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

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 newly established Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding (GRP) Hub, a joint endeavour 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. The Hub aims to build an integrated portfolio collaboratively between the CB and BPPS and establish partnerships with various stakeholders including the UN System, IFIs, civil society, and the private sector. 

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.

Within this context, the SDG Local Action project is seeking to recruit a Project Analyst to support innovation in municipal service provision to achieve Agenda 2030. A big part of local service provision happens in partnership with private sector providers, municipalities across the world need to innovate and improve their procurement procedures and establish more strategic relations with the private sector within the framework of the accelerated action required to implement the SDGs in time for year 2030.

SDGs are genuinely interlinked with service provision at local level. To be able to deliver on Agenda 2030, local and regional governments need to establish contractual relationships with capable and trustworthy private sector providers, mostly through PPPs (Public Private Partnerships). The Project Analyst will support UNDP cities and their partners to generate knowledge through the exchange of experiences and by sharing common concerns and possible solutions to improve the effectiveness of PPPs for SDG delivery at local level.

The Project Analyst will support participant local and regional governments to improve their PPPs efficiency to align and deliver on Agenda 2030 and will facilitate learning and knowledge generation among municipalities and UNDP country offices around the world.

Scope of work

SDGs are genuinely interlinked with service provision at local level. Across the world, many cities are transforming their approach to service provision. Taking inspiration from the broad spectrum of targets and indicators offered by SDG, cities are introducing innovative practices and rebuilding the concept of social contract from the local level.

1. Support project implementation in local governments

• Liaise with technical managers in the beneficiary cities, review and complement information, contribute to the creation of local capacities in project management, planning, budgeting and procuring services and goods for project implementation.
• Prepare Terms of References for procurement process in the beneficiary local governments to implent projects contributing to the SDGs at local level. 
• Facilitate elaboration and implementation of contract strategy, sourcing strategy, quality management, supplier selection, and improvement of procurement processes.
• Facilitate the analysis of information required in the preparation of procurement plans and monitoring of its implementation.

2. Facilitate learning from city experiences and sharing solutions among local governments

• Promote exchange of experiences amongst participating local governments on innovative PPPs to achieve the Agenda 2030.
• Elaborate knowledge and communication products related to local government service delivery with specific focus on French and Arabic speaking countries.
• Support project implementation and replication of experiences of local governments wishing to increase citizens participation and public services and public policy co-creation.
• Identify innovative platforms and tools available to improve SDG delivery at local level.
• Elaborate communication assets in French and Arabic languages.

3.Contribute to project monitoring and identification of data showcasing results

• Prepare a monitoring framework for the status, results, milestones for the capacity development of the beneficiary cities.

  
  

  Monitor project outputs, identify data linked to the SDG targets and indicators and liaise with the communications team to provide data for infographics and other communication assets.

  
  

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

Institutional arrangement         

The Project Analyst will report to the Advisor, cities and local governments, based in UNDP New York Headquarters.

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

• 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.

• Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

• Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.

Innovation capacity building

• Ability to define and create the conditions for trying out new ways of working or introducing new problem solving approaches to an organisation.
• Ability to develop, manage and evaluate a learning curriculum that raises awareness, builds confidence, strengthens innovation capabilities around a certain method, tool or technique; or helps develop an innovation mindset.
• Ability to create the authorising environment (mandate, incentives) to embed and spread new ways of working.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more innovation methods, broad knowledge of innovation processes and innovation management.
• Ability to align a learning and development strategy with broader innovation strategy.

Digital 

• Knowledge of appropriate digital communication methodologies for development and behaviour change, and ability to apply them practically

• Knowledge of experience design methodologies and ability to design end-to-end experiences that meet user and business needs

• Knowledge of the organisational design and development theory (i.e. enabling organization'’s performance through the design of structures, frameworks, systems, policies and metrics, as well as building and developing its culture, capability, values, behaviours, and relationships); understanding of macro trends that impact the design of organizations (e.g. sustainability, geopolitical, demographic, technology); knowledge of organisational design and development diagnostic tools; ability to '‘scenario plan'’ for longer term organization design and development; ability to manage the development of capability/competency frameworks and maps

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Advanced university degree (Master´s Degree or equivalent) in Economics, Business, Engineering, Law, Public Administration, Political Science, Engineering, Urban Planning, International Development or related field is required, or

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Economics, Business, Law, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Planning, International Development or related field in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree. 

Minimum 2 years years (with Master´s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of working experience in project operations support with at least one (1) year of experience working with public administrations, preferably at national level in issues related to service provision, public management and finance or public policy is required. 

Working experience with UN/UNDP. 

Experience in project management.

Experience in procuring services and goods involving the public sector at all levels. 

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).

Understanding of UNDP rules and procedures or experience of completing UN assignments. 

Proven experience in working with local governments and their associations.  

Proven professional experience on use of results monitoring and reporting tools.

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

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.