Project Manager-MOZ LAP [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants]

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

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in 170 countries and territories, supporting national efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, strengthen resilience, and accelerate sustainable development. As the development arm of the United Nations, UNDP collaborates with governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities to build inclusive and resilient pathways for human development.

In Mozambique, UNDP has been a trusted partner since 1976, working with national and local authorities, UN entities, civil society, and communities to promote inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development. Guided by the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, UNDP develops targeted and innovative solutions to address the country’s evolving development challenges.

Our Country Programme Document is structured around four interconnected pillars: i) human development, multidimensional poverty, gender equality and public health management; ii) inclusive economic recovery, diversification and sustainable livelihoods; iii) climate resilience and natural resource management; and, iv) inclusive and decentralized governance, justice, peace and social cohesion.

These focus areas reflect UNDP’s comparative advantage in Mozambique and align with national development priorities and the UNSDCF. The Country Office works both upstream and downstream to build resilience and expand opportunities, particularly for women and youth. This includes strengthening community resilience to disasters and conflict, scaling area‑based models for integrated recovery and service delivery and leveraging stabilization efforts in Cabo Delgado to support post‑conflict recovery, institutional strengthening, and locally led economic revitalization.

The CO has also been carrying out a review of its structure and organogram to achieve an optimal and sustainable configuration that aligns staffing to respond to new challenges and the expected growth of the CO to enable UNDP effectively support Mozambique’s current and emerging development priorities.

UNDP upholds the highest standards of integrity and accountability. We maintain a zero‑tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment (including sexual harassment), and discrimination. All selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are foundational to UNDP’s mandate and integral to everything we do. Across all programmes and operations, UNDP promotes equal opportunities, inclusive participation, and the advancement of women and marginalized groups so that development gains are equitable and sustainable.

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its 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 UNDP’s Strategic Plan.

UNDP's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP's Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste (NCE&W) Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.

Within this framework, the Environment, Climate Change and Resilience Unit manages a growing portfolio of Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund and bilateral initiatives supporting Mozambique's transition towards climate-resilient and low-carbon development, UNDP developed a project called Scaling up Local Adaptation and Climate Risk Informed Planning for Resilient Livelihoods (MOZ LAP) financed by the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with UNDP serving as the GEF Implementing Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP) acting as the Implementing Partner under the National Implementation Modality (NIM). The project has a total budget of approximately USD 9.46 million and an implementation period of six years.

The overall objective of the project is to strengthen the resilience of local communities and sub-national governments to climate change through the promotion of climate-resilient livelihoods, implementation of Local Adaptation Plans (LAPs), and strengthened institutional capacities for climate-responsive planning, budgeting and investment. The project will directly implement adaptation measures identified in Local Adaptation Plans while strengthening local planning systems and increasing access to climate finance for vulnerable communities.

The project will focus on priority districts identified through climate vulnerability assessments, supporting integrated adaptation interventions across agriculture, fisheries, livestock, ecosystem restoration and local economic development. In parallel, the project will strengthen planning systems through improved methodologies for Local Adaptation Plans, integration of climate resilience into district and provincial planning instruments, strengthened institutional coordination, capacity development, knowledge management and replication of successful adaptation models across Mozambique. The project is organised around three mutually reinforcing components:

• Component 1: Implementation of climate adaptation measures that increase resilience of local livelihoods through investments identified in Local Adaptation Plans.
• Component 2: Strengthening institutional capacity, participatory planning processes, climate-informed decision making, and mainstreaming climate adaptation into sub-national planning and budgeting systems.
• Component 3: Project management, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, safeguards implementation, communication, learning and adaptive management to ensure effective delivery of project results in accordance with UNDP and GEF requirements.

To implement the project, UNDP is hiring a Project Manager which will provide strategic leadership and overall management of the Project Management Unit (PMU), ensuring effective implementation of all project components in accordance with the approved Project Document, Annual Work Plans, GEF requirements, UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP), and Government of Mozambique regulations. The incumbent will serve as the principal technical and managerial focal point for the project and will ensure effective coordination among government institutions, provincial and district authorities, development partners, civil society organizations, academia, private sector stakeholders and beneficiary communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager has the authority to run the project on a day-to-day basis on behalf of the Project Board within the constraints laid down by the Board. The Project Manager is responsible for day-to-day management and decision-making for the project. The Project Manager’s prime responsibility is to ensure that the project produces the results specified in the project document, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost. The Delivery Partner appoints the Project Manager, who should be different from the Implementing Partner’s representative in the Project Board.

