Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)  
• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts 
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

BACKGROUND

The ongoing crisis in Myanmar is a complex mix of political, security, human rights, and economic crises that is exacerbating, and escalating humanitarian and human development needs and has already placed basic needs of the people at risk. After a decade of strong economic growth, the recent political setbacks coupled with the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, threaten Myanmar’s chances of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, after a period of semi-civilian rule, the military takeover triggered a resumption in armed conflict. Since February 2021, 3.6 million people have been displaced, adding to the 370,000 people already displaced by conflict before 2021 (UNOCHA Myanmar Humanitarian Snapshot, December 2021). The consequences of these trends are catastrophic. Major gains over the past 10 years, namely on economic inclusion are at risk. This context, and the uncertain political situation in Myanmar is driving a simultaneous humanitarian and development crisis that threatens hard-won socio-economic gains. 

These challenges have been compounded by the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake which struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, with its epicentre near Mandalay at a shallow depth of 10 km. This was followed by powerful aftershock of 6.4 magnitude shortly after. Reports indicated significant loss of life and injuries, and widespread displacement. 

The earthquake caused extensive destruction of homes, community assets, and critical infrastructure. Major bridges, roads, markets, universities, hotels, heritage sites and public service facilities in urban and rural areas were severely damaged or destroyed. Large volumes of debris continue to impede movement, restrict access to communities, and slow the restoration of basic services and economic activity. Essential services, including electricity, water supply, transport networks and telecommunications, remain unstable, limiting mobility, market functioning and the resumption of public services. Thousands of households have lost productive assets, with many facing significant barriers to restarting livelihoods and income-generating activities. Local businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprise, have been heavily affected, with damaged premises, disrupted supply chains, and limited access to finance, constraining their ability to resume operations. The earthquake struck in locations already marked by conflict, displacement, and weakened systems, further compounding vulnerabilities but also constraining access and the delivery of assistance.

Against this background, UNDP is implementing an Earthquake Response effort, aimed at restoring basic services, facilitating the early to medium-term recovery of affected communities, and laying the groundwork for local economic recovery and long-term resilience of earthquake-affected areas. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Project Manager will manage the UNDP Earthquake Response Project(s). The PM will have overall responsibility for attaining project results through successful implementation of the project, efficient and effective day-to-day management of activities, strategies, and processes and represent UNDP in fora’s and provide strategic advice to the Senior Management on project related outcome. The PM will also ensure effective and efficient people management, knowledge management, partnerships management, resource mobilization and strategic communications. The PM will work under supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, collaborating closely with other UNDP Myanmar projects and units.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Key Duties and Accountabilities include:

Lead strategic project management and effective project implementation, focusing on the achievement of the following results: 

• Lead the day-to-day management and implementation of the project, in accordance with relevant project documents, workplans and partnership agreements, to meet project results and financial delivery targets to the optimum benefit of the communities; 
• Ensure the integrated delivery of key components of the project and in different locations, and ensures coordination between different implementation teams; 
• Lead the integration of cross-cutting issues, such as gender, conflict-sensitivity, human rights, DRR and climate resilience into associated activities; 
• Lead the annual work plan and associated resource allocation plan. Monitors and ensures the appropriate and timely utilization of resources;
• Ensure the integrity of financial and administrative operations as well as the consistent application of UNDP rules and procedures for programme and operations issues; 
• Undertake systematic and effective project monitoring, including but not limited to regular field visits, and puts in place refinements and adjustments as necessary;
• Manage day to day administrative matters for the project with support from administrative staff and the performance of consultants, specialists, and advisers;
• Lead the overall monitoring and evaluation of the project; recommends and/or sets monitoring standards, criteria and other indicators for measuring and assessing progress/results;
• Lead on timely and high-quality reporting against progress, results and expenditure to meet donor and other reporting obligations;
• Identify risks and challenges to the ongoing operations of the projects and applies timely mitigation measures aligned to the CO risk management strategy documenting lessons learnt while providing advice to the Senior Management on mitigation strategies.

Provide policy advisory and specialized technical support focusing on the achievement of the following results: 

• Lead the development of technically sound, context-appropriate recovery and area-based programming approaches, ensuring alignment with UNDP guidance, international standards, and the evolving needs of earthquake-affected communities.
• Advise, support, guide and provide inputs to project team in the formulation of relevant, high quality, results-based interventions;
• Share policy and technical insights with UNDP senior management, CO programme and projects, development partners and local stakeholders based on lessons learned and field insights. 
• Produce evidence-based policy notes, analytical pieces, concept papers and strategic options that inform project design, resource mobilization and partnership engagement.

