Background
UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization that advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help build resilient nations and improve the livelihoods of people. UNDP The Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government’s development frameworks, boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambia’s Recovery Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP 2023-2027), which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. To deliver on its mandate, UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, support to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, support to national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues to ensure no one is left behind.
UNDP The Gambia, with funding from the Peace Building Fund (PBF), is implementing the Security Sector Reform (SSR) project (2024-2027). The overarching goal of the project is to build strong, accountable, and effective security institutions that safeguard the rights and aspirations of The Gambian people for conflict prevention and sustaining peace in post-transition period. This will be achieved by addressing key challenges related to weak institutional legislations and policies; lack of accountability as a result of weak internal and external oversight institutions; existing gender gaps including lack of women representation in decision making; weak institutional capacities; and low trust and confidence in security sector by the public. In employing human rights approach, the Project has been conceived with the understanding of people as rights-holders and the state, including core security actors, as duty-bearers in providing security as a service to the people. Interventions have been developed on the premise that human rights and security are closely linked, and that human rights violations can be a cause of conflict, a result of conflict or an early warning of conflict.
Consolidating gains from Gambia’s peaceful transition through the implementation of Security Sector Strategy (2023-2027), the project will build on past interventions such as the PBF-supported Strategic Advice and support to Security Sector and Governance project (2017-2018), Strengthening Community Access to Justice, Community Policing and Effective SGBV Response (2020-2022), among others. The project will take a broader approach that supports the provision (‘supply and demand’) of security sector reform and improved human security within the population. In doing so, the approach will contribute to strengthened security legislations, policies, and strategies to align them with international norms, build more accountable, professional and gender responsive security institutions; institutional capacity building to increase SSR knowledge; improve accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with SSR international standards and legislative provisions in the exercise of their functions; promote gender inclusion to increase women’s’ participation in the security sector particularly in leadership and decision making roles; inclusive participation and improve civilian oversight mechanisms to foster trust between the public and security institutions.
The Project Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Governance. S/He will assume the overall management and coordination of the SSR Project as part of the Project Team along with UNODC and UN OHCHR, in close consultation and cooperation with national counterparts, namely, the Office of National Security (ONS), the Ministry of Interior, and Civil Society Organizations.
Scope of Work:
A. Lead project related planning, management, monitoring and evaluation, advocacy, and representation tasks:
Provision of top quality and substantive inputs to project documents, reports, concept notes and other strategic documents, considering national and global trends on policies and development issues related to democratization in transition countries as well as good practices of security sector reform and oversight mechanisms; Advocacy for the security-development nexus and other national and international objectives considering the need to cooperate with other stakeholders to avoid duplication and service gaps, and represent the project as required; Assessment of progress in achieving institutional development objectives and production of relevant reports to counterparts and donors as well as facilitation of discussions on project evolution; Lead the monitoring of progress in achieving institutional development objectives and production of relevant reports to counterparts and donors as well as facilitation of discussions on the project’s implementation; Implement comprehensive monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track project progress, identifying lessons learned and adapting strategies accordingly ensuring compliance with UNDP’s M&E requirements for reporting on project results. The project Manager should ensure that all project staffs understand and comply with these requirements; Lead the development of Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and ensure alignment with UNDP’s Standing Operating Procedures; Actively cultivate relationships with government partners, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders to promote collaboration and enhance project visibility.B. Oversee the strategic direction and relevant project operations focusing on achievement of results:
Prepare detailed project reports and updates for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational reporting standards, timelines, and expectations; Timely completion of procurement and human resources processes; Efficient management of logistic and administrative support to consultancy assignments, workshops, learning and other project activities; Coordination of Project Steering Committee (PSC) and Technical Committee meetings and presentation of work plans and periodic progress reports as required; Formulate and regularly update project strategies in consultation with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with national security priorities and international best practices; Conduct regular field visits to observe project implementation and gather first-hand feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders; Oversee project budgets and ensure efficient allocation and utilization of resources, adhering to financial policies and reporting requirements; Monitor expenditures and prepare financial reports in line with donor regulations and audit requirements; Facilitate seamless coordination of project implementation with the other UN implementing agencies and all partners.C. Lead and coordinate substantive inputs on the implementation of the security sector reform strategy; advocate for sustainable capacity development and oversight strategies; and share good practices:
Provision of quality policy and technical advice to UNDP and national counterparts, including the Office of National Security (ONS), in the areas of substantive activities that are being addressed by the project; Facilitation of policy dialogue on security sector development issues with national counterparts, donors, civil society; and providing inputs to the development of policies as relevant; Support/facilitate policy dialogue on security sector reform issues with national counterparts, donors, civil society; and providing inputs to the development of policies as relevant; Provides substantive inputs to the security sector national priorities through participation in relevant working group(s), as needed.D. Knowledge management and any other task:
Identify and synthesize good practices and lessons learned in the field of Security Sector Reform and share with other colleagues; Document and disseminate best practices, lessons learned, and case studies related to project implementation to inform future SSR initiatives; Maintain a repository of project knowledge and resources that can be accessed by staff and partners; Contribution to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned; Strengthen the capacities of colleagues on request (peer learning); Participate in ad hoc working groups on cross-cutting themes. Contribute to various meetings (thematic sub-groups, coordination, etc.) and to missions related to UNDP objectives.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangements
The Project Manager, SSR Project, will work closely with the government, national institutions, key civil society partners, and other stakeholders, under the overall supervision of Head of Governance.
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:
Business Management
Partnership Management Ability to 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. Project Management Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks; Effective Decision Making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources; Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals; Ability to gather and interpret data, reach logical conclusions, and present findings and recommendations; Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals; Good research and analytical skills; Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust, and mutual understanding. Operations Management Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the project progress. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms of governance project implementation; Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.Finance
Financial reporting and analysis Understands changes in regulatory, legal, and ethical frameworks and standards for financial reporting in the public sector. Ability to extract, evaluate financial data, derive relevant findings, and present them in a meaningful and coherent manner to facilitate effective decision making and performance monitoring.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.Required Skills and Experience
Minimum Education Requirements
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics, Business Administration or related field is required. OR; A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in a relevant field in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.Minimum Relevant Years of Experience
Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in governance, economics and/or relevant related field is required.Required Skills
Good working knowledge of information technology.Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the competencies section
Demonstrated experience in security sector reform or similar reforms will be an asset; Experience in working in/with security institutions, development projects, or civil society, is highly desirable; Experience in working in the area of development (national and/or international) would be an advantage; Experience in the United Nations system, civil society, or related area, in gender, peace, security or humanitarian issues is an asset; Experience/Demonstrated social skills of coordinating with different stakeholders and facilitating discussions is an asset; Understanding/experience of critical aspects of security sector reform as well as the fundamental concepts related to key results areas (legal and policy reforms, capacity building, strengthening oversight, etc.). is an advantage; Experience in project management including co-ordination, financial management, risk management and partnership management is an asset.Required Languages
Proficiency in oral and written English is required; Good knowledge of at least one local language such as Mandinka, Wollof, Fula, Jola etc. is desired.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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