Background

UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) was established through a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 December 1978, calling upon UNDP “to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people”. Since its establishment, UNDP/PAPP has delivered over USD 1.7 billion in development assistance to the Palestinian People.

UNDP’s Palestinian Programmatic Framework (PPF) 2023-2025 sets out a vision of “a world in which all Palestinians can enjoy a dignified life and fulfil their own vision of a unified, peaceful and free society”.  The PPF is centred around the concept of ‘Transformative Resilience’ and its three elements: a cohesive Palestinian identity, self-reliance, and ownership and leadership. Over the next three years, UNDP/PAPP will build on its experiences and achievements to make critical contributions to the priorities defined by the Palestinian national development plans and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), through interventions in three programmatic priority areas:  i) democratic governance and quality services; ii) inclusive economic opportunities; iii) sustainable natural resources management. 

Against the backdrop of the war and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, UNDP/PAPP has developed an integrated emergency response and early recovery programme to address the urgent needs of the Palestinian people. Since October 2023, UNDP/PAPP has been working closely with UN, NGO, local and national partners to provide immediate support the affected population in Gaza across three priorities: 1) critical services and infrastructure, including access to clean water, solid waste management, dignified transitional shelter, and debris removal; 2) emergency employment and support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and 3) support to civil society organisations (CSOs) for multi-sectoral community services and social cohesion. 

UNDP/PAPP is seeking a candidate to fill the position of Programme Manager, based in Gaza, to manage the Inclusive Transitional Community Neighborhoods Project (ITCN). Through an integrated area-based approach, the project aims to address basic human needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Gaza Strip. The project will pilot scalable models of transitional community neighborhoods, integrating dignified transitional housing solutions with essential services, with a focus on women-headed households and those with persons with disabilities. Through its integrated approach, the project not only provides immediate shelter but also restores access to public and social services, livelihoods as well as community mobilizing and psycho-social support initiatives. Ultimately, the project seeks to contribute toward restoring dignified living conditions and lay the foundation for communities to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. 

S/he will be managing the day-to-do programme activities and ensure the integrated roll-out of the  area-based approach, overseeing the sectoral programme teams, including  infrastructure/housing/services/livelihoods as well as social cohesion/MHPSS. 

Duties and Responsibilities

1.Lead project implementation and Strategic Management

• Responsible for the implementation and integrated delivery of key components of the Programme outcomes, including, but not limited to:
• Advises the Programme Specialist in his/her function to oversee the project, with regards to challenges and opportunities arising from the project implementation, developing recommendations based on identified needs. 
• Implements and manages the project on a day-to-day basis, coordinates the implementation of the respective activities based on the project document, including, supervision and guidance of other programme staff, consultants and experts with a view to achieving project results. 
• Oversee and ensures coordination between the different sectoral programme teams, including infrastructure/housing, basic and social services, livelihoods, community mobilizing and psychosocial support activities under the project.
• Ensures the integration of cross-cutting issues, such as gender, environment and culture, across all programme activities and related work plans, budgets, reports, and research.
• Ensures efficient and effective implementation of the project activities, including work planning, procurement, human resources / recruitment, monitoring and evaluation and reporting functions. 
• Closely monitors the delivery status and prepares updates – both narrative and financial – in relation to the agreed work plan and implementation strategy.
• Provides strategic guidance for the development of minimum standards/requirements for the implementation of (community) infrastructure activities to enhance service delivery in addition to promoting sustainable building techniques. 
• Conducts regular field visits to different project sites, ensuring that the works are carried out in accordance with SOPs, mitigation measures and quality standards. 
• Consults regularly with other UNDP projects and programmes on related activities, to identify and build synergies.

2. Ensure Financial and Operational Management

• Provides financial, accounting, and administrative guidance to ensure implementation of operational and financial management strategies and budget monitoring:
• Ensures integrity of financial and administrative procedures as well as a consistent application of UNDP rules and procedures with regard to project implementation and operations.
• Provides strategic guidance for the development of the procurement strategy and tender documentation. 
• Liaises with the procurement and project teams to initiate routine market surveys regarding the availability of materials and equipment in the local market, continuously updating the budget and cost estimates of key activities in coordination with the sectoral programme teams.
• Supervises requisitions, purchase orders and payment requests, and ensures monthly delivery updates on financial delivery performance.
• In close collaboration with the Risk Management Advisor, manages and monitors programmatic and operational risks arising throughout the project implementation, advising on adjustments to the risk management strategy and risk log.
• Conducts business process mapping and technical reviews of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in different processes connected with the implementation. 
• Assumes responsibilities in line with the office of Internal Control Framework and acts as a `first authority` for Project transactions.

3. Establishing effective coordination through proactive engagement with stakeholders and partners to strengthen project support, foster collaboration, and optimize project impact and shared objectives by accomplishing the following.

• Build partnerships with local stakeholders, line ministries, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and other relevant partners throughout the project implementation. 
• Maintains regular coordination with partners and provides quality assurance of experts and partners’ inputs and products.
• Supports consultations with local stakeholders and line ministries to ensure alignment with national plans and strategies and advise on proposed adjustments to the planning. 
• Prepares concept notes, project progress and ad hoc reports and ensuring timely and quality submission of the reports to the board and relevant donor(s).

4. Facilitate knowledge development and management with a focus on achieving the following outcomes: 

• Ensures compilation and synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices throughout the project implementation.

• Supports the strategic sharing of relevant knowledge and information gathered throughout the project implementation and representing UNDP in different relevant forums. 

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

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Required Skills and Experience: 

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.

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