Project Manager – CIFF

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Background

Groundwater holds a crucial role in fortifying climate resilience in the HoA’s borderlands. Unfortunately, this resource remains largely overlooked and underutilized. In a region where surface water is scarce due to high temperatures and evapotranspiration rates, groundwater stands as the most dependable source to ensure consistent water supplies for domestic, agricultural, and livestock usage. It acts as a natural reservoir during droughts, aiding in adapting to unpredictable climate changes and shocks.

The Children Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and the UNDP Resilience Hub for Africa are partnering to operationalize the Groundwater Access Facility for Africa Initiative to implement a program in the Somali regional state in Ethiopia to drill and equip boreholes with storage facilities, distribution networks, and standpipes. The Project Manager (PM) will oversee the overall planning, procurement, execution, and management of all activities related to borehole drilling, construction of water supply schemes, geophysical survey, and installation of solar and electromechanical schemes.

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Scope of Work

The Project Manager will be responsible for the following:

1. Planning and Supervision

• Develop a detailed work plan for drilling and construction activities, ensuring adherence to project timelines and goals;
• Supervise and manage drilling and borehole construction teams, ensuring work quality, safety and environmental standards are maintained;
• Ensure the proper use, maintenance, and servicing of the drilling assets;
• Coordinate with the federal government of Ethiopia, Somali regional state officials, and community leaders.

2. Recruitment and Training

• Support in the recruitment of qualified drilling personnel and construction firms for the project;
• Develop and implement training programs for drilling crews and local technicians;
• Promote knowledge transfer to local staff and stakeholders to ensure project sustainability.

3. Procurement and Contract Management

• Oversee all procurement activities, including the purchasing of drilling materials, equipment, and construction supplies;
• Manage contracts related to the procurement of services, supplies, equipment, and logistics;
• Ensure transparent procurement processes and proper documentation;
• Coordinate logistics, including transportation of equipment and materials to project sites.

4. Stakeholder Management and Communication

• Act as the primary point of contact between the project, the UNDP Ethiopia Country Office, and the local stakeholders;
• Lead regular communication with government officials, regional leaders, and local communities;
• Prepare and submit progress reports and updates to UNDP and CIFF.

5. Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor progress against established targets, identify risks, and develop mitigation strategies;
• Ensure project milestones are achieved and outputs are delivered on time and within budget;
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual project reports (technical, financial, and M&E).

6. Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with national and regional regulations and international best practices;
• Implement risk management strategies and maintain safety standards for all activities;
• Oversee equipment security, maintenance, and insurance.

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Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks.
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change.
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Navigate complex landscape, champion collaboration.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce.

Cross-Functional/Technical Competencies

• Climate Change Adaptation: Water Resource Management and Access to Water.
• Systems Thinking: Ability to understand how interrelated elements coexist.
• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources.
• Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Knowledge of M&E frameworks, concepts, and tools.
• Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing/managing risks.

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Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Education Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Water Resource Management, Hydrogeology, Project Management, or related field;
• Or a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience.

Minimum Years of Relevant Work Experience

• Minimum of 7 years (with Master’s degree) or 9 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of professional working experience in water resource projects.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing multidisciplinary teams in remote locations;
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages;
• Strong knowledge of national and regional regulations on water resource management and construction activities.

Desired Skills

• Working experience in managing borehole drilling projects, preferably in the Somali region of Ethiopia or the Horn of Africa;
• Experience in procurement, logistics, and contract management in water development contexts;
• Familiarity with CIFF or similar donor-funded projects;
• Experience working with UN agencies or international NGOs.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in English as well as the national language of the duty station is required.

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How to Apply

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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