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.
The Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) serves as UNDP's primary knowledge and advisory hub for the Europe and CIS region (RBEC). The Hub connects the region to a global network of development experts, builds knowledge and capacity, and forges partnerships to address the development challenges of a complex and diverse region. The new Regional Programme (2026-2029) integrates four strategic priorities: prosperity for all; effective governance; crisis resilience; and healthy planet. Under each programmatic priority the programme seeks to act as a catalyst for systemic transformation and to deploy the portfolio approach more widely, enabling dynamic experimentation, learning and adaptation across interconnected interventions.
The IRH Innovation and Digital Team is taking forward a transformative approach to sustainable development through strategic innovation, portfolio and systems-thinking methods. Looking ahead, the team is focusing on three key innovation portfolio areas: urban transformation; digital development and emerging technologies; and innovative financing. Across all dimensions of our work, the team employs systems thinking, future-oriented approaches emphasizing the generation of development intelligence, and acceleration of local innovation to unearth new development pathways. The IRH Innovation and Digital Team acts as a regional extension of UNDP’s global Digital, AI, and Innovation Hub (DAI Hub) and closely collaborates with the global team. Alternative Finance Lab – as a part of the IRH Innovation and Digital Team – is actively working on blockchain, AI and emerging technologies and their implementation globally.
Key responsibilities of Project Manager:
Ensure effective management of the project
- Lead the implementation, and updating of the ETAF annual work plan, procurement plan, and monitoring and evaluation plan.
- Manage ETAF financial resources, ensuring quality financial management, accountability, and the efficient use of funds.
- Coordinate the preparation and timely submission of high-quality reports on ETAF initiatives, with support from the project team.
- Coordinate ETAF’s initiatives leads through existing governance and coordination mechanisms, recommending adjustments to implementation plans in response to evolving project needs and contextual changes.
- Identify, assess, monitor, and report project risks and issues in a timely manner, and recommend appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
- Oversee the performance and delivery of the ETAF team to ensure quality and timely implementation.
- Conduct team member performance management and reviews in accordance with UNDP policies, rules, and procedures, fostering accountability and professional development.
- Prepare and review Terms of Reference (ToRs), technical specifications, and other procurement-related documentation for ETAF services and consultancies.
- Ensure effective project risk management by maintaining risk logs, conducting regular horizon scanning, and implementing mitigation measures
Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization
- Manage strategic partnerships with emerging technology organizations, blockchain ecosystems and other relevant stakeholders to advance ETAF objectives.
- Develop Memorandum of Agreement, Financial Agreements, and other legal or partnership instruments with government institutions, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and private sector partners.
- Prepare high-quality partnership proposals and concept notes to mobilize technical and financial support for new blockchain and digital innovation initiatives.
- Leverage an extensive network within the blockchain ecosystem to connect programme participants with mentors, investors, technical experts, and strategic partners.
- Identify and secure funding opportunities and in-kind resources to strengthen the development, sustainability, and scalability of participant projects and ETAF initiatives
Communications, Knowledge Management, and Visibility
- Work closely with the Communications Lead to develop and implement ETAF’s communication and visibility strategy, ensuring alignment with project objectives, stakeholder needs, and organizational requirements.
- Provide strategic inputs to communication plans, key messages, success stories, case studies, and other visibility materials to effectively showcase ETAF results, innovations, and impact.
- Support the identification and documentation of project achievements, lessons learned, beneficiary stories, and best practices for internal and external dissemination.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing activities, including workshops, webinars, and stakeholder engagements, to promote learning and strengthen the ETAF ecosystem.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
The Project Manager will work under the coordination of a Alternative Finance Lab Project Manager, and within the team as presented in a general overview in an Annex.
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
Business Management
Project Management
Partnerships Management
Business Direction & Strategy
Strategic Thinking
System Thinking
Digital
Agile methodologies and practices
Alternative finance
Co-creation
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, Political Science, Environmental Science, or related field is required, or;
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years (with Master´s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of working experience in innovation and alternative finance
Required skills:
- Experience in project management in international organizations or European projects.
Experience working with emerging technologies.
- Experience in working with UNDP or UN organizations.
- Experience in leading multi-stakeholder processes in international development
Desired skills:
- Experience in design and facilitation of multi-stakeholder workshops.
- Previous experience working with non-profit organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs) and SMEs;
- Experience in working in startup accelerator.
- Experience in working with national or local governments;
- Experience in designing and leading innovative learning processes in international development
Languages:
- Fluency in English is required
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.
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
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