Background

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with national counterparts on solutions to global and national development challenges. Learn more at undp.org. 
 
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.   
 
UNDP is a long-term development partner of the Maldives. In the Upper Middle-Income Country and Small Island Developing State context, UNDP Country Office in Maldives provides technical assistance, policy and technical advisory services to the Government of Maldives in their efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); in partnership with development partners, financial institutions, private sector and civil society. In Maldives, UNDP’s programme priorities and partnerships are defined and operationalized through the Country Programme between Government of Maldives and UNDP to support and contribute to the development priorities and results envisioned in the 5-year Strategic Action Plan and 20-year National Development Plan.  
 
In the current Country Programme cycle 2022 – 2026 (https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-07/CPD%20Maldives.pdf), UNDP has significantly shifted its programme offer to Maldives around 3 pillars supported by a diverse funding base from government finance, bilateral and multilateral donors, blended and innovative finance, etc.: (i) Integrated Governance Programme focusing on justice sector reform, decentralization and local governance with youth, gender and people with disabilities’ participation; (ii) climate and nature actions for resilient communities, (iii) SDG finance and fiscal spacing, to enable Maldives to achieve sustainable development by eradicating inequality and poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development and building resilience to crises and shock. Currently, UNDP Maldives is in the process of formulating the new Country Programme 2027 – 2031 in consultation with the Government of Maldives, stakeholders, partners, academia and civil societies in the Maldives.

The Project Analyst will contribute to the implementation of the Governance Programme. UNDP is looking for individuals who have the analytical, planning, implementation and evaluation capacities that can implement projects effectively and deliver projects’ results.  We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, motivated and committed to making a positive contribution to sustainable development in the Maldives.

Under the guidance and supervision from Project Manager, the Project Analyst provides project management and technical advisory services to the Governance portfolio of UNDP Maldives, ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work in the provision of project management and technical advisory services required for successful and timely implementation of the projects. The Project Analyst promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP policies, rules and regulations. The incumbent works in close collaboration with the programme staff of the UNDP Maldives and with UNDP BRH and UNDP HQ ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work in the provision of technical support required for consistent service delivery and management practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Analyst provides leadership and day to day management for ongoing project ensuring high quality and accuracy of work.

The Project Analyst works in collaboration with the Operations, Programme and Project staff in the CO, Government counterparts, and project stakeholders, to exchange information and ensure consistent services delivery.
 

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of Project Manager, the Project Analyst will ensure effective and timely delivery of the following key functions.


Provide and coordinate analytical services for effective project management cycle from design, planning, implementation and closure to achieve projects’ results.

  • Provide analytical support in the development of project concept note / proposal and project document during the project design. 
  • Coordinate and execute project planning process including preparation and execution of multi-year and annual work plan with fully costed budgets, etc. based on sound partners’ capacity assessments and in accordance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures – Programme and Project Management requirements.
  • Coordinate and manage the day-to-day outputs and activities of the assigned portfolio and the overall implementation process, including monitoring, evaluation and reporting in order to optimize the use of resources and to ensure the successful achievement of project objectives and results specified in project document. 
  • Facilitate establishment of interactive and inclusive platforms for project implementation and collaborate with other programme units and project teams to ensure integration of critical development issues in the project activities and expected project outputs. 
  • Ensure project implementation are in alignment with UNDP policy and programme management procedures and all project interventions integrate a gender equality perspective/gender equality mainstreaming to the extent local context allows.
  •  Ensure operational management of assigned portfolio including timely procurement of goods, services and/or infrastructure (as relevant), effective management of human, technical and financial resources, etc. 
  • Maintain regular working relationships with other UNDP programme units to ensure overall integration of the project outcomes, outputs and activities within the Country Programme.
  • Assess the portfolio impact and effectiveness of the project interventions through regular field visits and highlight achievements, progress and challenges through impact and results-driven reports.
  •  Prepare corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements.
  • Support in operational and financial closure of the project.
  • Provide effective communication of results and build the visibility of the projects and/or portfolio of projects amongst stakeholders as well as among the international community within and outside the country.

