Individual Consultant (Local) : Project Manager, New Delhi, India

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR PROJECT MANAGER (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT)

TERMS OF REFERENCE
Hiring Office
UNFPA India Country Office
Organization Mission and Objectives

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.

UNFPA’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 is anchored in the ICPD vision and focuses on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and enabling countries to anticipate and respond to demographic change through evidence- and rights-based policies.

UNFPA has been a longstanding partner of the Government of India since 1974. It is currently implementing its 10th Country Programme. The Country Programme leverages large-scale government initiatives to strengthen reproductive health outcomes, advance quality of care and reproductive rights.

Purpose of consultancy

The Project Manager will provide management and coordination support for implementation of the donor-supported family planning projects.

The position will facilitate coordination among UNFPA Country Office and State Offices, Government counterparts, implementing partners, technical agencies and other stakeholders. The Project Manager will support planning, implementation, monitoring, budget tracking, reporting, field coordination and documentation of projects’ results and learning.

The position will also support the translation of project evidence into programme learning, policy dialogue and knowledge products.

Scope of work

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

(a) Project Planning & Coordination

• Coordinate the development and implementation of annual, quarterly and monthly project workplans.
• Coordinate with UNFPA State Offices and partners to ensure timely and effective implementation of planned activities.
• Support the implementation of project interventions across identified project geographies.
• Monitor project deliverables, milestones, timelines and key indicators to track progress against agreed plans.
• Identify implementation bottlenecks and facilitate timely follow-up and resolution in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate periodic project review meetings with relevant UNFPA teams, government counterparts and implementing partners.
• Undertake field visits to monitor programme implementation, strengthen coordination and facilitate follow-up on agreed actions.

(b) Stakeholder Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate with Government departments, State Health Missions, UNFPA State Offices and implementing partners.
• Support coordination with technical and research agencies involved in project implementation.
• Prepare briefing notes, presentations and activity updates for internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate communication and follow-up between the Country Office, State Offices and implementing partners.
• Support government-led review and decision-making processes related to project implementation

(c) Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Maintain an updated project monitoring and results tracker.
• Track progress against project indicators, milestones and targets.
• Support collection, compilation and review of programme data from State Offices and implementing partners.
• Monitor project expenditure and support alignment of implementation with approved budgets and workplans.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual and donor reports.

(d) Evidence, Learning and Knowledge Management

• Document implementation experiences, lessons learned, good practices and evidence from project geographies.
• Support development of learning briefs, case studies and other knowledge products.
• Synthesize evidence and recommendations to inform programme reviews, policy dialogue and scale-up within government systems.

(e) Strategic Communication and Advocacy

• Develop project briefs, presentations, infographics and other technical and communication materials.
• Support dissemination of key project results, evidence and learning.
• Prepare briefing materials for government, donor and partner engagements.

(f) Other Responsibilities

• Carry out any other duties as may be requested by the supervisor and UNFPA leadership.

Duration and working schedule

11 Months

(Full Time)

Place where services are to be delivered New Delhi Deliverables

Deliverable
Description
Frequency/Timeline
Monthly Progress Report
Summary of activities, outputs, and challenges during the reporting period
Last working day of each month
Quarterly Workplan
Detailed activity plan aligned to project milestones and donor requirements
First week of each quarter
Annual Progress Report
Comprehensive narrative and financial progress report
As per donor and UNFPA reporting calendar
Mission/Trip/Field Visit Reports
Summary of field observations, findings, and recommended follow-up actions
Within 5 working days of each field visit
Project Monitoring Tracker
Updated tracking of indicators, milestones, targets, risks and implementation status
Quarterly
Donor Progress Reports
Narrative and financial progress reporting in accordance with donor requirements
As per reporting calendar
Knowledge products
Infographics, briefs, and advocacy materials as required by the programme
As per project needs

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline

The Project Manager’s performance will be monitored by the reporting manager through regular performance reviews, monthly progress updates and assessment of achievement against agreed workplans, deliverables and project milestones.

The Project Manager will maintain appropriate documentation of activities, outputs, expenditure, risks, challenges and follow-up actions.

Supervisory arrangements

The Project Manager will report to the SRH Specialist, UNFPA India Country Office, with technical guidance from the Family Planning focal point.

The position will work closely with UNFPA State Offices, relevant technical units, Government counterparts and implementing partners.

Expected travel Based on project needs. Expected 3–5 days/month to Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Advanced university degree in Medicine/Public Health/Social Sciences/ Development Studies or a related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in programme/project management, preferably in family planning, SRHR, health systems strengthening or public health.
• Experience in coordinating projects involving government departments, development partners, civil society organisations and/or technical agencies.
• Experience in project planning, monitoring, reporting and budget tracking.
• Experience in family planning and/or sexual and reproductive health programmes would be desirable.
• Experience of working at state/sub-national level would be an advantage.

Technical Competencies:

• Good understanding of family planning and SRHR.
• Understanding of contraceptive methods, including implants and DMPA-SC, would be desirable.
• Knowledge of health systems, government programmes and public-sector service delivery.
• Ability to analyse programme data and track results.
• Strong project coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop clear reports, presentations and project documentation.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required
• Working knowledge of Hindi is desirable

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Functional Competencies:

• Strong technical understanding of contraceptive technologies and SRHR
• Effective trainer and facilitator with strong communication and coordination skills
• Ability to conduct field-based supervision and problem-solving
• Ability to work directly or remotely with varied teams.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• Delivering results-based programmes
• Internal and external communication

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable

• Working space at the UNFPA India Country Office, New Delhi.
• Access to relevant project information and documentation required for the assignment.
• Technical and project guidance from the SRH Unit and relevant focal points.
• Coordination support with relevant UNFPA State Offices and programme partners.