He/she is expected to provide senior-level technical and strategic leadership to ensure the effective implementation of the Moz LAP project, including strong coordination, coherence, and integration across the different workstreams, institutions, and adaptation planning processes supported under the project. The Project Manager will provide technical oversight and quality assurance for all national products and processes throughout project implementation, ensuring alignment with national priorities, UNDP standards, and GCF requirements.

He/she will oversee the implementation of key project outputs under the MOZ LAP Project, including the development and implementation of Local Adaptation Plans (LAPs), climate-resilient livelihood interventions, ecosystem-based adaptation measures, climate-smart agriculture practices, and institutional capacity strengthening at national, provincial and district levels. The incumbent will ensure effective coordination among implementing partners and support the integration of climate adaptation into local development planning and decision-making processes. He/she will also ensure that project interventions contribute to strengthening climate resilience, improving community adaptive capacity and generating sustainable environmental and socio-economic benefits, while maintaining alignment with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), ENAMMC, the National Development Strategy and other relevant national policies and strategies.

The Project Manager will further lead stakeholder engagement and partnership-building efforts with government institutions, development partners, private sector actors, academia, civil society organizations, and local communities to promote inclusive and coordinated adaptation planning and implementation. He/she will also oversee the preparation of high-quality technical and strategic knowledge products, including synthesis reports, policy briefing notes, presentations, and communication materials for Government, UNDP, GEF, and other stakeholders.

Key duties and responsibilities:

1.. Strategic Leadership and Project Management

The Project Manager shall provide strategic, technical and operational leadership to ensure the successful implementation of the MOZ LAP Project in accordance with the approved Project Document, Annual Work Plans, UNDP POPP, NIM, GEF/LDCF requirements and Government of Mozambique regulations.

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the MOZ LAP Project, ensuring timely delivery of outputs, outcomes and indicators;
• Lead preparation and implementation of Annual Work Plans, procurement plans, recruitment plans, budgets and implementation schedules;
• Coordinate implementation of all project components and ensure integration of LAPs, climate-resilient livelihoods, ecosystem-based adaptation, climate-smart agriculture and institutional capacity strengthening;
• Supervise the PMU, consultants and service providers, ensuring performance and accountability;
• Promote adaptive management through continuous monitoring of progress, risks and opportunities;
• Ensure technical quality assurance and implementation of recommendations from the Project Board, audits and evaluations;
• Promote results-based management, innovation and effective use of project resources.

2. Institutional Coordination and Partnership Management

The Project Manager shall establish and maintain effective coordination among all institutions involved in project implementation.

• Serve as the principal liaison between UNDP, MAAP, government institutions and development partners;
• Coordinate implementation under NIM and provide secretariat support to the Project Board;
• Facilitate collaboration among national and sub-national institutions;
• Strengthen partnerships with UN agencies, academia, civil society and the private sector;
• Represent the project in national, regional and international forums;
• Identify opportunities for resource mobilization and scaling-up.

3. Operational, Financial and Procurement Management

The Project Manager shall ensure efficient operational, financial and procurement management of the project.

• Lead budgeting, expenditure forecasting and financial monitoring;
• Ensure compliance with UNDP financial regulations and GEF requirements;
• Oversee procurement, recruitment and contract management;
• Supervise preparation of ToRs and procurement documentation;
• Monitor project delivery and implement corrective measures;
• Ensure proper management of assets, reporting, audits and operational risks.

4. Results-Based Management, Monitoring and Reporting

The Project Manager shall establish an effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting system.

• Implement the M&E Plan and monitor the Results Framework;
• Coordinate quarterly, annual and donor reporting, including the GEF PIR;
• Supervise collection and quality assurance of monitoring data;
• Coordinate baseline studies, Mid-Term Review and Terminal Evaluation;
• Document results, risks and lessons learned;
• Ensure implementation of recommendations from evaluations.

