Project Management Specialist [Open to internal and external 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.

Background

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

In Pakistan, UNDP is working with the Government of Pakistan, civil society, national partners, and the people of Pakistan to help find solutions to persistent development challenges. Its work derives from and contributes to four outcome areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027) which include: governance; sustainable, inclusive and green economic transformation; climate change resilience and environment; and gender equality and women’s empowerment. Supported by enablers, UNDP uses a portfolio approach in Pakistan, triangulating structural transformation, leaving no one behind, and building resilience.

UNDP's country programme document for Pakistan envisions that all Pakistani people are educated and healthy, their well-being promoted and protected through economic opportunities, jobs and a climate-resilient future in a country where women and girls are safe and able to exercise their rights and to put their trust in and benefit from improved governance.

UNDP Pakistan works with the Government and communities to develop and implement local solutions to development challenges. In an evolving development context, UNDP supports the efforts of Government of Pakistan to build a more equitable, prosperous, peaceful, and resilient society, and to achieve its SDGs and COP25 targets. The Resilience, Environment and Climate Change (RECCU) is supporting projects across the country to respond to the growing threat of climate change, to mainstream environmental concerns into national development planning processes, and to expand access to environmental and energy services for the poor. In particular, UNDP has sought to ensure that the poor have stronger capacities to manage, adapt, and monitor climate change. Climate Change is a huge development challenge as well as a huge environmental challenge. It is a growing problem and is now hitting the poorest and the most vulnerable first and hardest.

The 2022 floods in Pakistan have affected 33 million people, resulted in the loss of more than 1,700 lives, displaced around 9 million men, women, and children, and inundated almost one-third of productive agricultural land in Pakistan. These downstream challenges are compounded with institutional issues whereby the Government of Pakistan requires support for developing overarching frameworks to structure its flood response activities and technical expertise to set up and develop bankable projects, establish standardised mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, and enhance strategic communications for public outreach.

UNDP has responded to the challenge by developing and launching a flagship Flood Recovery Programme (FRP) to support the Government of Pakistan’s flood recovery and rehabilitation efforts. The Programme has four key objectives dealing with the following thematic areas:

• Restoration of housing and access to/revival of essential community services.
• Restoration of livelihoods and income-generating capacities.
• Restoration of governance and service delivery.
• Capacities for disaster preparedness and climate resilience strengthened.

Under the direct supervision of the Flood Recovery Programme Manager (PM), the Project Management Specialist is responsible for supporting the PM in the management, coordination, and successful implementation of one of the core Programme components, supported by Government of Germany. The Flood Reconstruction and Coordination Programme (FRCP), implemented under the umbrella Flood Recovery Programme (FRP) aims to deliver results in the three concrete areas, i.e., (1) improved transparency and accountability of the financial resources being allocated for flood recovery through enhanced Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems; (2) improved governance mechanisms and capacities for resilient flood recovery; and (3) enhanced recovery support through reconstruction of houses and rehabilitation of community physical infrastructure in Quetta district.

The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring delivery of project results, supporting effective monitoring and evaluation practices, and managing day-to-day field implementation across project sites. S/he will play a pivotal role in managing donor partnership and liaising directly with government entities to ensure cohesive and integrated delivery of project interventions. The Project Management Specialist will also work closely with the Programme and Operations Specialists to ensure the project interventions adhere to donor, government and UNDP compliance and legal standards, while remaining fully aligned with UNDP Pakistan’s Country Programme Document and the organization’s and FRP’s strategic objectives. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

1- Programme Planning and Implementation Management:

The Project Management Specialist will be responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of results within the allocated budget and resources and in line with UNDP, donor and government’s strategic objectives. The responsibilities include:

a) Ensure Programme Planning:

• Provide strategic direction in the design, planning, and implementation of FRP programme interventions, ensuring alignment with UNDP Pakistan’s Country Programme Document and corporate priorities.
• Guide the development and periodic revision of programme strategies, annual work plans, financial frameworks, monitoring and evaluation plans, and communications strategies as required.

