International Project Manager

Background

UNDP Bangladesh works closely with the Government of Bangladesh to address complex development challenges by offering innovative, sustainable, and inclusive solutions, as outlined in the Country Programme Document. Within this framework, the Resilience and Inclusive Growth (RIG) Cluster leads in delivering programmatic and policy advisory support in areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, urban poverty and urbanization, social protection, disaster risk management, and environmental sustainability, all with a strong emphasis on gender equality. The RIG Cluster enhances development impact through providing high-quality policy advice, resource mobilization, capacity development, knowledge management and innovation. 

A key component under the RIG Cluster is the Sustainable Environment and Public Health Portfolio, which addresses Solid Waste Management (SWM) in Cox’s Bazar District, focusing on both the Rohingya refugee population and the adjacent host communities. This initiative prioritizes the protection of women and children, aims to prevent the spread of diseases, and promotes improved hygiene and sanitary standards. Beyond public health, the project also seeks to strengthen the institutional capacity of local government, create both immediate and sustainable employment opportunities, and promote circular economy principles, contributing to a cleaner and more resilient environment. The project specifically operates in the Rohingya community camps and nearby host communities within Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazilas, covering Baharchara, Whykong, Hnila, and Teknaf Sadar unions. 

Following the large-scale influx of Rohingya people into Bangladesh in 2017, the country now hosts over 1,003,394 Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar district (GoB/UNHCR population data, September 2024) which placed unprecedented pressure on area. This massive migration significantly strained the existing local infrastructure and natural resources. The ongoing presence of refugees, combined with limited-service capacity, made it increasingly challenging to maintain essential services, particularly solid waste management. To address these urgent needs, UNDP launched the “Sustainable Solutions to Solid Waste Management” project in 2018 funded by SIDA. This three-year initiative initially implemented rapid-response activities to prevent immediate public health crises and environmental degradation. It then moved toward establishing sustainable systems for maintaining cleanliness, constructing SWM infrastructure, promoting waste recycling, strengthening the capacity of government stakeholders, and raising community awareness through public education and advocacy. In the refugee camps, the project established a Temporary Solid Waste Management Facility (TSWMF) and constructed a sanitary landfill to manage non-recyclable waste. Located in Camp 20 Extension in Ukhiya Upazila, in an area referred to as "No Man’s Land", the TSWMF became operational in October 2019. 

Building on the achievements of this previous UNDP and SIDA-supported project, the current phase focuses on scaling up and expanding solid waste management services to both host and refugee communities. This includes the expansion of the landfill site at Camp 20 Extension, the construction of additional sanitary landfill in new location, and the development of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and composting units. It also includes the integration of innovative technological solutions for waste management, the implementation of widespread awareness campaigns on the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover (4Rs), and the promotion of environmental awareness at schools and within the wider community. Furthermore, the project supports local entrepreneurs engaged in the informal waste recycling sector and develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the effective management and operation of MRFs, composting facilities, and landfill sites. 

Through these comprehensive and collaborative efforts, UNDP aims to enhance environmental sustainability, improve public health, and build resilient waste management systems for the Rohingya and host communities of Cox’s Bazar. 

UNDP is looking for an International Project Manager (PM) to provide strategic, technical and advisory services to UNDP and the local government counterparts in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh area. The staff is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the positioning of UNDP’s engagement in the Sustainable Environment and Public Health promotion, in close coordination with the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) and local government bodies. The incumbent will work closely with UNDP’s Environmental Sustainability and Energy and RIG cluster to scope opportunities for broader environment-focused interventions. 

The position will be based in Cox’s Bazar and reports directly to Head of Sub-Office. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of Head of Sub-Office, the PM is primarily responsible for the successful management and implementation for the existing project and develop new project proposals.

The duty station for the incumbent will be Cox’s Bazar sub-office. Movement for meetings, consultations, and field missions will be coordinated by the Project, UNDP. The incumbent will at all times observe the UN security rules and regulations and advisories in Bangladesh. 

Project Management

• Lead the formulation of project’s annual work plans (AWP).
• Develop the detailed implementation plans.
• Lead the formulation of budgets, procurement and HR plans
• Support revision of AWPs, periodic revisions of procurement/HR plans ensuring that plans are updated in a timely manner and in close coordination with 
• Provide direct supervision of project staff/personnel.

Project Implementation

• Establish collaborative arrangements with potential partners, and appropriate operational partnership arrangements.
• Facilitate consultations and engagement with relevant stakeholders in Cox’s Bazar, including Municipality, Unions, UN agencies, ISCG/thematic sectors.
• Lead the implementing partners identification and onboarding process, and subsequent supervision of partners to implement project activities. 
• Oversee and ensure implementation of project activities against annual work plans
• Gather and provide field/activity updates to the management
• Coordinate, and communicate with the donors on a timely manner
• Contribute to and ensure project communications and visibility efforts including the development of reports, briefings, knowledge management documents etc. 
• Coordinate with country office MEAL team and ensure the development of M&E framework for the project
• Ensure implementation of project monitoring and evaluation framework in close coordination with country office MEAL team
• Ensure planning, expenditures tracking and audit of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions

Technical lead and quality assurance

• Provide technical guidance, inputs and support to the project team, local government officials, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure quality planning and services,
• Ensure necessary technical support to the technical team in developing terms of references and tendering packages for project activities, monitor progress and perform quality assurance
• Update project indicators, baselines, targets, and means of verification for project outcomes, outputs and activities as required for effective planning, implementation, M&E, and reporting.
• Prepare reports for UNDP review and clearance for submission to donors

Strategic Policy Advisory, Advocacy and Knowledge management

• Lead analytical work to identify key policy issues/gaps, particularly in Environmental conservation, sustainable waste management, and promoting public health. 
• Support local government authority (within area of responsibility) to develop waste management guidelines, strategies as required. 
• Promote plastic recycling, upcycling, and lead to introduce circular economy.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with relevant donors, development partners, corporate organizations to support circular economy in waste management.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable waste management practices.

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

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

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Partnership management     

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

2030 Agenda: Planet Climate

• Climate - change adaptation policy and planning: National Adaptation Plans           

Business Management           

• Project Management - Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals        
• Results-based Management - Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.   

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.      

Business Direction and Strategy      

• Effective Decision Making - Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.      

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science/Management, Social Development, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Engineering, forestry or related fields is required, or 
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience:

• Minimum seven (7) years (with Master’s degree) or nine (9) years (with Bachelor’s degree) of working experience on Environment or Natural Resources development, preferably related to Water Sanitation and Hygiene, specific to waste management. 
• Professional experience in project management 
• Experience in Waste Management
• Experience in working refugee camps setting
• Significant experience in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sector
• Substantial experience in leading teams of national and international specialist and working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Experience in the South Asia region.
• Good advocacy and communications skills and demonstrated report writing skills.
• Project Management experience.
• Solid experience in public private partnership and private sector engagement, including financial entities.
• Experience in environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

Required Language

• Fluency in 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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