Project Manager Wanted: Drive Positive Change Governance with UNDP

February 6, 2025

6 minutes read

Join UNDP Albania as a Project Manager for ReLOaD3: Empower Local Democracy and Transform Communities

Are you ready to make a significant impact in shaping the future of local democracy and governance? Do you have a passion for enhancing civic engagement, improving public accountability, and promoting transparency? If you are driven by the vision of a more democratic, inclusive, and socially responsible world, then the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) invites you to apply for the position of Project Manager for ReLOaD3 in Tirana, Albania. As part of this exciting EU-UNDP partnership, you will play a critical role in empowering local communities and supporting the advancement of democratic values across the Western Balkans.

Project Manager Wanted: Drive Positive Change Governance with UNDP

In this pivotal role, you will manage a €1.45 million project aimed at strengthening local governance through collaborations with local governments (LGs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Albania. This is your chance to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating positive change at the grassroots level and contributing to the EU integration process in the Western Balkans.

About ReLOaD3: Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD3) is a regional initiative designed to support local governance, encourage citizen participation, and enhance the role of civil society in the political process. It is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia*. ReLOaD3 builds on the success of its predecessors, ReLOaD1 and ReLOaD2, which laid the groundwork for enhancing democratic processes in these countries.

ReLOaD3 is crucial for promoting good governance in the Western Balkans, especially as these countries work towards deeper integration into the European Union. The programme focuses on improving local governance by increasing transparency, enhancing participatory decision-making, and fostering stronger relationships between local governments, CSOs, and citizens.

At the heart of ReLOaD3 is the belief that local governments are essential actors in advancing democratic governance. By strengthening local governance institutions and promoting a culture of civic engagement, social inclusion, and gender equality, ReLOaD3 works to ensure that citizens’ voices are heard, especially at the local level where it matters most.

Project Manager Role: Your Contribution to Local Democracy and Governance

As the Project Manager for ReLOaD3 in Albania, you will have the responsibility of overseeing and coordinating all project activities within the country. You will ensure the successful implementation of the project, ensuring alignment with the overall objectives of the regional programme. Your work will involve close collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders, including local governments, civil society organizations, UNDP regional offices, EU representatives, and other international partners.

This is a senior-level role where you will be tasked with leading a diverse team of professionals and ensuring the smooth operation of the €1.45 million budget allocated to Albania. Your leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the activities meet key milestones and align with both EU integration goals and local development strategies.

Key Responsibilities of the Project Manager

Your role will be multi-faceted, combining project management, grant administration, stakeholder engagement, and technical support. Below are the core responsibilities you will be tasked with:

1. Coordinating the Implementation of ReLOaD3 Activities

The success of the ReLOaD3 programme hinges on the effective execution of its activities. As the Project Manager, you will ensure that all activities are delivered on time and within budget, in line with the programme’s Annual Work Plan (AWP).

Key responsibilities under this area include:

Planning and oversight: Ensure the alignment of the country-specific project work plan with the regional programme objectives.
Deliverables management: Oversee the implementation of project deliverables, ensuring that they meet the quality standards set forth by UNDP.
Results-based management: Apply results-based management principles to assess project progress, identify risks, and adjust strategies accordingly.

2. Grant Management and Oversight

A significant aspect of this role will involve managing the grant schemes provided to local governments and civil society organizations. The ReLOaD3 programme includes grant funding for local initiatives aimed at improving governance, enhancing citizen participation, and promoting social inclusion.

Your responsibilities in this area will include:

Grant administration: Facilitate the selection process for partner local governments and CSOs, ensuring that the process is transparent and based on clear criteria.
Monitoring: Track the disbursement and implementation of grants, ensuring that funds are used effectively and in compliance with UNDP rules and regulations.
Support to grantees: Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to grantees to ensure successful implementation of their projects.

3. Supervision and Team Management

As the Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading a team of professionals, including project staff, consultants, and external experts. You will be expected to guide and mentor your team, ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

This includes:

Team leadership: Manage and supervise the project team, ensuring that tasks are delegated appropriately and progress is tracked.
Performance management: Provide regular feedback and conduct performance reviews to ensure team members are meeting objectives.
Capacity building: Facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for your team, particularly in areas like project management, grant administration, and monitoring and evaluation.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

A large part of your role will involve engaging with stakeholders, including local governments, civil society organizations, citizens, and international donors. Building strong relationships with these stakeholders will be critical for the success of the project.

Your responsibilities in this area will include:

Building partnerships: Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that their needs and expectations are met.
Coordination: Work closely with local government representatives, civil society leaders, and international development partners to align goals and strategies.
Advocacy and outreach: Promote the objectives of the ReLOaD3 programme at the local and regional levels, ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed and actively engaged.

5. Monitoring and Reporting

You will be responsible for ensuring that the project is properly monitored, with regular reporting on progress, financial expenditure, and challenges.

This involves:

Monitoring results: Track the impact of the programme and ensure that all activities contribute to the achievement of project goals.
Reporting: Regularly report on the progress of the project to the Regional Programme Manager, UNDP country office, and other stakeholders, ensuring that reports are accurate and timely.
Risk management: Identify potential risks and challenges, and implement mitigation strategies to address them.

6. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

ReLOaD3 places a strong emphasis on gender equality and social inclusion, particularly in the context of local governance and citizen participation. As Project Manager, you will be expected to integrate these principles across all project activities.

Your responsibilities include:

Gender mainstreaming: Ensure that gender equality is integrated into all project planning and implementation.
Inclusivity: Promote initiatives that address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations, including women, youth, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
Capacity building: Provide training and resources to local governments and CSOs to help them develop gender-sensitive policies and programs.

Skills and Experience Required

To excel in the Project Manager role, you will need a combination of relevant qualifications, experience, and personal qualities. Below are the key requirements for the position:

Education

Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with significant professional experience in a relevant field may also be considered.

Experience

2+ years of experience in project management for those with a Master’s degree, or 4+ years of experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree.
Experience in managing grants and working with civil society organizations and local governments.
Proven track record of successfully managing multi-stakeholder projects in an international development context.
Familiarity with EU funding mechanisms and regional governance issues in the Western Balkans is highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in both English and Albanian is required, as both languages will be essential for communication with various stakeholders and reporting purposes.

Why Join UNDP Albania?

Working with UNDP Albania provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of local democracy, civic participation, and sustainable development in one of Europe’s most dynamic regions. By joining the ReLOaD3 programme, you will have the chance to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of Albanian citizens and contribute to the country’s progress towards EU integration.

Key Benefits of Joining UNDP Albania:

Competitive salary and benefits package.
Professional development opportunities through regional conferences, training, and networking events.
The chance to work in a dynamic, multi-cultural environment alongside highly skilled professionals.
Exposure to cutting-edge project management methodologies and international best practices in governance and civil society strengthening.

How to Apply

The application process for this exciting opportunity is straightforward, but you must act quickly. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by February 11, 2025.

Your application will be evaluated based on your qualifications, experience, and alignment with the goals of the ReLOaD3 programme. The process will include background checks, interviews, and possibly a skills assessment to evaluate your suitability for the role.

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