Project Management Support Analyst (Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants)

UNDP•New York, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) is responsible for UNDP’s external relations, advocacy, and communications. Within BERA, the Partnerships Group manages strategic relationships with resource partners and leads on identifying and maximizing resource mobilization opportunities. The Japan Unit, under the Partnerships Group, oversees UNDP’s partnership with the Government of Japan, one of its largest contributors. The Unit serves as an oversight mechanism to ensure a coordinated approach across the organization, maintaining strong donor relations and ensuring the quality and accountability of Japan-funded programmes. To meet the Government of Japan’s expectations, the Unit maintains a comprehensive database of earmarked Japan funds, coordinates closely with Regional Bureaus and Country Offices, and provides strategic inputs for policy dialogues and resource mobilization. The role requires proven experience in managing large, complex, multi-country grant portfolios, liaising effectively with government counterparts, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, and leading reporting and compliance processes for donor-funded projects.

Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in International Development, Public Administration, Political Science, Sustainable Business Environmental Policy or related fields is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree)of progressively responsible experience in project management, sustainability strategy, or management consulting for international development with multi-stakeholder engagement.
Proven record managing multi-country donor portfolios coordinating across UN agencies and government stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience in Japanese ODA, donor relations, and high-level policy engagement.
Experience in strong fund and portfolio management.
Experience in excellent research, analytical, and organizational skills.
Proficiency in database management and MS Office Suite; familiarity with SharePoint, UNDP corporate system, and effective use of AI tool is required.
Fluency in English (oral and written) required.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Japanese is desired.
Demonstrated experience developing AI-based tools or workflow automation to improve operational efficiency is a strong asset.
Experience in capacity development and consortium/CSO management.
Experience in multi-stakeholder engagement and coordination of private sector engagement for development, particularly with Japanese companies.
Proven record managing multi-country donor portfolios coordinating across UN agencies and government stakeholders.
Experience with UNDP systems, reporting processes, and partnership management with Japanese entities.
Experience in supporting and coordinating projects for international development with the private sector.
Experience and knowledge of Japan’s administrative and fiscal systems.
Experience in SDGs strategy, human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) or corporate sustainability programmes, particularly in the context of Japanese industry or supply chains.

Responsibilities

Lead fund project management and financial monitoring of Japan-funded projects, coordinating with the Bureau of Management Services (BMS), the Global Shared Service Centre (GSSC), Regional Bureaus, and Country Offices. Oversee fund transfers, monitor financial status, and manage refunds to ensure donor compliance.
Oversee and update the Japan-funded projects database on SharePoint, ensuring accurate, real-time project status in consultation with relevant Bureaus.
Coordinate and review submissions of final narrative and financial reports and extension requests to the Government of Japan, ensuring alignment with agreed project management frameworks.
Implement MOFA’s request to improve project management by minimizing delays (reducing no-cost extensions) and ensuring the swift and accurate processing of returned unspent project funds after account settlement. Drive efficiency improvements and strengthen coordination across UNDP’s bureaus to meet these priorities.
Analyze portfolio trends by sector, region, and funding scheme; prepare strategic briefing materials for senior management, policy dialogues, and donor engagement, including inputs for the Annual Consultation and TICAD-related events.
Draft and review high-level briefing notes and reports for senior UNDP officials, ensuring accuracy, strategic messaging, and alignment with donor priorities.
Review the results framework and update the indicators, baselines, and targets of the assigned portfolio. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting.
Monitor implementation and progress in achieving goals and targets in accordance with the established quality criteria and UNDP rules, regulations, and standards. Identify, analyze, and take adequate measures to manage emerging issues, problems, and risks. Conduct field visits to project location sites.
Develop and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support key objectives and ensure inclusive implementation and participation of key stakeholders in assigned portfolio.
Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.