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 planet.
UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) derives its mandate from United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/147 of 20 December 1978. Called upon by United Nations Member States in that year, UNDP was requested “to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people by identifying their social and economic needs and by establishing concrete projects to that end”.
UNDP’s Palestinian Programmatic Framework (PPF) 2023-2025 sets out a vision of “a world in which all Palestinians can enjoy a dignified life and fulfil their own vision of a unified, peaceful and free society”. The PPF is centred around the concept of “Transformative Resilience” and its three elements: a cohesive Palestinian identity, self-reliance, and ownership and leadership. To this end, UNDP/PAPP builds on its experiences and achievements to make critical contributions to the priorities defined by the Palestinian national development plans and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), through interventions in three programmatic priority areas: i) democratic governance and quality services; ii) inclusive economic opportunities; iii) sustainable natural resources management.
Additionally, UNDP/PAPP offers operational services and support to several UN agencies operating in the occupied Palestinian territory. By promoting a client-centred approach in-line with UNDP's rules and regulations, our operational team collaborates closely with programme and project teams, as well as suppliers, UN agencies, and UNDP headquarters staff to address challenging operational -related issues.
The West Bank Component of the UNDP/PAPP Economic Resilience Programme (ERP) adopts a holistic and integrated approach to strengthening micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) at the firm, value chain, and systems levels. The programme is designed to support the recovery and resilience of MSMEs by unlocking their potential in both local and export markets, while addressing structural barriers within the enabling environment.
Anchored in a market systems approach, the ERP promotes transformational change and fosters the adoption of innovative and sustainable economic models that position Palestinian MSMEs to become more competitive and growth oriented. By doing so, the ERP contributes to the emergence of a more inclusive, diverse, and resilient economy and livelihoods in the West Bank.
To this end, ERP works to improve MSMEs’ access to tailored technical and financial support services, while also enhancing their ability to diversify markets and build stronger linkages across value chains in high-potential sectors. At the ecosystem level, the ERP focuses on strengthening the institutional and operational capacities of business associations, government institutions, and private sector support organizations to develop and deliver collective solutions, high-quality services, and inclusive financing mechanisms. ERP also fosters constructive dialogue between public and private sector stakeholders to identify and respond to emerging challenges, creating a more responsive and enabling business environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Work
The Project Manager will undertake the following key functions:
Ensure Effective project management through the delivery of quality technical, operational, financial and administrative outputs Implement and manage the project on a day-to-day basis, coordinate the implementation of the respective activities based on the relevant project document, including, as needed, supervision and guidance of consultants, experts and implementing partners with a view to achieving project results. Develop a detailed project work-plans with clear milestones as well as roles and responsibilities of the project team. Ensure timely and quality delivery of planned project activities in collaboration with the project team and implementing partners. Monitor the progress of implementation of project activities and key milestones, including reviewing and updating the workplans, Project Risk Log, and monitoring financial resources to ensure efficiency and accountability. Mobilize goods and services to support project activities, including call for proposals, drafting TORs and works/product requirements and specifications. Assume responsibilities in line with the office Internal Control Framework and act as a `first authority` for Project transactions. Ensure the adherence of project activities to the existing financial, procurement and administrative processes that are in line with prevailing UNDP rules and regulations. Ensure that gender equality and inclusion are pursued in all the project activities and reflected in work plans, budgets, reports, research, analyses and, where relevant, analyzed in detail.
2. Lead coordination and foster strong partnerships with implementing partners and relevant stakeholders
Build and maintain strong relationships with implementing partners, relevant government institutions and other stakeholders. Lead on contractual agreements with implementing partners including guiding and overseeing their performance and alignment with the project approaches and plans. Build synergies between implementing partner to enhance coordination and maximize project impact, embracing the project integrated approach for MSME development. This includes establishing and maintaining a coordination platform and facilitate addressing any challenges encountered in communication and coordination. Maintain regular communication on relevant project activities and issues with local and international counterparts, to ensure synergies, complementarity, and avoid duplication of efforts. Support in establishing the Technical Advisory Committee with representatives from the private sector, MSME experts, donors, and government, ensuring timely meetings to guide implementation and presentation of reports and recommendations to the Steering Committee.
3. Lead project monitoring, reporting and learning activities
Develop project monitoring, evaluation and learning plan including baselines, quantitative and qualitative data collection and quality assurance tools as well as design and oversee of the project external evaluation with support from the UNDP/PAPP RBM coordinator and Programme Analyst. Ensure continuous field presence and responsiveness to context-specific dynamics to enable timely adaptation of project activities to emerge needs, risks, and opportunities based on real-time insights and evolving ground realities. Guide implementing partners on monitoring activities and data collection and verification to align with the overarching project results framework and M&E plan. Timely prepare project progress reports and ensure submission in compliance with UNDP corporate and donor requirements, while ensuring quality reporting against project’s results framework. Prepare ad-hoc reports, presentations, and other materials, including briefings to senior management, to share information on achievements, challenges, etc. Update and file relevant documentation and data both internally and on corporate systems (Quantum, Quantum+). Oversee the preparation of knowledge products by project experts and implementing partners and support the strategic dissemination of knowledge products and information gathered throughout the life of the project, in close collaboration with the UNDP Communication Analyst. Prepare all required technical and financial reports for Steering Committee meetings, document the outcomes and recommendations of these meetings, and coordinate actions with support from the Programme Analyst.
4. Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s).
Organize training, workshops, and capacity building activities in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
Under the guidance of the Assistant Special Representative and the direct supervision of the Programme Analyst, the Project Manager will carry out the assigned duties and responsibilities in coordination with the UNDP/PAPP project support team—including RBM, Business Support, Procurement, Finance, Risk Management, Communications, and Gender.
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results:
LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
Think Innovatively:
LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
Learn Continuously:
LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
Adapt with Agility:
LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
Act with Determination:
LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
Engage and Partner:
LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:
LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Thematic Area
Name
Definition
Business Direction and 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
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.
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
Resource Management
Allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with business needs and priorities and principles of accountability and integrity.
Business Management
Risk Management
Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.
Business Management
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.
Required Skills and Experience Min. Education requirements
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, Engineering or a related field is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields of study, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Min. years of relevant work experience Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in managing or serving in a key programmatic role on economic development projects with a focus on private sector (MSMEs) and/or livelihoods development. Required skillsDesired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section Proven experience in project management, including planning, results-based management, financial oversight, and procurement, with demonstrated experience managing projects in crisis contexts. Solid experience in liaising and cooperating with different stakeholders including donors, government, private sector and civil society organizations. In-depth understanding of the macro and micro-economic landscape in West Bank including challenges faced by MSMEs during times of crisis. Experience in managing or contributing to projects focused on at least two of the following areas: business development support, MSME financing, trade development and facilitation, business enabling environment, value chain/sector development, business innovation, and/or digitalization. Demonstrated ability to mobilize new types of partnerships and/or expertise that leverage innovative solutions to address persistent and emerging development challenges; and Proven track record of excellent report writing skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely. Previous experience with international development organizations. Proven experience working on women’s economic empowerment projects or gender responsive economic development initiatives Demonstrated experience supporting institutional capacity building for business support organizations, or sectoral associations Regional or international experience in contributing to OR engaging with initiatives, projects, OR networks related to private sector development, MSMEs, or livelihoods development. Working knowledge of market systems development (MSD) or market-based approaches to MSME support—OR relevant training in these areas. Demonstrated experience and familiarity with the UN system and/ or UNDP procedures. Required Language(s) Fluency in both English and Arabic languages is required. Professional Certificates NA
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.
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