National Project Manager Somalia Early Warning for All(Open to Tier 1 & 2 Applicants)

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.

1. Office/Unit/Project Description

Somalia’s urban areas face increasing climate-related challenges, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, and droughts, which are compounded by weak infrastructure, limited climate-resilient planning, and reduced institutional capacity due to decades of conflict. These pressures have constrained investments in critical sectors and heightened vulnerability, particularly among urban communities.

The Building Urban Resilience Project aims to address these challenges by strengthening institutional capacity for climate adaptation, enhancing urban resilience through Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and promoting climate-responsive urban planning and governance. The project also seeks to mobilise sustainable finance, particularly through private-sector engagement, while improving knowledge management and data systems to support the scaling up of resilience interventions.

Building on lessons from previous UNDP-supported initiatives, including Early Warning Systems (EWS), the project adopts an integrated approach that combines policy support, capacity development, and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce risks and support sustainable urban development in Somalia.

2 Scope of Work

The National Project Manager (NPM) will be responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and day-to-day management of the Somalia Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) Project. Under the overall leadership of the Portfolio Manager for Resilience and Climate Change at UNDP Somalia, the NPM will ensure effective implementation of project activities, achievement of results, and compliance with approved work plans and standards.

The NPM will supervise project personnel and experts, manage inputs, and coordinate closely with national counterparts (SoDMA, MoEWR, NCA, MoECC, MoF), Pillar Lead agencies (UNDRR, WMO, ITU, IFRC), and regional partners (ICPAC, SoNDA). S/he will also maintain strong collaboration with UNDP Country Office teams and project donors.

The NPM will work in close coordination with the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), who will provide technical guidance and contribute directly to project implementation based on international best practices and inputs from the Pillar Lead organizations. The CTA will also support capacity building of technical personnel within the Project Management Unit (PMU) and expert teams, while the NPM ensures operational leadership and delivery of project outputs.

The NPM will also be responsible for: (a) co-financing verification and documentation in each APR; (b) GCF Core Indicator baseline establishment prior to project commencement; (c) notification to UNDP (as Accredited Entity) of any material project change as required under the Funded Activity Agreement; (d) facilitation of mid-term and terminal reviews; and (e) safeguards and Gender Action Plan progress reporting within the APR.

3. Summary of key functions:

1. Ensure Direction of Project Activities and Achievement of Targets and Results

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Manage the overall conduct of the project and ensure delivery of expected outputs.
• Monitor progress against the approved workplan and make course corrections as needed.
• Prepare revisions to multi-year, annual, and quarterly workplans as required.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of the Inception Report and GCF Annual Performance Report (APR).
• Ensures a fit-for-purpose M&E system is operational by the end of the Inception Phase, covering all GCF Core Indicators relevant to this project.
• Monitor and report on GCF Core Indicators and project results framework indicators.

2. Ensure Day-to-Day Management of the Project

• Execute activities including procurement, training, and low-value grants; draft TORs and oversee contractors.
• Monitor events per the project monitoring plan and update as necessary.
• Manage financial resources, including requests for advances, direct payments, and reimbursements.
• Ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports; submit quarterly financial reports to UNDP.
• Track mobilisation and disbursement of committed co-financing, document evidence for APR inclusion, and alert the Project Board and UNDP CO when co-financing is at risk.
• Monitor project risks (including social and environmental), maintain the risk log, and propose mitigation measures.
• Operational lead and must ensure audit readiness through adequate record-keeping, financial controls, and contractor documentation.
• Supervise project personnel, set performance standards, and provide feedback and support.

3. Ensure Provision of High-Quality Technical Advice and Build Partnerships

• Coordinate with the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) and PMU for technical inputs and quality assurance.
• Review and clear technical outputs; ensure adherence to the highest standards.
• Facilitate strategic dialogue with government counterparts and stakeholders.
• Advocate for UNDP and represent the project in coordination platforms and meetings.
• Accountable for operationalising and monitoring the GAP (with sex-disaggregated reporting); implementing and updating the SEP; and monitoring and reporting ESMP compliance.

4. Ensure Communications with the Government of Somalia

• Maintain regular communication with government counterparts on project progress, plans, and emerging issues.
• Organize formal/informal briefings to discuss adaptive management needs and risks.
• Ensures accessible, culturally appropriate intake channels, including options for communities with limited literacy; case tracking, response timelines, and escalation protocols; confidential reporting channels for GBV-related grievances with referral pathways; and GRM reporting in each APR.
• Prepare ad hoc communication materials and thematic reports at the request of the government and partners.
• Organize Project Board meetings twice a year; prepare agendas, background materials, and minutes.

5. Facilitate Knowledge Building and Management

• Responsible for: developing a sustainability and exit strategy within six months of inception; coordinating with MoF and SoDMA on domestic budget allocation for recurrent MHEWS costs post-project; and reporting on sustainability progress in each APR.
• Capture and integrate lessons learned into planning and decision-making to enhance project effectiveness and sustainability
• Coordinate and prepare substantive reports, briefs, and analysis.
• Support mid-term review and terminal evaluation processes.
• Implement project communications activities in collaboration with the UNDP Communications Specialist.
• Carry out core elements of project management with technical support from the CTA and PMU.

6. Carry Out Core Elements of Project Management (with Technical Support from CTA and PMU)

• Annual work planning and budgeting.
• Procurement of goods and services.
• Budget and expenditure monitoring and analysis.
• Contractual management and consultant oversight.
• Quarterly and annual progress and operational reporting.
• Ensure consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations.

7. Risk and Issue Management

• Collect and analyze information on technical, financial, political, and operational issues affecting implementation.
• Conduct risk assessments and update mitigation measures jointly with CTA.
• Escalate issues with potential impact on UNDP’s effectiveness, financial soundness, or reputation to the UNDP CO Programme Team and Senior Management.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

4. Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of the Portfolio Manager, Resilience and Climate Change, UNDP Somalia, the National Project Manager is responsible for implementing and managing the ‘Somalia Early Warning for All’ project, with technical support from the Chief Technical Advisor. The Project Manager acts as the Project Management Lead.

5. Competencies

Core 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 (Insert below standard sentence if the position has direct reports.)

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found on the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)

Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals. Business Management Partnerships Management

Build and maintain partnerships with wide

networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil

society and private sector partners, experts and

others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Business Management Results-Based Management

Ability to manage the implementation of strategies,

programmes, and projects with a focus at improved

performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge

and understanding of relevant theories, concepts,

methodologies, instruments, and tools.

Business Management Risk Management

Identify and organize action around reducing,

mitigating and proactively managing risks

Business Direction & Strategy Negotiation and Influence

Reach a common understanding/agreement,

persuade others, resolve points of difference

through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable

solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations.

Business Direction & Strategy Systems 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 .

2030 Agenda: Planet

Disaster Risk Reduction and

Recovery

Multi-hazard early warning systems

Please refer to the competency framework site for the entire list of competencies and further explanations.

5. Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Education

• An advanced University Degree(Master’s degree or equivalent) in disaster risk reduction, development studies, climate change, Environmental Management, Project Management, Business or Public Sector Administration, International Relations, Economics, Political Science, or related field. OR
• First-level university degree in the above fields in combination with an additional 2 years of experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.