Background

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 the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.

1.ARTEMIS Project

The Advancing Reforms for Transparent and Inclusive Management of Electoral Systems in Armenia (ARTEMIS) Project aims to support the institutional and professional capacities of the electoral management bodies, including the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) and lower-level electoral commissions, as well as other institutional electoral stakeholders in Armenia.

The overall objective (impact) of the Project is to contribute towards achieving enhanced credibility, inclusiveness, and sustainability of the electoral process in Armenia, leading to increased public trust in democratic governance.

The specific objective (outcome) of the Project is to strengthen capacity and independence of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Armenia to ensure credible, inclusive, transparent, and sustainable electoral processes by 2026 parliamentary elections.

The Project aligns closely with the objectives and priorities of the development partners’ collaboration with Armenia. It addresses the specific needs and constraints of the country, particularly within the context of the electoral systems. The Project is highly relevant to the needs and constraints of target groups and final beneficiaries and addresses these needs in a comprehensive manner as described in this section.

The Outputs include:

Output 1. Enhanced institutional capacity of CEC and lower-level commissions for robust electoral preparations and management. (UNDP)

Output 2. Enhanced digital transformation and cybersecurity of the electoral process. (UNDP)

Output 3. Enhanced protocols and capacities for stakeholder engagement, gender-responsive voter outreach, and countering hate speech for improved electoral transparency, inclusivity, and integrity. (UNDP)

Output 4. Gender equality and social inclusion in elections strengthened through increased participation of women and improved accessibility for persons with disabilities. (UNDP)

Output 5. Information campaigns (online and physical) for more informed and engaged electorate through inclusive and innovative civic and voter education. (UNDP and International IDEA)

Output 6. Enhanced expertise and capacity for oversight of campaign finance and digital campaigning. (International IDEA)

Output 7. Enhanced expertise and capacity for electoral risk management and crisis preparedness. (International IDEA)

Key target groups:

• Central Electoral Commission and lower-level electoral commissions.
• Political parties.
• Civil society organizations (CSOs), organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), media, and social media influencers.
• Voters, especially youth, women, refugees, displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.

The project is co-implemented by UNDP and International IDEA and supported by the European Union, the Governments of Sweden, Germany, Norway, and Japan.

2. MAP 2.0 FORSETI Project

The Modern Parliament for a Modern Armenia (MAP) 2.0 - Fostering Responsiveness, Effectiveness, Transparency and Inclusiveness of Armenian Parliament (FORSETI) project efforts will focus on enhancing the institutional capacity of the National Assembly to fulfil its constitutional duties in more inclusive, responsive, transparent, accountable, and effective way, including, in engaging with citizens, civil society and public sector.

The expected outcome of the Project is that the National Assembly is more inclusive, responsive, transparent, accountable, and effective. The three key outputs of the Project are focused on: 

Output 1. Strategic vision of the National Assembly and roadmap for reforms, strategic communication and collaboration are consolidated empowering modern public policy and fostering inclusive practices.

Output 2. The National Assembly is equipped with state-of-the-art methods and instruments for effectively pursuing its modern public policy agenda and improving performance of its core functions.

Output 3. Competencies of the MPs and the staff of the National Assembly in utilising innovative methods, using and producing knowledge products towards advancing the modern public policy agenda and enhancing effectiveness of their core functions strengthened.

Key target groups:

• MPs, NA staff (committee secretariats, analytical services, administrative staff).
• Armenian citizens, civil society, academia, youth, women, and marginalized groups engaging with Parliament.
• NA leadership, standing committees, international partners, CSOs, and media.

The project is implemented in the period of three years (2024-2027) and supported by the Government of Sweden, the Government of Norway and the Government of Armenia.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager will ensure integrated and efficient implementation of ARTEMIS and MAP 2.0 FORSETI, liaising with the National Assembly, CEC, electoral commissions, political parties, CSOs, OPDs, media, development partners, and government stakeholders.

