as well as with due compliance with the UNDP internal control framework.

1. Ensuring effective project management of the assigned project by maintaining the delivery of appropriate technical, operational, financial and administrative outputs, while tracking the project progress by monitoring, evaluation and reporting;
2. Provide advisory support on issues relevant for overcoming the skills gap in the selected industries to the Government and other partners;
3. Build the strategic partnerships needed to achieve results;
4. Ensure effective mainstreaming of gender equality.

1. Ensure effective project management of the assigned projects by maintaining the delivery of appropriate technical, operational, financial and administrative outputs, while tracking the project progress by monitoring, evaluation and reporting;

• Manage and coordinate project activities based on the relevant Project Document, including the supervision and guidance of the consultants and experts, with a view to achieving project results;
• Prepare Project progress reports for the donor and the main project beneficiary (Fund for Innovation and Technology Development);
• Monitor financial resources and ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports;
• Manage and monitor the project risks initially identified, submit new risks to the Project Board for consideration and decision on possible action if required; update the status of these risks by maintaining a Project Risk Log;
• Maintain regular communication on relevant project issues with local and international counterparties, consultants and experts and ensuring quality and timely delivery of all agreed outputs

2. Provide advisory support on issues relevant for overcoming the skills gap in the selected industries to the Government and other partners:

• Identify, collect and analyze policy-related, relevant information and data;
• Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learnt into project goals;
• Support the development of policies that will address challenges and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners;

3. Build the strategic partnerships needed to achieve results:

• Cultivate relationships with the central and local authorities, private sector, academia and other Project stakeholders, ensuring full understanding, cooperation and an appropriate fit of the project activities with the main needs of the beneficiaries; and
• Establishing effective linkages with other relevant projects and initiatives in the sector with a view to developing substantive partnerships and generating synergies;
• Disseminate project reports and respond to queries from concerned stakeholders.

4. Ensure effective mainstreaming of gender equality:

•   Ensure that gender equality is pursued in all project activities and reflected in work plans, budgets, reports, researches, analyses and, where specifically relevant, analyzed in detail;
• Support preparation of gender equality background materials for use in discussion, correspondence and briefing sessions;
•  Ensure that all the data, when collecting and compiling inputs relating to the Project, are gender disaggregated to the extend possible;
•  Support the reporting on gender mainstreaming as part of the corporate documents

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Manager will report to the Head of the UNDP Social Inclusion Portfolio. The Project Manager will be located in Skopje but will frequently travel throughout the country.

• Good application of Results-Based Management

• Good communication, coordination and facilitation skills

• Establishes lasting relationships and substantive dialogue with partners

• Knowledge on latest trends relevant for the industries on potentials for their digital transformation and/or green transition

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

• Eager to share knowledge and experience

Education

A university degree in a development-related discipline (engineering, economy or a similar field) is required. A Masters of Science is not mandatory but is a strong asset, as is a background in working closely with private companies.

At least 4 years (2 years for candidates with Master’s degree) is required in the design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of development projects.

Experience

Experience in working with Academia, private sector or Government on awareness raising/identification/formulation of new industry trends and/or required skills improving companies’ productivity.

Experience in implementation of larger projects run by international organizations and/or projects dealing with the private sector.

Language

Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills are required in both Macedonian and English. Knowledge of Albanian or other languages used in the country is an asset.

Important applicant information

All posts in the NPSA categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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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Short-listed candidates will be requested to provide, prior to the interview:

1. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
2. A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
3. Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

Special consideration:

As this position is under National Personnel Services Agreement (NPSA) modality.