United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is Hiring: Project Management Specialist – Lead Africa Project

Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Agency: UNDP
Contract: 1 Year, with possibility for extension
Grade: IPSA-10
Practice Area: Inclusive Growth
Bureau: Regional Bureau for Africa

About UNDP and the Role

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a leading global organization dedicated to eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, responding to crises, and addressing climate change. Operating in over 170 countries, UNDP collaborates with governments, civil society, the private sector, and partners to implement sustainable development solutions that benefit people and the planet.

In South Africa, the UNDP Country Office consists of a dynamic team committed to advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The office works closely with the South African government and other stakeholders to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.

UNDP is seeking a Project Management Specialist to support the Lead Africa Project. This initiative provides technical and advisory support to South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the African Union’s participation in the G20 Summit. The project focuses on creating a legacy from the G20 Summit, strengthening financial initiatives linked to the Just Energy Transition, and developing a regional Critical Minerals project aimed at leveraging Africa’s resources to diversify and transform its economy while supplying essential energy metals globally.

Key Responsibilities

The Project Management Specialist will play a crucial role in planning, coordinating, and implementing the Lead Africa Project. Reporting to the Inclusive Growth and SDG Finance Adviser, and collaborating with operations teams, the specialist will ensure efficient project execution aligned with UNDP policies and the goals of the project.

• Develop and oversee the Annual Work Plan (AWP), budget, procurement, human resources, and other implementation plans in collaboration with technical experts.
• Manage the entire project life cycle, ensuring timely delivery of programmatic and financial outputs in compliance with UNDP standards and government regulations.
• Provide strategic and technical guidance on project implementation and serve as a senior advisor on project-related matters.
• Apply Results-Based Management (RBM) principles throughout project activities, including budget allocation and resource management.
• Supervise project personnel, consultants, and technical experts to guarantee effective and timely execution of project activities.
• Conduct technical reviews of project documents, ensuring alignment with high-quality standards.
• Establish mechanisms to ensure compliance with UNDP policies such as the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT), Social and Environmental Standards (SES), and International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI).
• Integrate gender equality and mainstreaming into all project interventions, respecting local contexts.
• Prepare regular progress reports for the Project Board and recommend corrective actions to address challenges and seize opportunities.
• Coordinate with UNDP Country Office units to manage administrative and operational aspects, including finance, monitoring and evaluation, human resources, procurement, and supply chain management.
• Identify synergies with other UNDP projects and external initiatives to enhance impact and scalability.
• Lead coordination around the G20 South Africa Presidency and support African Union participation beyond South Africa’s term.
• Draft briefing notes and reports for G20 meetings and working groups.
• Support the development and implementation of monitoring, evaluation, and results frameworks to track project performance.
• Conduct field visits to verify project activities and collect data for evidence-based reporting.
• Manage project risk assessments, update risk logs, and maintain project information in line with UNDP’s project management policies.
• Prepare donor and project reports according to schedules and standards.
• Lead knowledge sharing and advocacy efforts related to the project themes, contributing to UNDP’s visibility and partnerships.
• Represent UNDP in relevant technical meetings and networks, fostering collaboration and advocacy.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and additional experience will also be considered.
• A minimum of five years (with Master’s degree) or seven years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in project and programme management at the national or international level.
• Proven experience coordinating large, multi-stakeholder projects including financial and technical aspects.
• Strong skills in drafting reports, presentations, and briefing notes for senior-level audiences.
• Experience working with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of project management tools, web-based systems, and financial management software.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.
• Project Management certification is an advantage but not required.

Core Competencies

• Achieving results through strategic planning and effective resource management.
• Innovative thinking and risk mitigation.
• Continuous learning and adaptability in dynamic environments.
• Strong partnership engagement and inclusive leadership.
• Ability to navigate complex political and institutional landscapes.

Equal Opportunity Commitment
UNDP promotes diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization is committed to a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, and abuse, ensuring all employees can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Additional Information
Candidates may be selected for multiple positions based on their qualifications and experience. UNDP does not charge fees at any recruitment stage. All applicants are subject to relevant background checks.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.