“In-Depth Role Analysis: Area Manager, Governance and Local Development – UNDP Tunisia”

Area Manager (Responsable de Secteur) avec le PNUD en Tunisie, tel qu’annoncé sous l’identifiant de poste 26136. Cette explication comprend les éléments suivants : contexte stratégique, analyse des tâches, compétences requises, lien avec les ODD et la Vision 2035 de la Tunisie, considérations opérationnelles, et enfin une évaluation du profil idéal du candidat.

1. Contexte Stratégique et Institutionnel du Poste
1.1 Le cadre du programme pays du PNUD (2021-2025)
Le poste s’inscrit dans le cadre du Programme de coopération pays du PNUD avec la Tunisie, lequel couvre la période 2021-2025. Ce programme est axé sur l’accélération de la réalisation des Objectifs de Développement Durable (ODD), avec un accent particulier sur l’ODD 16 (Paix, justice et institutions efficaces), mais aussi sur les ODD liés à la réduction des inégalités, à la croissance économique inclusive et à l’égalité de genre.
1.2 Le portefeuille « Gouvernance comme levier du développement socio-économique »
Le portefeuille auquel est rattaché ce poste est intitulé :
« La gouvernance en tant que levier du développement socio-économique en Tunisie ».
Il part d’une hypothèse centrale :
« Une société juste, sans corruption et inclusive est essentielle pour la réalisation de la Vision 2035 de la Tunisie et de son Plan de développement national 2023-2025. »
1.3 Les quatre effets escomptés du portefeuille
Ce portefeuille est articulé autour de quatre grands effets (outcomes) :
- Effet 1 : Renforcement de la transparence et de la redevabilité pour prévenir la corruption.
- Effet 2 : Inclusion des personnes vulnérables dans l’accès aux services et opportunités économiques.
- Effet 3 : Accès équitable à la justice et à la sécurité, respectueuses des droits humains.
- Effet 4 : Production et analyse de données pour une gestion adaptative.
Le rôle du/de la Area Manager est d’opérationnaliser ces effets dans une région spécifique, en adaptant les interventions aux contextes locaux.
2. Responsabilités clés du poste
2.1 Pilotage stratégique régional
Le/la Responsable de secteur (Area Manager) est l’interface entre le niveau national et le niveau régional/local. Il/elle devra :
- Adapter la stratégie nationale aux réalités régionales.
- Conseiller la haute direction du PNUD sur les dynamiques locales (sociales, économiques, politiques).
- Fournir des analyses stratégiques continues.
- Identifier des opportunités ou risques émergents.
2.2 Coordination opérationnelle
Il s’agit d’une fonction de pilotage de programme :
- Planification des activités régionales.
- Suivi de l’exécution du portefeuille.
- Coordination avec les Conseillers Techniques Principaux (CTP).
- Intégration des dimensions genre, inclusion, environnement et conflits.
2.3 Supervision d’équipe
Le/la Area Manager est responsable :
- De la gestion du bureau régional (personnel, budget, logistique).
- De la coordination de l’équipe technique régionale.
- Du mentorat et de l’encadrement du personnel sur le terrain.
2.4 Représentation externe
Le/la titulaire agit en tant que représentant.e du PNUD auprès :
- Des gouvernorats, municipalités et directions régionales.
- Des forces de sécurité intérieure.
- Des OSC locales.
- Du secteur privé.
- Des partenaires internationaux de développement.
2.5 Gestion administrative et financière
Le rôle inclut :
- Certification des dépenses.
- Suivi des acquisitions.
- Conformité aux règles et procédures du PNUD.
- Suivi du système d’information du portefeuille.
3. Relations hiérarchiques et organisationnelles
- Supérieur direct : Représentant(e) Résident(e) Adjoint(e) (RRA).
- Superviseur principal : Team Leader « Croissance Inclusive et Développement Humain ».
- Superviseur secondaire : Team Leader « Gouvernance ».
- Collabore étroitement avec :
- Les CTP responsables des résultats 1 à 4.
- L’équipe de coordination du portefeuille.