5. Knowledge Management, Communication and Learning

The Project Manager shall promote knowledge generation, communication and organizational learning.

• Develop and implement the Knowledge Management and Communication Strategy;
• Document and disseminate lessons learned and technical knowledge products;
• Promote knowledge exchange among stakeholders;
• Coordinate communication materials and visibility products;
• Ensure compliance with branding requirements;
• Promote public awareness and support future programming.

6. Gender Equality, Environmental and Social Safeguards

The Project Manager shall ensure compliance with UNDP Environmental and Social Standards (SES), Gender Equality Strategy and GEF safeguard requirements.

• Ensure implementation of ESMP, SEP, GAP and other safeguard instruments;
• Promote gender-responsive and inclusive implementation;
• Ensure participation of women, youth and vulnerable groups;
• Monitor environmental and social risks and grievance mechanisms;
• Ensure compliance with ethics, PSEA and non-discrimination policies;
• Promote environmental sustainability and long-term resilience.

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

Institutional Arrangement

At the global level, Moz LAP Project is supported by UNDP’s global and regional technical support structures, including the Climate Hub and relevant technical advisory teams, which provide strategic guidance, quality assurance, and technical backstopping to country implementation processes in line with GEF requirements and UNDP standards.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the ECR Unit (ECR) and overall supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative/Programmes and the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP)/National Directorate for Climate Change (DINAMC) on all substantive and administrative matters related to the project, the Project Manager (PM) will ensure the overall management of the MOZLAP project. From the strategic point of view, the Project Manager will report on a periodic basis to the Project Board/Steering Committee (PSC). Generally, the Project Manager will be responsible for meeting government obligations under the project execution modality. He/She will perform a liaison role with the Government, UNDP and other UN Agencies, NGOs and project partners and maintain close collaboration with other donor agencies providing co-financing.

The Project Manager will serve as the focal point of the Project Management Unit (PMU) and will be responsible for the overall day-to-day management, coordination, and implementation of the project on behalf of UNDP as the Delivery Partner. This includes the mobilization and supervision of project personnel, consultants, service providers, and technical partners, as well as the effective management of project activities, workplans, budgets, risks, reporting obligations, and delivery of outputs.

The Project Manager will ensure strong coordination across national and sub-national stakeholders and will facilitate collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, academia, private sector actors, and local communities involved in adaptation planning and implementation processes. He/she will also ensure that project implementation remains aligned with national priorities, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and other relevant climate and development frameworks.

The Project Manager will regularly present key deliverables, annual workplans, progress reports, risk updates, and strategic recommendations to the Project Steering Committee, UNDP Country Office, and other relevant governance and coordination mechanisms for review, guidance, and approval, as required.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction and Strategy

• System Thinking
  • 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

2030 Agenda: Planet

• Climate
  • Climate Change Adaptation: Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Partnership Management:

• Private sector resource mobilization
  • Ability to identify, develop and manage partnerships that leverage private sector technical expertise and resources.

General (across the functions):

• Project Management
  • Ability to plan, organize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Finance:

• Financial Planning and Budgeting
  • Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP's long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting.

Procurement

• Procurement Management
  • The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source

2030 Agenda: People

• Gender
  • Gender-responsive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, Climate Finance, Environmental Policy or related field, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in the implementation and management of climate change adaptation, resilience, natural resources, environment, sustainable development, or climate finance related projects/programmes.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant digital collaboration tools.

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated experience in project/programme management and coordination of multi-stakeholder initiatives;
• Experience in supervising technical studies, assessments, consultants, and project teams;
• Proven track record of strong analytical, reporting, and technical writing skills;
• Experience in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing policy and technical information;
• Demonstrated experience and strong knowledge of climate adaptation planning, institutional coordination, and/or climate finance processes;
• Experience working with government institutions, development partners, and multi-stakeholder coordination processes is highly desirable;
• Previous experience working with UNDP, GCF, GEF, or other international climate finance mechanisms is an asset;
• Experience and knowledge of national climate change policies, adaptation planning frameworks, and institutional arrangements in Mozambique is highly desirable:
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitation of policy dialogue processes is an advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in Portuguese and English is required.

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.

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