Project Portfolio Specialist, WCA and LAC, IPSA10, UNCDF [Open to internal and external applicants]

Overview

The Project Portfolio Specialist will lead project launch and implementation activities for UNCDF projects in the Western and Central Africa (WCA) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) regions. The role ensures coherent coordination, timely operational setup, and alignment with UNCDF's investment mandate.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination, and implementation of project launch activities, including kick-off meetings and workplan development.
• Coordinate operational readiness, including recruitment, procurement, and logistics.
• Support the establishment of governance structures and ensure regular communication with donors and partners.
• Lead overall management and timely implementation of project outputs and activities.
• Provide strategic guidance and management oversight to ensure project implementation is on track.
• Organize coordination meetings and draft progress reports.
• Ensure donor guidelines and requirements are followed.
• Update Oracle Cloud ERP (Quantum and Quantum+) tools as required.
• Monitor project progress, Environmental & Social Safeguards, and risks.
• Monitor the utilization of programme resources and budget.
• Participate in the mobilization of additional resources.
• Travel to project target countries for on-site verification of results.
• Build partnerships with relevant stakeholders and undertake advocacy activities.
• Coordinate dialogue, engagement, and partnerships with government authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment of projects with relevant UN initiatives.
• Advise on project contributions to national priorities, SDGs, and UNCDF’s Strategic Framework.
• Lead preparation of reviews and evaluations.
• Ensure implementation of knowledge management activities.
• Participate in training events and communities of practice.
• Facilitate development of success stories and communication materials.
• Advocate for practices supporting UNCDF objectives.
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives and best practices.
• Share knowledge and lessons learned from private sector operations.

Required Experience

• A minimum of 5 years (with a Master’s degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in project formulation and management, preferably in local development finance, blended finance, poverty alleviation, gender and women’s economic empowerment, nature and climate adaptation, energy, food systems, inclusive digital finance and local development, with the UN or other large donor funded international organizations is required.
• Comprehensive understanding and experience in the project management cycle and managing for results.
• Experience in international organizations, ideally in the field of development.
• Experience working with/coordinating complex, multi-lingual, and diverse teams that are geographically dispersed.
• Strong working knowledge of international development and donor organizations.
• Strong IT skills and functional understanding of Oracle Cloud ERP and Salesforce-based systems (Quantum/Quantum+).
• Knowledge of UNCDF and/or UNDP programming and project management policies.
• Previous experience working in emerging markets/LDCs context, particularly in WCA-LAC region.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Cooperation and Development, Economics, Finance, International Business, Business Administration, or relevant related field is required, OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Other Details