Provide policy and technical advisory support services to achieve projects' results.

  • Conduct research and analysis to identify needs, baselines, gaps and opportunities for project conceptualization and project design.
  • Provide subject matter technical advice and support in the design and implementation of project outputs and activities, and ensure outputs and activities are delivered on time, within the set budget and specified constraints, and to high-quality standards.
  • Coordinate and support development institutions working towards addressing development priorities in collaboration with the government partners / stakeholders and other strategic partners

Analyze and build partnerships at the national and local level stakeholders and partners for effective project implementation and resource mobilization.

  • Establish trustful relationships and maintain a continuous and constructive dialogue with government, civil society, local communities, and donors to maximize consistency, synergy and maximize impact and results.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support key objectives and ensure inclusive implementation and participation of key stakeholders in assigned portfolio.
  • Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify stakeholder needs and how best to leverage their participation and/or strengthen their engagement. Prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and opportunities for joint initiatives. Make recommendations to the management team on activities with potential for scale-up, replicability and synergies.
  • Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners. 
  • Support resource mobilization efforts and new project development.
  • Advocate for project’s objectives with private sector entities, financing institutions and impact investors to leverage the required sustainable financing to meet project’s targets.
  • Ensure adequate information flow, discussions, and feedback among stakeholders according to the agreed management arrangements.
  • Ensure regular communication of project results, including through communication products, digital content, visibility materials, and liaison with media in the country and beyond.


Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set.

  • Review the results framework and update the indicators, baselines, and targets of the assigned portfolio. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting. 
  • Monitor implementation and progress in achieving goals and targets in accordance with the established quality criteria and UNDP rules, regulations, and standards. 
  • Identify, analyse, and take adequate measures to manage emerging issues, problems, and risks. Conduct field visits to project location sites.
  • Liaise with the Management & Oversight team and Finance team to ensure project management requirements, budgets and use of financial resources are managed and executed in a timely and appropriate manner and within UNDP and donor rules and regulations.
  • Prepare corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements.
  • Ensure full compliance with audit requirements and timely follow-up to audit recommendations.
  • Develop and oversee risk management plans to address potential challenges and ensure project continuity.
  • Contribute to capacity and knowledge 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.
  • Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.
  • Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the projects, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area. 
  •  Ensure regular communication of project results, including through communication products, digital content, visibility materials, and liaison with media in the country and beyond.
  • Promote advocacy on development trends and opportunities to collaborate in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications personnel

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 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
  • Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
  • Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
  • Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
  • Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
  • Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy    

  • Effective Decision Making    Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications

Business Management    

  • Project Management. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
  • Risk Management. Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks
  • Communication. Ability to 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
  • Partnership 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
  • 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 relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools

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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Project Management, Social Science, Development, Sociology, Development Economics, International Development, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Public Policy, or related field is required. Or  
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

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 at the national or international level related to the area of project management, development, development economics, international development, gender studies, human rights, public policy or related field

Desired additional skills and competencies:

  • At least 3 years of professional experience in development sector including research, justice sector reform, gender equality, gender-based violence, human rights, inclusivity, public policy, accountability and integrity, or related fields. 
  • Experience in project management including coordination, financial management, risk management and partnership management
  • Experience in working in the development sector (national and/or international) and UN agencies 
  • Experience in networking abilities and partnership development 
  • Experience and knowledge of UNDP and/or Government of Maldives administrative and procurement rules and procedures 
  • Relevant experience in administration or programme support service. 
  •  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). 
  • Experience in handling web-based management systems such as UNDP ERP, Quantum, and SharePoint

Required Language(s) (at working level):

  • Fluency in English and Dhivehi is required. 
  • Working knowledge of other UN language desirable

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.

Scam alert

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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