Historique

The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners.

Saudi Arabia is witnessing economic prosperity and progress in all domains of socio-economic development which produced tangible improvement in all human development indicators such as standard of living, health and education services, environmental conditions as well as potentials of comprehensive development. In April 2016, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced its Saudi Vision 2030 – an ambitious long-term development programme. 

Saudi Vision 2030 represents an ambitious blueprint with long-term goals and expectations. It is expressed in three themes of a vibrant society; a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. A review of the three themes and their underlying issues of national concern reveal a holistic approach to development that encompasses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the social, the economic and the environment.

The partnership between UNDP and Saudi Arabia is covering vital sectors and areas which contributes to address the needs of Saudi society, including enhancement of the local capacity of different government institutions and support to policy making and reporting. A wide set of under the scope of technical assistance is provided to assist the KSA departments in their reform processes.

To support these activities, UNDP will provide technical advisory support to the KSA through the UNDP Country Office (CO) in Riyadh as well as provide support for overall project management activities. The National Project Officer(s) will carry out his/her tasks close cooperation with the Programme team and the Senior Management of UNDP’s office in KSA.  The National Project Officer(s) are expected to provide technical expertise in overall project oversight, including project planning and coordination, monitoring and reporting. The National Project Officer(s) are expected to support the CO as needed in other areas, such as establishing new partnerships and formulating new projects.

Devoirs et responsabilités

Ensure effective and efficient implementation of the projects by supporting overall project management:

Provide strategic and substantive leadership, support and advice in the effective and efficient implementation of projects, through project planning, monitoring and oversight including establishment of project dashboards and an Implementation Support Unit, as stipulated in project documents, to monitor the implementation of project activities;

Lead and advise the project team on the achievement of specific results of the project detailed in the annual work plan, including the development of semi-annual workplans, where necessary;

Ensure the achievement of outputs/results in line with the approved work plans through the day-to-day planning, management coordination and implementation of activities;

Organize and lead team status meetings for projects, as stipulated in project documents;

Ensure accountability for, and efficient use of, project fund;.

Represent the project in various fora; and

Lead the recruitment and management of experts and personnel, as needed, in accordance with UNDP policies and guidelines.

Support strategic communication and building partnerships for successful project implementation: 

Maintain close coordination with assigned project partners, helping at ensuring synergies;

Contribute to the dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Support mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local and national levels. 

Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in programme and projects formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programmes.

Coordinate project implementation with relevant Government, UN, and other development partners’, as required.

Undertake external analysis for assessing CO opportunities for resource mobilization.

Identify challenges, opportunities, priorities and needs for the development and implementation of the medium term implementation strategy

Contribute to the analysis of key development and sectoral policies currently being discussed and implemented in the country and identification of collaboration opportunities for the CO.

Develop Concept Notes, project documents and proposals to support CO resource mobilization efforts; and 

Monitoring and evaluation and reporting:

Ensure the monitoring and follow up on project progress according to project document and UNDP procedures.

Ensure timely submission of financial and activity reports by implementing partners.

Ensure regular updating of project risk logs and lessons learned logs.

Lead the preparation high quality and timely donor reporting, including quarterly and annual narrative and financial reports, according to the grant agreements and UNDP procedures.

Apply UNDP programming tools and policies as explained in the Results Based Management principles.  

Keep abreast of UNDP programming practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning; and

Brief and consult with senior management on project progress and provide information and advice as required to contribute to the CO initiatives.

Compétences

Core Competencies 

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

Technical/Functional Competencies 

Results-based Management   Competency Definition Level 5:Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Collaboration and Partnership    Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Knowledge Facilitation Competency Definition Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:

Master’s degree in project management, business administration, law, political sciences, economics, urban planning, or any discipline relevant to sustainable international development. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of experience associated with advanced university degree or 7 years of experience associated with Bachelor’s degree.

Excellent knowledge of project management principles and best practices. 

Project Management Certification, such as Prince2 or PmP would be an advantage.

Ability to network and liaise with relevant counterparts.

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of web-based management systems. 

Language Requirements:

Fluency in spoken and written Arabic & English