- Les partenaires locaux.
4. Compétences techniques et comportementales attendues
4.1 Compétences fondamentales
Compétence | Niveau attendu |
---|---|
Atteindre des résultats | Niveau 3 : Définir des objectifs ambitieux et durables. |
Penser de manière innovante | Niveau 3 : Développer des solutions face à des problèmes complexes. |
Apprendre continuellement | Niveau 3 : Diversifier les expériences et élargir les perspectives. |
Agilité et adaptation | Niveau 3 : Accompagner activement le changement. |
4.2 Compétences techniques (impliquées par les tâches)
- Gestion de projet territorialisé.
- Analyse politique et institutionnelle.
- Connaissance des systèmes de gouvernance en Tunisie.
- Compréhension des normes sociales/environnementales du PNUD.
- Maîtrise de l’approche basée sur les droits humains.
- Maîtrise des outils de suivi, évaluation et rapports.
5. Profil académique et professionnel requis
Critère | Exigence |
---|---|
Diplôme académique | Master (Bac+5) avec 5 ans d’expérience ou Licence (Bac+3) avec 7 ans d’expérience. |
Langues | Maîtrise orale et écrite du français et de l’arabe. |
Expérience professionnelle | Expérience confirmée en gestion de projet de développement, gouvernance locale, ou coordination multisectorielle. |
Compétences en représentation | Capacité avérée à dialoguer avec des parties prenantes diverses. |
Connaissance du contexte tunisien | Très souhaitée, voire indispensable. |
6. Lien avec les politiques nationales et internationales
6.1 Alignement avec la Vision 2035 de la Tunisie
Ce poste s’inscrit directement dans la vision stratégique de la Tunisie pour 2035, qui prévoit :
- Un modèle de développement territorial équitable.
- Une gouvernance transparente, participative et inclusive.
- Une administration de proximité.
6.2 Contribution aux Objectifs de Développement Durable (ODD)
Le poste contribue prioritairement à :
- ODD 16 : Paix, justice et institutions efficaces.
- ODD 10 : Réduction des inégalités.
- ODD 5 : Égalité des sexes.
- ODD 11 : Villes et communautés durables.
7. Enjeux pratiques et défis du poste
7.1 Défis liés à la territorialisation
- Adapter une stratégie nationale à des réalités régionales hétérogènes (développement inégal, différences culturelles, disparités administratives).
- Promouvoir l’appropriation locale dans un contexte de centralisation historique.
7.2 Coordination multi-acteurs
- Le/la titulaire doit équilibrer les attentes divergentes des :
- Institutions publiques (priorités politiques),
- OSC (revendications sociales),
- Secteurs privés (logique économique),
- Agences de coopération (logique de résultats).
7.3 Gouvernance sensible aux conflits
- Travail dans un contexte où les tensions sociales et la défiance institutionnelle peuvent exister.
- Anticipation et gestion des risques réputationnels du PNUD au niveau local.
8. Profil idéal du candidat
Le/la candidat.e idéal.e doit démontrer :
- Une expérience significative (≥7 ans) dans des contextes de gouvernance décentralisée ou territoriale.
- Une excellente capacité d’analyse stratégique dans des contextes complexes.
- Une excellente communication en arabe et en français, tant à l’oral qu’à l’écrit.
- Une capacité de leadership avérée dans la gestion d’équipes multidisciplinaires.
- Une maîtrise des systèmes des Nations Unies est un atout, mais pas indispensable.
9. Éléments administratifs clés
Élément | Détail |
---|---|
Type de contrat | NPSA (National Personnel Service Agreement) – Niveau 10 |
Durée du contrat | 1 an renouvelable selon les performances et les financements |
Lieu d’affectation | Une région spécifique en Tunisie (à préciser à la sélection) |
Date limite de candidature | 20 mai 2025 à 05h59 heure locale |
Date de publication | 5 mai 2025 |

10. Conclusion : importance stratégique du poste
Le poste de Area Manager au sein du PNUD Tunisie est stratégiquement critique. Il s’agit d’un rôle pivot entre le niveau national et local, où la compréhension fine du terrain, la capacité à fédérer les acteurs, et la rigueur dans l’exécution des projets feront toute la différence.