b) Lead Programme Implementation:

• Work closely with the FRP Programme Manager and FRP Programme Specialist to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of programme activities, optimizing processes to achieve project objectives.
• Lead team members in translating the programme's mission into actionable steps, ensuring consistent application of programme standards.

c) Lead adaptive management:

• Lead analytical review of FRCP planned interventions and ongoing progress ensuring strategic coherence, innovation, and results orientation.
• Advise FRP Programme Manager and Programme Specialist on programme performance, risks, and opportunities, supporting adaptive management and evidence-based decision-making. Provide high-level analysis and guidance through periodic progress reviews and reporting.

2- Programme Oversight, Monitoring & Quality Assurance:

The Project Management Specialist will be instrumental in facilitating support to the FRCP project team in achieving full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations for programme activities. The responsibilities include:

a) Ensure Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E):

• In coordination with the FRP Monitoring & Evaluation team, design and operationalize a robust M&E framework that utilizes both quantitative and qualitative indicators to track progress, analyze outcomes, and adjust implementation strategies as necessary.
• Conduct regular assessments to drive performance improvements and maintain alignment with programme goals.

b) Ensure Risk Management:

• In close collaboration with the FRP Programme Manager and FRCP Programme Specialist, identify, analyze, and manage operational, reputational, and strategic risks that may impact the programme’s success.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies, facilitate contingency planning, and ensure a proactive response to emerging challenges to safeguard programme outcomes. Maintain and regularly update the risk register as per corporate guidelines.

c) Ensure Resource Management:

• In close coordination with the FRP Operations team, support the efficient allocation and utilization of programme resources, including human, financial, and logistical assets.
• Work with the programme and operations teams to manage budgets, control expenditures, and ensure that all resources contribute optimally to programme objectives.

3- Build Strategic Partnerships and Project Governance:

The Project Management Specialist will support the FRP Programme Manager and FRP Programme Specialist in the cultivation and management of partnerships required to sustain and expand programme activities and ensure strong governance of the overall project:

a) Support Liaison with Donors, Government and Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with the Programme Manager in liaison and coordination with donors, HQ, the Bangkok regional hub, government counterparts and other strategic partners.
• Maintain consistent communication with these stakeholders to provide transparent updates on programme progress, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Represent the project in high-level meetings, forums, and coordination mechanisms, strengthening UNDP’s positioning and influence.

b) Support Project Governance and Partnerships:

• Ensure compliance and adherence to project governance structures, including steering committees and coordination platforms, ensuring inclusive and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure alignment of programme interventions with national priorities and donor requirements, while promoting partnership-driven approaches and resource mobilization opportunities.

c) Ensure Donor Reporting and Compliance:

• In collaboration with the FRP Monitoring & Evaluation team, oversee the preparation and timely submission of donor reports, ensuring adherence to reporting requirements and maintaining strong relationships with funding partners through transparent communication and responsiveness to feedback.

4- Facilitate Knowledge Management and Capacity Development:

In this role, the Project Management Specialist will drive knowledge sharing, and team capacity development ensuring that achievements and lessons learned are effectively documented and communicated:

a) Facilitate Knowledge Sharing:

• Cultivate a learning environment by identifying, analyzing, and sharing lessons learned and best practices from programme implementation.
• Foster an environment of continuous learning within the team by encouraging critical thinking, innovation, and adaptation.

b) Team Leadership and Management:

• Provide direct management and guidance to team members under supervision, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear performance expectations, offer constructive feedback, and support team development through targeted training and coaching.

c) Facilitate Capacity Building:

• Lead capacity-building efforts for programme staff, ensuring that all team members are well-equipped with the skills necessary for effective programme delivery.
• Organize and conduct training sessions on key areas such as M&E, adaptive management, and stakeholder engagement, enhancing the overall capability and efficiency of the team.

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

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

Cross-Functional & Technical 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 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 Facilitation

• Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas.
• Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange