Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as "internal" candidates)
Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts
Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background

The "EU-PH Partnership in Reinforcing Capacity, Transparency, and Efficiency in Public Procurement" project is a collaborative initiative aimed at improving public procurement systems in the Philippines. Public procurement represents a significant portion of the national GDP, yet inefficiencies and corruption have hindered its potential to boost market competition and innovation. With the enactment of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) in 2024, the project seeks to institutionalize reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency. These reforms include modernizing procurement processes, adopting international data standards, and integrating participatory practices to ensure the best value for public funds.

To achieve its goals, the project focuses on three key outcomes. First, it aims to strengthen the capacities of public expenditure oversight bodies. This includes providing training on data analytics and participatory audits, developing evidence-based policy recommendations, and enabling collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs). Second, the project will improve the internal capacity of the Procurement Service under the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) by codifying processes, standardizing training, and promoting gender-responsive procurement practices. Lastly, it seeks to enhance the ability of PS-PhilGEPS to manage and publish procurement data, develop interactive dashboards, and adhere to Open Contracting Data Standards.

By addressing systemic gaps, the project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Philippine Development Plan It leverages technology and multi-stakeholder engagement to foster a transparent, accountable, and inclusive procurement ecosystem. Through this effort, the project supports the Philippine government's anti-corruption initiatives, enhances public trust, and contributes to a more effective and equitable public procurement system.

UNDP is looking for a Project Manager, who will lead the Project Management Unit (PMU). The post involves working closely with the UNDP Institutions and Partnerships Programme (I&P) Team, the Procurement-Service of the Department of Budget and Management, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project will achieve 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 agencies such as DBM, COA, and other stakeholders.

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;
• Effective application of UNDP financial oversight through the Quantum enterprise management system;
• With support from project staff, provide quality and timely financial reports, as per UNDP financial rules and regulations as well as Government and Donor requirements;
• Ensure delivery of outputs and contribution to outcomes through an effective implementation plan and close coordination with DBM and COA and UNDP management and technical teams;
• Provide overall coordination and oversight of all project activities, with focus on strategic interventions lead to systemic, sustainable improvements in the Philippine public procurement system and build government capacity;
• Ensure accountability by leading the preparation and submission of comprehensive reports (monthly, quarterly, annual, and donor), aligning results with project objectives, addressing challenges, and providing insights to drive strategic decision-making and enhance overall project performance; 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, the EU financing agreement, and the Philippine government's procurement reform agenda.

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 DBM and the EU.
• Develop and finalize Memorandum of Agreements/Understandings, 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
• Ensure effective collaboration with the UN agencies and other development partners

3. Advise and support resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identify and collaborate with potential partners to leverage Project funds and results;
• Develop concept notes and project proposals to support pipeline development and resource mobilization.

4. Advise and 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. 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.

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 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

People Management

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

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 Development

• Knowledge Generation: Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

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.

Audit & Investigation - Investigation

• Procurement concepts, processes, and management: Knowledge of procurement processes and management

2030 Agenda: Peace

• Governance: Anti-Corruption

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Social Sciences, International Relations, International Law, Public Administration, Project Management or related fields is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) as mentioned above in combination with additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted 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 and managing development projects, managing the development and execution of policy and institutional reforms and innovations, coordinating development cooperation and collaboration of sectors, and other related work.

Required skills:

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in managing development or donor-funded projects, including planning, implementation, and reporting responsibilities
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in designing, delivering, capacity development activities, training programs, or institutional strengthening initiatives
• At least three (3) years of experience in resource mobilization and partnerships
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Experience in managing public procurement, public procurement reforms, transparency, accountability, and digital governance related projects is desirable.
• Experience working on projects related to data analytics/ digitalization of business processes is advantageous
• Experience working in or with government agencies and familiarity with government processes and dynamics is highly preferred.
• Previous working experience with international organizations at local or international level is advantageous.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in the English and Filipino languages is required

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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