Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
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.
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.
While much progress has been made since the advent of democracy in 1994 in South Africa, unemployment remains high at 32.9% with youth unemployment rate (at 59.6%) higher than the national average. An extreme headcount poverty of 58.6% in 2022, with Gini Inequality Index of 0.63% mean that the current economic landscape represents a formidable challenge for socio-economic development in the country. The recent economic stagnation, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further undermine the gains made towards Agenda 2030. In 2022, growth softened markedly to 1.9% from 4.9% in 2021 as sharp cost-of-living increases, weak external demand and tighter global financial conditions tempered the post-pandemic recovery. The growth slowdown was intensified by electricity shortages, flood damages in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Eastern Cape (EC)and accelerated policy tightening to curb inflation.
High and growing inequalities and pervasive poverty undermine prospects for sustainable development, South Africa’s reliance on coal-fired power generation has necessitated urgent focus on an inclusive, just transition. A just transition to a low-carbon economy will benefit all South Africans by driving economic growth, creating jobs, and increasing energy security, while addressing the serious threat of climate change. The country’s economy is highly carbon intensive; considered to be in the top fifteen global emitters in 2020, and the highest emitter in Africa in 2022. As part of a coordinated action to achieve a low carbon economy and a climate resilient society, government launched the new JET Investment Plan. The plan focuses on creating quality jobs, increasing energy security, addressing the risks of climate change and boosting economic growth.
Against this background, UNDP partners with stakeholders at all levels of government and society to help build nations that can withstand crises and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. With presence in 170 countries and territories, UNDP offers global perspectives and local insight to empower lives and help build resilient nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the South African context, UNDP is working with the Government and the people of South Africa, Private Sector, UN Agencies, Academia, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other relevant stakeholders to address the triple development challenges of poverty, income inequality and unemployment. We achieve this through promoting transformative governance, inclusive and people-centred growth, energy access, climate resilience and sustainable development.
Under UNDP’s portfolio on Inclusive, Just and Sustainable Economic Growth portfolio, we promote an integrated approach that tackles the interconnected issues of multidimensional poverty, inequality and exclusion, and sustainability, while enhancing knowledge, skills to enhance peoples’ choices, reduce risks and sustain development gains, underpinned by innovation-centric approaches to development. The goal is to strengthen capacities and provide an enabling environment for access to opportunities, focusing on the most vulnerable and excluded population groups – including women and youth. Through country-led development efforts, UNDP South Africa focuses on deepening youth and women inclusion, digital transformation, skills development, private sector engagement, protecting livelihoods, among others. We implement interventions that strengthen access to equitable social and economic opportunities, increase productivity and enhance value chain development. Central to our work is our commitment to a sustainable, low carbon economy and greener environment, whilst ensuring inclusive approaches that benefit every citizen, in all communities equally, leaving no one behind.
The South Africa CO is recruiting for a Project Manager: Inclusive Growth. Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Programme Manager: Inclusive Growth, the Project Manager will be experienced in successfully managing and directing projects within the SDGs context. Guided by the Programme Manager, s/he will conceptualize and coordinate the implementation of projects, with the ability to understand contextual political, social and economic trends, and the ability to lead the formulation, management and evaluation of project activities. In particular, s/he will manage projects in relation to Inclusive Just Energy Transition, Digital Skilling and Entrepreneurship. S/he also works in close collaboration with other Programme Units, Programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQ and Addis-Ababa Regional Hub staff, Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society.
Position PurposeThe Project Manager: Inclusive Growth will anchor identified projects within the portfolio, providing substantive support to the project in terms of project governance, implementation and monitoring. . As the overall coordinator, s/he will work with respective units and teams to ensure hands-on day-to-day coordination and steering support, and that projects are well conceptualized, activities and tasks are well mapped out, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, budgets are allocated and expenditure tracked, communication and visibility is undertaken, and monitoring and evaluation is consistently done. The role seeks to:
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 through monitoring, evaluation and reporting; Maintaining collaborative working relationships among key project partners and donors, through effective communication, consultation and reporting; Aligning the project with UN values and UNDP priorities. Duties and ResponsibilitiesAligning the project with UN values and UNDP priorities
Ensure the principles of gender equality, democratic governance, youth development, social inclusion and disaster resilience are effectively reflected in all project activities; 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; Ensure that accessibility for persons with disabilities is reflected in all project activities; Consult regularly with other UNDP projects and programs on related activities where synergies are possible; Strive to engage groups and communities in project activities that affect them; Communicate project goals and activities clearly to both stakeholders and the wider public.Achieve Results - LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
Think Innovatively - LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
Learn Continuously - LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
Act with Determination - LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
Engage and Partner - LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 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 Management - Communication: Ability to 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. Business Management - Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance. Business Management - Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals. Partnership management - Relationship Management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.Language:
Proficiency in Oral and Written English Language is required. DisclaimerThis vacancy is archived.