Ce rôle est idéale pour un.e professionnel.le confirmé.e souhaitant contribuer à la transformation de la gouvernance en Tunisie et à l’amélioration des conditions de vie des populations à travers un engagement direct avec les acteurs régionaux.
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The Area Manager position with UNDP in Tunisia (Job ID 26136) is a national-level leadership role (NPSA-10) aimed at overseeing the implementation of a new governance-focused development portfolio across a specific region in Tunisia. This role plays a central role in driving governance as a lever for socio-economic development, aligned with Tunisia’s Vision 2035 and the national development plan (2023–2025). Below is a thorough breakdown of the job responsibilities, context, and expectations, along with a broader explanation of the environment in which this role operates.
🌍 CONTEXT: GOVERNANCE AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPMENT
This job is set within the framework of the UNDP’s new country programme for Tunisia (2021–2025). The portfolio titled “Governance as a lever for socio-economic development” builds on lessons from the prior SDG 16+ portfolio (2018–2023), and is designed to:
- Enhance transparency and accountability
- Guarantee the rights of vulnerable populations (youth, women, disabled persons, etc.)
- Build responsive and rights-based security and justice services
- Promote data-driven planning and evaluation at local levels
The work is anchored in territorial governance, meaning it uses a localized, inclusive, and human-centered approach to implement reforms and stimulate development.
🧭 POSITION OVERVIEW
As an Area Manager, you will be responsible for:
- Managing the regional implementation of the portfolio
- Advising UNDP leadership on political and socio-economic dynamics
- Representing UNDP in your designated region
- Leading a regional team and ensuring operational excellence
This role bridges strategic analysis, operational leadership, stakeholder engagement, and inter-agency coordination.
🎯 KEY OBJECTIVES & DELIVERABLES
1. Program Implementation & Quality Assurance
- Ensure local implementation of project components aligns with national-level objectives
- Monitor quality, timelines, and budgets
- Adapt activities to local political, social, and economic conditions
- Ensure compliance with UNDP’s quality standards
2. Strategic Advisory Role
- Provide real-time contextual analysis (political, social, stakeholder mapping)
- Advise senior UNDP leaders (RR, RRA, CTPs) on challenges and opportunities
- Support adaptive programming using local feedback, risks, and trends
3. Stakeholder Representation
- Represent UNDP in regional and local multi-stakeholder platforms
- Engage local authorities, ministries, CSOs, security actors, private sector, and development partners
- Strengthen regional coordination mechanisms and align with national strategies
4. Team and Office Management
- Manage local/regional UNDP office (logistics, operations, reporting)
- Supervise staff performance, organize team meetings, and ensure motivation and alignment
- Ensure compliance with operational procedures (procurement, finances, reporting)
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
- Ensure data collection and reporting tools are applied at the regional level
- Share field-based lessons to improve programming nationally
- Identify gaps in information and suggest areas for evaluation and research
🔄 COORDINATION & REPORTING STRUCTURE
The Area Manager:
- Reports directly to the Deputy Resident Representative (RRA)
- Collaborates closely with two supervisors:
- Primary: Team Leader – Inclusive Growth & Human Development
- Secondary: Team Leader – Governance
- Works in weekly coordination with portfolio team members and project managers
- Participates in a national coordination body that ensures coherence across all intervention zones
📋 TASK DETAILS BY FUNCTION
A. Strategic Analysis & Support
- Tailor activities to local context without deviating from UNDP goals
- Monitor trends and advise on emerging opportunities or risks
- Help shape UNDP’s institutional positioning at regional level
B. Operational Management
- Certify regional expenditures
- Manage procurement in accordance with UNDP procedures
- Ensure accurate record-keeping (finance, inventory)
C. Partnership Building
- Develop strategic alliances with municipal bodies, regional government offices, NGOs, private sector, etc.
