Project Manager ( Conserving terrestrial and marine biodiversity and restoring ecosystem services in globally relevant and vulnerable sites in Somalia)- [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants]

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:

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Somalia’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems are globally significant but face increasing pressures from climate change, land degradation, overexploitation, and biodiversity loss. The UNDP-supported project aims to restore degraded ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity protection, enhance community resilience, and promote sustainable natural resource governance.

Somalia lies within the Horn of Africa Biodiversity Hotspot and the East African Coastal Forest Biodiversity Hotspot, supporting globally significant terrestrial and marine ecosystems. These ecosystems provide essential services, including carbon sequestration, water regulation, coastal protection, and food security.

The project will support an inclusive government-led legal process for establishing protected areas (PAs), including assessments, consultations, and gazettal. The process will prioritize community-led approaches that integrate statutory, customary (Xeer), and religious governance systems to build a robust institutional foundation. Restoration and improved management of rangelands, forests, and coastal areas will strengthen ecosystem resilience and local livelihoods.

• Lead the overall planning, coordination, and implementation of the Protected Areas Project, ensuring timely, high-quality, and results-oriented delivery in line with the Project Document, national priorities, and UNDP/GEF frameworks.
• Supervising project personnel and partners, managing procurement and contracts, facilitating governance structures (Project Board and Technical Committees), and applying adaptive management to address implementation challenges and risks.
• Coordinate actions with relevant ministries, local authorities, and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of project activities.
• Provide technical guidance and support to project staff and consultants to ensure quality outputs.
• Ensure efficient management of project operations, including preparation of TORs and technical specifications, procurement of goods and services, and supervision of contractors and consultants.
• Maintain quality assurance of deliverables and ensure compliance with UNDP operational policies and procedures.
• Oversee procurement and contract management to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Oversee financial planning, execution, and reporting, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with approved budgets.
• Review and validate financial requests (including FACE forms), monitor expenditures, track co-financing
• commitments, identify budget variances, and facilitate audits, spot checks, and financial reviews in compliance with UNDP and GEF requirements.
• Manage project budgets, ensure compliance with UNDP financial rules and donor requirements.
• Prepare regular financial and narrative reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead implementation of the project monitoring and evaluation framework, ensuring effective tracking of progress against results frameworks and GEF Core Indicators.
• Prepare high-quality progress reports, including PIR, inception, quarterly and annual reports, and ensure timely submission of project revisions and amendments.
• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems to assess project progress and impact.
• Compile and submit project reports, including annual and final reports, incorporating lessons learned and recommendations.
• Support independent evaluations and audits as required.
• Promote knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and disseminating project results.
• Ensure implementation of environmental and social safeguards (including Gender Action Plan and stakeholder engagement frameworks), facilitate inclusive stakeholder participation, support communication and visibility, and integrate learning into adaptive project management.

The Project Manager will report to the Portfolio Manager and supervise the colleagues in the Project

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 the benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Thematic Area | Name | Definition

Business Management | Project Management | Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Business Management | Partnerships Management | 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.

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 Direction & Strategy | Negotiation and Influence | Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ’win-win’ situations.

Business Direction & Strategy | Systems Thinking | Use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall system.

2030 Agenda: Partnerships | Private Sector Engagement | Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector

Min. years of relevant work experience | A minimum of 5 years (with a Master's degree) or 7 years with (Bachelor's degree) of experience managing large-scale environmental or conservation projects.

Required Language(s) | Fluency in English and the Somali language is required.

Professional Certificates

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.

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.

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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