1. Lead, manage, coordinate, and develop effective project planning and implementation

• Lead strategic planning for the ARTEMIS and MAP 2.0: FORSETI projects, including formulation and periodic revisions of the projects’ annual work plans (AWP), timelines and deliverables, including plans for budget, HR and procurement that are developed in close coordination with UNDP’s Country Office Programme, HR, and Procurement teams. Lead development of detailed implementation plans, ensuring effective resource allocation and adherence to project milestones.
• Manage, coordinate, and supervise project implementation to ensure the overall project relevance and performance, the effective realization and quality of outputs within the specified constraints of time and cost as outlined in the project document, and adherence to applicable UNDP policy and programme management procedures, donor and Government standards, rules, and regulations. Act as a senior advisor on issues related to project activities, providing strategic guidance to ensure successful execution and compliance.
• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of the projects, ensuring compliance with Financing Documents and donor key requirements. 
• Ensure compliance with UNDP procurement, financial management, environmental and social safeguards.
• Provide direction, guidance, and direct supervision to UNDP project personnel. Undertake technical review of project documents produced by the project teams and partners, and ensure high technical standards are met. 
• Ensure proper execution of all administrative activities associated with the implementation of the projects, including mobilizing goods and services, preparing Terms of Reference, completing contracting processes, recruiting/selecting consultants and experts, and managing financial arrangements/transactions and their correct authorization.
• Identify opportunities for synergies with other projects within UNDP and beyond, to advance the key objectives and grow its focus. 
• Develop and implement quality assurance measures to ensure the highest standards of project delivery.
• Coordinate and manage project logistics, including team mobilization, office setup, and procurement planning, ensuring all operational processes are aligned with project timelines and budget.
• Ensure that ARTEMIS activities (e.g., deployment of Voter Authentication Devices, development of the Electronic Voter Assistance tool (EVA), oversight of digital campaigning, inclusive outreach, etc.) are planned, coordinated, and implemented according to UNDP and donor requirements.

2. Develop Strategic Partnership

• Substantively contribute to the harnessing of effective partnerships and lead the identification and onboarding process for implementing partners.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national and regional stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support and ensure accurate interpretation of project objectives and promote inclusive project implementation.
• Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as the primary liaison between UNDP, the National Assembly, the CEC, other national stakeholders, local government authorities, ensuring smooth communication and operational alignment across all parties.
• Ensure smooth coordination with the coordination with NA leadership and committees to ensure the parliament reform ownership.
• Lead coordination with International IDEA on joint outputs (5-7).
• Engage strategically with donors (EU, Sida, GIZ, Norad, Japan) to ensure alignment with their specific funding priorities and reporting requirements.
• Ensure synergies between ARTEMIS and other ongoing UNDP programmes (e.g., Refugee Response, Democratic Governance).
• Facilitate and document citizen engagement mechanisms (e.g., consultations, hearings, outreach strategies) with the parliament.
• Participate in project meetings, conferences, and public engagements.
• Ensure that stakeholder concerns and recommendations are incorporated into project implementation strategies.
• Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project within the approved timeline and budget.

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

• Provide leadership and technical advice to the project in developing baselines and indicators for project monitoring and evaluation and coordinate the finalization of detailed results framework. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting. 
• Lead the implementation of project monitoring, evaluation, and results frameworks to identify plan deviations and other problems; and make needed course corrections within agreed upon tolerances to achieve results. Conduct field visits as required to verify project activities relative to stated targets and provide regular field updates to UNDP management. 
• Lead the development and conduct of mid-term and annual reviews, and end line assessment; and coordinate the conduct of independent evaluations. Organize project review and evaluation meetings. Follow up on the implementation of decisions, recommendations, and course corrections.
• Manage and monitor project risks, including social and environmental risks, initially identified and submit new risks to appropriate project governing bodies for consideration and decision on possible actions. 
• Coordinate the preparation of corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements. Ensure provision of ad hoc reports and information requested by relevant entities. Ensure project reports capture results, lessons learned and good practices for possible wider application.
• Ensure effective budget planning and financial management, in line with UNDP and donor financial regulations and requirements.
• Ensure timely disbursement of funds and compliance with all financial reporting requirements.
• Facilitate regular financial audits and reviews to ensure transparency and accountability in resource management.
• Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project within the approved timeline and budget.

4. Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic areas.

• Identify capacity building needs and opportunities. Lead training and capacity-building efforts for the NA (MPs, Standing Committees and the NA Staff), the CEC and lower-level electoral commission on relevant issues.
• Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on development and project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, 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. 
• Establish mentorship programs for the NA staff and the CEC staff to enhance institutional knowledge and best practices.
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing with regional parliaments and inter-parliamentary networks for learning and best practice transfer under the strategic guidance of the UNDP global programs in this area.
• Promote the adoption of digital tools and innovative technologies for improved governance (e.g., e-Parliament tools, open data, digital public engagement platforms, as well as the VADs and EVA Tool in electoral processes).
• Promote advocacy for UNDP’s work and opportunities for collaboration in addressing development trends in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff. 

5. Legal, Contractual, and Compliance Oversight

• Work closely with legal and technical teams to ensure compliance with contractual agreements and financing conditions.
• Review contracts, offers, and proposals, advising on contractual matters, amendments, and variations.
• Monitor construction schedules and ensure timely disbursements in line with project progress and contractual agreements.
• Identify and address any delays or issues that may impact project timelines, implementing corrective measures where necessary.
• Prepare the relevant Terms of References to mobilize, manage and oversee the work of project consultants.

6. Environmental and Social Best Practices, Gender Equality, and Non-discrimination

• Ensure that project interventions integrate environmental and social best practices and comply with international safeguards. Ensure all project interventions integrate a gender equality perspective/gender equality mainstreaming to the extent local context allows.
• Develop and implement gender-sensitive and socially inclusive strategies in project design and execution.
• Monitor and address any barriers impacting different stakeholder groups, ensuring equitable access and participation.
• Promote non-discrimination and equality principles in all aspects of project management, procurement, and stakeholder engagement.
• Promote inclusive participation by systematically integrating youth, women, PWDs, and refugees into project activities, ensuring that electoral reforms reflect their rights and needs.

The Project Manager will ensure that all aspects of project implementation align with international best practices, donor requirements, and national priorities, fostering effective coordination, compliance, and sustainability. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangements:

The Project Manager works under the general supervision of UNDP CO Democratic Governance Programme Analyst / Team Leader, and collaborates closely with UNDP CO team, including but not limited to RBM Programme Analyst; Democratic Governance Programme Associate; Communications Analyst; Procurement Analyst; Operations Associate and HR Analyst, the incumbent provides effective and efficient implementation of project activities (ARTEMIS and MAP 2.0: FORSETI) with major focus on ensuring UNDP standards and donor requirements, policies and procedures under all pillars of the projects.

The Project Manager will ensure close coordination with International IDEA, including joint planning, monitoring, and reporting on co-implemented outputs.

The Project Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Project Manager will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment. Materials provided to the Project Manager and all proceedings within the consultancy contract shall be regarded as confidential, both during and after the consultancy. Violation of confidentiality requirements may result in an immediate termination of contract.

The Project Manager will be based in Yerevan. S/he will report to the UNDP Team Leader – Democratic Governance Unit and work closely with: 

• Task Analysts of the project ARTEMIS and the project MAP 2.0: FORSETI
• Digital transformation support analysts
• Communication analyst and the Data collection and monitoring associate
• Project Associates of the projects
• Other team members of the projects
• Consultants and vendors of the projects.

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

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.
• 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 Management   

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

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 Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, 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 progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, and/or leading and managing projects.

Required skills:

• Experience in project coordination, design and implementation, including supervising staff.
• Experience in working, liaising and collaborating with Government counterparts, private and international organizations.
• 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:

• Experience with parliamentary development, governance reforms, or legislative strengthening projects.
• Prior experience in electoral assistance, democratic governance, political institutions, and civic engagement
• Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects (e.g., EMBs, parliaments, CSOs, donors)
• Knowledge of digital transformation in governance and inclusive participation methods, cybersecurity is a strong asset
• Prior experience with the UN/UNDP

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Armenian 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.

Scam alert

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UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site: https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2021-12/PeopleManagementCompetencies.pdf