- Act as UNDP’s focal point for coordination with local partners
D. Cross-Cutting Themes
- Ensure gender equality, youth inclusion, and disability rights are integrated across programming
- Embed conflict sensitivity, environmental sustainability, and human rights principles
🧠 COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Core Competencies
Competency | Level & Explanation |
---|---|
Results Orientation | Level 3 – Deliver measurable outcomes across multiple complex projects |
Innovation | Level 3 – Anticipate risks, creatively address complex issues |
Continuous Learning | Level 3 – Seek feedback, drive team learning and knowledge transfer |
Agility | Level 3 – Lead adaptive change, respond rapidly to shifting realities |
Additional Competencies:
- Leadership & Management – Direct a multi-disciplinary regional team
- Political Acumen – Navigate sensitive local dynamics diplomatically
- Partnership Development – Cultivate multi-sectoral collaborations
- Strategic Communication – Tailor messages to different stakeholder audiences
- Technical Familiarity – Governance, anti-corruption, decentralization, inclusive service delivery
📚 QUALIFICATIONS
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Education | Master’s degree + 5 years’ experience OR Bachelor’s + 7 years |
Experience | Project/programme management in governance, decentralization, public administration, local development |
Languages | Fluent in French and Arabic (spoken & written) – essential |
Other | Familiarity with the UN system and public sector reform is a plus |
🌐 LOCATION & CONTRACT
- Duty Station: Within Tunisia (assigned region)
- Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA)
- Grade: NPSA-10 (equivalent to mid-senior national role)
- Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance and budget)
- Application Deadline: 20 May 2025
✅ WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
This Area Manager role is strategic and high-impact, enabling the UNDP to translate national policy into local action. You would:
- Act as the bridge between local realities and national ambitions
- Play a key part in making governance work for people, especially the marginalized
- Be at the heart of transformational change in Tunisia’s development landscape
Would you like a tailored cover letter or resume guide for this posi
Certainly — let’s dive deeper into the Area Manager position with UNDP in Tunisia, examining how the role functions in practice, key challenges, performance indicators, examples of day-to-day activities, and the strategic impact the position holds both locally and nationally.
🧩 DEEPER JOB FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
🌐 1. Strategic Implementation at the Local Level
While national development strategies are formulated centrally, their success depends entirely on regional implementation. The Area Manager ensures that:
- UNDP’s portfolio activities are contextualized to each region’s social, political, and economic environment
- Implementation reflects local needs, sensitivities, and governance gaps
- The balance between top-down policy and bottom-up action is managed effectively
This requires adaptive management – adjusting project plans in response to emerging realities on the ground without losing sight of overall strategic objectives.
🤝 2. Stakeholder Engagement & Political Navigation
Tunisia is a politically complex country with decentralized governance structures. Each region may have:
- Its own local political dynamics (e.g., dominant parties, influential leaders)
- Varying levels of governance capacity
- Differences in public service delivery, security needs, or civil society engagement
The Area Manager must build trust-based relationships with:
Stakeholder Type | Role |
---|---|
Local Government (Municipalities, Governorates) | Implementers of decentralization and service delivery |
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) | Partners in inclusive participation, transparency, community mobilization |
Security Actors | Critical in human security and peacebuilding components |
Private Sector | Emerging player in local economic development |
Youth & Women’s Groups | Vital for inclusive governance and social innovation |
The Area Manager becomes a facilitator and convener, helping align diverse interests toward shared development goals.
📈 3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptive Learning (MEL)
A significant portion of the Area Manager’s effectiveness is measured by how well field-level implementation is monitored and adapted:
- The Area Manager oversees real-time data collection and feeds results back to national teams
- Uses qualitative and quantitative indicators to track results
- Ensures that learning from the field informs national strategy updates, improves policies, or generates new programmatic directions
🔁 Example: If a civic engagement initiative in one region underperforms due to low digital literacy, the Area Manager ensures future interventions adapt by incorporating digital training or switching to analog formats.
