Project Manager [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

The Philippines faces pressing public health challenges, particularly cervical cancer and acute watery diarrhea, which are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country. Cervical cancer, predominantly caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), poses a significant threat to women's health, while Rotavirus (RV) infections are a primary driver of severe diarrhea in young children, resulting in high hospitalization rates and preventable deaths. In response, the government has prioritized integrating HPV and RV vaccines into the National Immunization Program (NIP), a key initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and alleviating the strain on the healthcare system. This effort aligns with the country's commitment to achieving universal health coverage and improving public health outcomes by addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases, reducing health inequities, and advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on health and well-being.

The project aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer and acute watery diarrhea in the Philippines by integrating HPV and Rotavirus vaccines into the National Immunization Program (NIP). Funded by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), this initiative aligns with the country's commitment to universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key activities include conducting readiness assessments, enhancing data analytics on budget allocation and vaccination coverage, and building stakeholder capacities through targeted training sessions. The project also emphasizes fostering public-private sector collaboration to improve data-sharing practices and developing robust demand generation strategies to increase public awareness and acceptance of the new vaccines. Technical assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will support these efforts, ensuring a sustainable and effective vaccine rollout.

UNDP would play a pivotal role in strengthening the capacity of the Department of Health (DOH) to expand HPV vaccine coverage in the Philippines. UNDP's expertise in data analytics and policy advocacy is crucial for identifying critical trends, patterns, and gaps in vaccination coverage, which guides targeted interventions and optimizes resource allocation at the local government level. Additionally, UNDP would facilitate public-private sector collaboration by developing policies for data-sharing practices and organizing forums to build consensus on these policies. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive reporting and enhances the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the HPV immunization program.

UNDP is looking for a Project Manager, who will lead the Project Management Unit (PMU) based in UNDP CO in Metro Manila. This involves working closely with the UNDP Institutions and Partnerships Programme (I&P) Team, various offices of the Department of Health, WHO and UNICEF and various key stakeholders to ensure that the project has achieved its intended objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager will lead the Project Management Unit (PMU) based in UNDP CO in Metro Manila and is expected to lead the implementation and monitoring of the activities under the project.

Under the direct supervision of the Institutions and Partnerships (I and P) Programme Team Leader, the Project Manager is expected to work closely with Results-Based Management Analyst of UNDP Country Office and the I and P Programme Analyst. He/she is also expected to collaborate with relevant government and UN agencies such as DOH, WHO, UNICEF and other stakeholders.

The Project Manager will be responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial management of the project, ensuring effective coordination among UN agencies and government partners, timely delivery of outputs, and high-quality monitoring and reporting in line with UNDP’s rules, standards, and results-based management approach.

Key functions include:

1.Ensure strategic management of the project and provide day-to-day financial and administrative management for the delivery of the project’s activities focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Lead the preparation and updating of the project’s annual work plan, procurement plan and M&E plan;
• Manage project funds, maintain financial integrity, and ensure effective use of project resources;
• With support from project staff, provide quality and timely financial reports, as per UNDP financial rules and regulations and Government requirements;
• Ensure delivery of outputs and contribution to outcomes through an effective implementation plan and close coordination with DOH, WHO, UNICEF and UNDP management and technical teams;
• Operational coordination through support to existing coordination mechanisms, propose modifications of the plan to respond to changes in the project context; and

2.Develop and maintain effective working relationships and coordination with key counterparts to ensure the strategic positioning of the project focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Build and maintain an effective working relationship with key partners and stakeholders, especially with DOH, WHO and UNICEF, ensuring effective collaboration between UN agencies and other development partners
• Develop and finalize Memorandum of Agreements, Responsible Party Agreements, or other relevant legal instruments with relevant entities, such as non-government organizations and academic institutions;
• Work closely with the project team and stakeholders to ensure that the project outputs are delivered on time, meet set standards of quality, and are useful to stakeholders.
• Promote coordination, dialogue, and good practice knowledge sharing among stakeholders; and

3.Support resource mobilization and financial accountability focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identify and collaborate with potential partners to leverage Project funds and results;
• Effective application of UNDP financial oversight through the Quantum enterprise management system; and
• Work closely with CO programme and finance teams to ensure efficient and transparent use of project resources in line with approved budgets and within UNDP rules and regulations

4.Support human resources management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Supervise staff members under the PMU and provide necessary guidance and coaching; and
• Set performance parameters for staff members under the PMU, assess their performance, and provide feedback.

5.Efficient support to tasks related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provide strategic direction and oversight in the development and implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan, in close coordination with the MEL Analyst;
• Ensure timely and quality results reporting (monthly, quarterly, and annual), based on data and analysis provided by the MEL Analyst;
• Use MEL insights to inform adaptive management, risk mitigation, and implementation planning; and
• Promote accountability and learning across the project team and partners through regular reflection and learning reviews.

6.Ensure facilitation of communications, knowledge management, and advocacy focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Project’s Advocacy and Strategic Communications Plan;
• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to project goals; and
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

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

The Project Manager is expected to travel in various areas (local and international) as deemed necessary.

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 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• 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

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

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Digital

• Agile' methodologies and practices: Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement. Ability to manage a self-organising cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning. Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context.

Business Management

• Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results; Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Directoin & 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.

Partnership management

• Private sector engagement: Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector

2030 Agenda: People

• Health: Digital solutions for HIV and health; Promoting Effective and Inclusive Governance for HIV and Health

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Data Science, Statistics, Information Technology, Social Sciences, or a related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the fields mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years (with master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience in implementing, monitoring, and/or evaluating development programs and projects, managing the development and execution of policy and institutional reforms and innovations, coordinating development cooperation and collaboration of sectors, and other related work in public health or related sectors.

Required skills:

• At least three (3) years of demonstrated work experience and capacity in managing projects related to health systems, public health, or data analytics.
• At least three (3) years of demonstrated work experience on capacity building and implementing training programs.
• At least two (2) years of experience in budget advocacy and public financial management (PFM), particularly in the health sector or social sectors.

Desired Skills:

• Experience working on projects related to digital transformation or innovations in health systems.
• Experience working in or with government agencies and familiarity with government processes and dynamics.
• Previous working experience with international organizations at local or international level.
• Proven track record of experience in designing and implementing programmes involving private sector partnerships and engagement for development outcomes.
• Experience in resource mobilization and partnerships.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in English and Filipino languages is required

Professional Certificates

• Holder of Civil Service Eligibility is an asset.
• Certification in project management is desirable.

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

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