Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP provides integrated programmatic, policy and financing solutions to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, UNDP has created a Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and the Crisis Bureau (CB) are the two anchor Bureaux of the GPN. In this context, the Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding (GRP) Hub, a joint endeavor with the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), provides leadership and advisory services to enhance UNDP’s impact on governance and peacebuilding, ensuring the integration of democratic governance and human rights into crisis response and recovery. 

Through Local Action, the GRP Hub seeks to contribute to peace and development, achieving a visible impact on communities and improving lives by delivering integrated solutions that harness global expertise and partnerships. The Local Action Unit works closely with local and regional governments as key development players, highlighting their role as public service implementers, as drivers of innovation and the closest institution to people. 

Local and regional governments are already responsible of over 65% of the SDG targets, most of them linked to basic service provision from water, sanitation, mobility, climate action, health or education. Cities and territories are playing a big part on the implementation of SDGs, that are becoming a new tool for strategic planning and budgeting in the mid to long-term. Since 2015, local governments and their associations have been increasingly active in promoting the SDGs through advocacy, working with their local population and partners in transposing the spirit of Agenda 2030 in cities and territories. Local Governments have also started to use SDGs as a strategic framework to deliver better and more innovative public services linked to SDG targets and indicators. As part of the SDG Local Action project, UNDP is one of the implementing partners of the Mayors Challenge, a global initiative to reimagine the most essential services that cities deliver to residents.

Within this context, the SDG Local Action project is seeking to recruit a Project Coordinator to support the implementation of the 2025 Mayors Challenge project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  The project implements a data-driven public policy methodology to anticipate citizen needs and proactively offer services, with potential for replication across different target groups. Its initial application takes place through the Plataforma Pequenos Cariocas, a priority initiative of the Rio de Janeiro City Hall focused on early childhood. The project uses the Integrated Municipal Registry (RMI), a consolidated database in the municipal data lake integrating information from Health, Education, and Social Assistance, enabling advanced analytics and a more integrated view of citizens. Based on this infrastructure, the project combines analytical models and proactive communications, especially via WhatsApp, to expand access to services and generate data that supports more effective public policies. 

The Project Coordinator will provide day-to-day coordination and overall management support to ensure effective implementation, institutional alignment, reporting, and sustainability of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall governance arrangements established between the Rio de Janeiro City Hall and UNDP, and in close coordination with the Tech Lead and relevant municipal and UNDP counterparts, the Project Coordinator will perform the following functions:

A. Ensure project coordination and implementation support

• Coordinate the day-to-day implementation of the project with the Rio City Hall, UNDP, and relevant stakeholders; 
• Monitor project workplans, schedules, deliverables, and milestones; 
• Support alignment across technical teams, product streams, institutional stakeholders, and implementation priorities; 
• Support project governance and coordination mechanisms. 

B. Ensure planning and execution support

• Support strategic and operational planning for project implementation; 
• Follow up on the execution of activities and support timely delivery of outputs; 
• Identify implementation risks and support mitigation measures; 
• Support procurement processes and follow-up with suppliers and service providers, as required. 

C. Ensure monitoring, reporting, and accountability

• Support the development and monitoring of project indicators, outputs, and results; 
• Prepare progress updates, implementation summaries, and project reports; 
• Support reporting, accountability, and coordination with UNDP; 
• Systematize lessons learned, evidence, and implementation insights. 

D.  Ensure institutional articulation and sustainability

• Serve as a focal point for coordination with UNDP on implementation matters; 
• Liaise with municipal secretariats, implementing partners, and other relevant stakeholders;
• Support strategies for institutionalization, continuity, and sustainability of the project; 
• Contribute to strengthening ownership and alignment across relevant institutions.

E. Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing

• Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice; 
• Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners.

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

Institutional Arrangements

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the project, working in close conjunction with the Tech Lead and within the governance arrangements established between the Rio de Janeiro City Hall and UNDP. The incumbent will work closely with IplanRio, relevant municipal secretariats, technical teams, and UNDP counterparts to support project implementation, coordination, and reporting.

The Project Coordinator will report to the Advisor, cities and local governments, based in UNDP HQ in New York (USA).

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Desired skills:

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in Portuguese and English is required. 

Professional Certificates

• Certification in project management, monitoring and evaluation, or public sector management is an asset. 

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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.