National Project Officer, Riyadh

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 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 Assistant will carry out his/her tasks close cooperation with the UNDP and MEP and in close consultation with the Senior Management of UNDP’s office in KSA.  The National Project Officer is expected to provide technical expertise in overall project oversight, including project planning and coordination, monitoring and reporting. 

Duties and Responsibilities

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

Ensure 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. Providing required support in helping to identify new project activities, in close coordination with counterparts Organize and lead team status meetings for projects, as stipulated in project documents. Ensure accountability for, and efficient use of, project funds. Participate in various fora; Lead the recruitment and management of experts and staff, as needed, in accordance with UNDP guidelines. Coordinate the work of all consultants and subcontractors, ensuring timely delivery of expected results and effective synergy between the various sub-contracted activities Document lessons learned from project implementation and making recommendations to the Project Board for more effective implementation and coordination of project activities.  

In close cooperation with the UNDP-contracted Senior Economist, the National Project Officer is to ensure the following: 

Provision of analysis and research in priority thematic areas as relevant to the development context in Saudi Arabia, including through the publication of policy briefs or other analytical outputs Compilation, analysis and interpretation of economic and statistical data, through research of the economic and development issues in the country and production of relevant reports aimed at promoting equitable economic growth and human development Assessment of the country’s macro-economic policies and their impact on poverty reduction, growth, equity, etc. Provision of authoritative advice on possible areas for UNDP support and adjustment of the on-going Umbrella Programme to ensure that the Programme is in line with national policies and priorities including Saudi Vision 2030, National Transformation Programme as well as the SDGs and Agenda 2030  Production and launch of economic reports, including National Human Development Reports Support and facilitation of dialogue on sustainable development issues within the Ministry of Economy and Planning as well as with relevant national partners  Provision of policy and programming advice and support for development planning and policy formulation at the national, sub-national and local levels Identification and analysis of interventions that can impact multiple development goals and targets at the same time Monitoring and reporting of progress related to SDGs and other national development frameworks.

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  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.

Monitoring and evaluation and reporting:

Monitor 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. Prepare 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.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s).

Organize training, workshops, and capacity building activities in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia. Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners. Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area. Promote advocacy on development trends and opportunities to collaborate in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff.

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

Competencies Core Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplify processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process Act with Determination:  LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making  Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Results-based Management  Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools. Business Management Partnerships Management Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies Business Development Knowledge Facilitation Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange. Ethics UN policy knowledge Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity Partnership Management  Relationship management Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

Required Skills and Experience Min. Academic Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Project Management, Business Administration, Law, Political Sciences, Urban Planning, or any discipline relevant to Sustainable International Development is required, or

A first-level university degree (bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Min. years of relevant Work experience 

A minimum of 5 years (with advanced university degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of experience in economics, project management, including planning, executing, and monitoring international or cross-border projects, proven experience in international affairs, government relations, or a related area.

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

Experience working with networks and liaising with relevant counterparts.

Desired additional skills and competencies Project Management Certification, such as Prince2 or PMP. Work experience with the UN and international organizations. Experience with UN Results-based Management, and Monitoring and Evaluation approach. Required Language(s) (at working level) Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Professional Certificates N/A

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.

Use of AI by candidates

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