🧭 4. Human Rights and Inclusion Mainstreaming
All of UNDP Tunisia’s governance programming is anchored in human rights-based approaches. This means:
- Youth, women, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities must be actively involved in project planning and execution
- The Area Manager ensures that participatory planning mechanisms (e.g., town hall meetings, focus groups) are inclusive and culturally sensitive
- Barriers to participation (language, accessibility, digital divides) are identified and addressed
In practice, this could involve:
- Working with CSOs to increase women’s leadership in local councils
- Engaging youth influencers to combat misinformation or promote civic education
- Integrating accessibility into public infrastructure rehabilitation projects
🛠️ EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL TASKS
Day | Activity |
---|---|
Monday | Attend a regional council meeting to align UNDP activities with local priorities |
Tuesday | Conduct a field visit to evaluate a community justice center supported by UNDP |
Wednesday | Host a stakeholder roundtable on digital governance and service delivery |
Thursday | Supervise procurement processes for a capacity-building workshop |
Friday | Submit a regional performance report with key data insights and recommendations |
These tasks combine strategic, managerial, and operational functions in a complex ecosystem.
🔍 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
UNDP typically assesses Area Managers on:
KPI | Description |
---|---|
Implementation Rate | % of regional project activities completed on time and within budget |
Stakeholder Satisfaction | Feedback from partners and local institutions on collaboration |
Inclusion Metrics | # of women, youth, and marginalized groups participating in programming |
Learning & Adaptation | Documented adjustments made to programs based on field insights |
Compliance | Financial and operational procedures followed correctly and on time |
Results Delivered | Tangible outcomes (e.g., improved service delivery, increased civic engagement) |
Performance is also judged qualitatively — your leadership, diplomacy, and ability to navigate complexity are critical.
🧱 STRUCTURE AND SUPPORT
While the Area Manager works semi-independently in a regional office, support is available from:
- UNDP Tunisia Country Office (Tunis): for technical guidance, strategic alignment, and reporting
- Thematic Experts: justice, anti-corruption, governance innovation, etc.
- Operations Staff: finance, procurement, logistics
- UN Agencies & Development Partners: coordination in multi-agency initiatives
This matrix structure requires effective coordination and frequent communication to ensure coherence.
⚖️ CHALLENGES IN THE FIELD
Some common challenges you might face:
Challenge | Example |
---|---|
Political Sensitivity | Navigating between competing local political actors while maintaining UN neutrality |
Bureaucracy | Delays in procurement or government approvals can stall project timelines |
Security | Certain regions may pose higher risks due to local tensions or protests |
Capacity Gaps | Local authorities or CSOs may lack knowledge or resources to implement activities effectively |
Public Distrust | Citizens may be skeptical of institutions; Area Manager must promote transparency and inclusion |

💡 IMPACT OF THE ROLE
This job isn’t just about managing projects — it’s about shaping systems and institutions to deliver better governance and inclusion. Through your leadership:Comprehensive Job Analysis: Coordinateur.trice de Projet – UNDP – Kairouan, Tunisia
- Citizens gain access to justice, transparent institutions, and public services
- Women and youth are empowered to participate in decision-making
- Governance becomes more inclusive, resilient, and responsive to regional realities
📚 RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
Ideal candidates might have backgrounds in:
- Public Policy / Administration
- International Development / Human Rights
- Political Science or Sociology
- Law, especially Administrative or Constitutional Law
- Development Project Management
Previous experience with:
- Decentralization processes
- Working with municipalities or local councils
- Conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding
- Civil society capacity building
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I understand you’re seeking the official job posting for the Area Manager position with UNDP in Tunisia. While I couldn’t locate a direct link to this specific vacancy, you can explore current opportunities on the UNDP Careers website: UNDP.
To find the Area Manager position:
- Visit the UNDP Careers page: UNDP
- Use the search function: Enter keywords like “Area Manager Tunisia” or the Job ID if available.
- Filter by location: Select “Tunisia” to narrow down the listings.
If the position isn’t listed, it might be due to the application deadline passing or the vacancy being filled. For further assistance or inquiries about job opportunities in Tunisia, you can contact the UNDP Tunisia office directly: UNDP.
If you need help crafting a tailored resume or cover letter for similar roles, feel free to ask!