1. Position Information

• Organization: UNDP Saudi Arabia, through Stars Orbit Consultants and Management Development (SOC).
• VA No. VA24-141
• Position Title: Project Manager
  Consultancy Type: National or International Expert
• Duty Station: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Level of Effort/Duration: 12 months (renewable)
• Vacancy Date of Issue: 5 September 2024
• Vacancy Closure Date: 11 September 2024
• Expected Starting Date: October/November 2024

This vacancy is announced by UNDP Saudi Arabia through Stars Orbit Consultants and Management Development (SOC). SOC is a sub-contractor for UNDP Saudi Arabia, assisting the programme in implementing their activities through HR and contract management of consultants working in their support.

2. Project Description

The project will provide a strategic framework for UNDP and UN-HABITAT to provide substantive technical assistance, advisory, and quality assurance services to the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing (MoMRAH) to deliver on the following six initiatives of the Spatial Planning and Visual Appeal Program that are the focus of this project:

• The Regional Plans, Local Plans and Urban Codes under MOMRAH’s jurisdiction are efficiently and effectively delivered following international best practices.
• A National Urban Policy is developed and implemented.
• Local planning departments are empowered and enabled through a new Operating Model for Planning Departments.
• The municipal system is improved and restructured, updating settlements boundaries, revising classification and categorization of Saudi human settlements, and optimizing service delivery towards efficiency and sustainability.
• The Saudi Planning framework is restructured, planning tools are redefined, updated and improved in line with the new classification and categorization.
• The existing MoMRAH Urban Design Studio is upscaled in a fully-fledged Urban Lab and capacitated to spearhead and device innovative tools and projects-based satellite Labs in support of MoMRAH mission.

3. Scope of Work

The Project Manager will ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project by leading the overall project management activities, support strategic communication and partnership building for successful project implementation, and contribute to the monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities of the project.

4. Duties and Responsibilities

In close coordination with the Chief Technical Advisor, the Project Manager will:

a. Ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project by leading the overall project management activities:

• Lead and advise the project team on the achievement of the project results as detailed in the annual work plan.
• Lead the day-to-day planning, management, coordination and implementation of activities.
• Provide required support in identifying new project activities, in close coordination with counterparts.
• Support the recruitment and management of experts and staff, as needed, in accordance with UNDP guidelines.
• Coordinate the work of all consultants and subcontractors and ensure timely delivery of expected results and effective synergy between the various activities.
• Document lessons learned from project implementation and make recommendations to the Project Board for more effective implementation and coordination of project activities.
• Coordinate with and align the work of the initiatives by progressing into the Spatial Planning and Visual Appeal Program.
• Ensure alignment to Vision 2030 and relevant Vision Realization Programs, including the Quality-of-Life Program, other national initiatives, and global development frameworks (e.g., Sustainable Development Goals, New Urban Agenda).

b. Support strategic communication and partnership building for successful project implementation:

• Maintain close coordination with assigned project partners and ensure synergies.
• Contribute to the dissemination and visibility of project achievements and support mechanisms for exchange of information, experiences and lessons learned at the local and national levels.
• Offer constructive and timely advice on the inclusion of communication components in project formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of the project.
• Contribute to the analysis of key development and sectoral policies currently being discussed and implemented in the country and identify collaboration opportunities.

c. Contribute to the monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities of the project:

• Work closely with the M&E Specialist to ensure timely preparation and submission of project reports and workplans and regular updating of project risk logs and lessons learned logs.

5. Institutional Arrangement

The Project Manager will report to the Chief Technical Advisor.

6. Duty Station

The assignment will be office-based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hybrid work and flexible work hours can be arranged and agreed with the Chief Technical Advisor.

7. Schedule of Payments

The payment term for this IC is a monthly salary upon the signing of the contract.

8. Minimum qualifications of the successful applicant

Education:

A master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, International Affairs, International Relations, Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Built Environment, Real Estate Development, Architecture, Urban Design, Engineering, or any other closely related fields.

Min. years of relevant Work experience

A master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience.

Required skills

• Strong analytical and writing skills and a track record in producing relevant reports and other materials.
• High level of communication and interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Creates confidence among stakeholders by delivering authoritative positions, compelling analysis, and contextual acumen.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Familiarity with UNDP’s and MoMRAH’s activity and framework and knowledge of the SDGs and NUA.
• Experience working in Saudi Arabia or the Arabian Gulf region is an advantage.
• Experience working with local governments is desirable.
• Certification in project management or results-based management is an asset.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in the English language is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.