Support and advise on partnerships, resource mobilization and advocacy efforts focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Advise, guide, and support the development and management of partnerships with project partners, donors and key stakeholders, while identifying new partnerships and funding opportunities; 
• Lead and contributes to the formulation, review and quality assurance of concept notes, proposals and donor reports; 
• Strengthen strategic partnerships with UN agencies, international financial institutions, multilateral and bilateral development partners, international financial institutions, INGOs, NGOs, CSOs and private sector actors, to leverage expertise, synergies, resources and influence. 
• Engage in and contributes to inter-agency coordination mechanisms, technical working groups, and external dialogues to position UNDP as a leader in recovery and area-based approaches.

Facilitate knowledge management and sharing focus on the achievement of the following results:

• Identify, document and synthesize best practices, innovations and lessons learned to inform adaptive project implementation and organizational sharing.
• Promote a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the project team ensuring that insights from implementation are systematically captures and used to improve delivery and quality implementation.
• Actively participate in UNDP knowledge and learning initiatives, drawing on UNDP’s global and regional expertise, guidance and analytical products to improve project implementation.
• Strengthen the capacity of project partners through on the job coaching, knowledge sharing sessions, publications and peer-learning opportunities.
• Promote the participation of UNDP Myanmar in country, regional and global programme activities promoting visibility of Myanmar’s experiences as appropriate.
• Promote innovation by identifying, testing and scaling new tools, digital solutions and adaptive approaches that enhance efficiency, strengthen risk management and improve the effectiveness of project interventions.

Lead people management and leadership of the Project, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Set clear directions for the team, defining roles and responsibilities, establishing accountability frameworks, and ensuring effective reporting lines.
• Lead and manage staff in the formulation and implementation of the Team’s Annual Work Plan, ensuring alignment with CO’s priorities and operational requirements.
• Ensure appropriate supervision, results-based performance management, and timely feedback for all personnel within the unit.
• Oversee workload planning, ensuring tasks are evenly distributed and the team functions effectively during peak periods and ensure that robust backstopping arrangement are in place to maintain continuity of operations; 
• Supervise and support the professional development of personnel including through timely performance management (PMDs), learning and targeted capacity-development. 
• Establish and maintain an inclusive, diverse and respectful working environment by promoting communication, teamwork and collaboration, upholding UNDP’s corporate values and policies, including gender equality, zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, and fostering a culture of wellbeing and duty of care.

Other Duties:

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

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: 

• Manage and supervise the Project team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Social Science or related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Minimum of seven (7) years (with Master´s degree) or nine (9) years (with Bachelor´s degree) of professional experience in Portfolio Management or Project Management with International Organizations in the areas of crisis response, disaster recovery, livelihoods, or area-based development or community development is required.
• Experience in managing multi-sectoral projects in field-based locations is required. 
• Proven experience in leading large teams and staff management is required. 
• Experience in results-oriented and conflict-sensitive programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation is desired.
• Proven track record of experience in country office strategic planning and programming, monitoring and demonstrated ability to use data and analytics to inform strategy is desired. 
• Experience in resource mobilization is desired.
• Experience of working, liaising and collaborating with officials, civil society representatives, and stakeholders in complex and sensitive crisis/post crisis settings is desired; 
• Proven familiarity with UNDP rules and procedures would be an advantage;

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required;
• Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

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

People Management Competencies:

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies: 

Business Direction & Strategy: Strategic Thinking

• Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Direction & Strategy: Entrepreneurial Thinking

• Identify and seize opportunities to service and add value to clients, create clarity around UNDP value proposition to beneficiaries and partners, develop clear service offers responding to client needs in line with UNDP’s organizational priorities and mandate.

Business Management: Portfolio Management

• Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity. Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Business Management: Monitoring and Evaluation

• Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. 
• Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. 
• Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an 
• independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness: Crisis management / Country Management Support

• Crisis Project management/Programming.

Partnership management: Multi-stakeholder engagement and funding 

• Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships, and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platforms 

Business Direction & Strategy: Systems 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 

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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