Project Manager (Home-Based) UNDP: A Comprehensive Role Analysis and Career Guide

February 24, 2025

11 minutes read

Project Manager (Home-Based) – UNDP

Location: New York, United States (Remote)
Contract Type: International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-10)
Duration: 1 Year (with potential renewal)
Salary/Compensation: Not specified

About the Role

This position is part of the UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) within the Nature, Climate, and Energy (NCE) Hub. You will manage Phase 3 of the Environmental Governance Programme (EGP), which focuses on improving governance in the mining sector. The project is particularly important due to the increasing demand for minerals required for the global energy transition.

Key Responsibilitieshttp://UNDP Project Manager (Home-Based) Job Posting

1. Project Management & Implementation

Develop detailed work plans, budgets, and monitoring strategies to ensure project success.
Oversee implementation across five focus countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Kenya, Argentina, and Colombia.
Ensure coordination among UNDP Headquarters, Country Offices, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Swepa), and other stakeholders.
Provide technical support to partner organizations.
Support fundraising and resource mobilization efforts.

Act as a liaison between UNDP offices, international agencies, and stakeholders.
Ensure alignment between climate action, governance, and biodiversity initiatives.
Manage UN inter-agency collaboration related to minerals and sustainable development.
Develop training materials, reports, and advocacy documents.

3. Monitoring & Evaluation

Define project indicators and track progress.
Identify and address risks or challenges.
Conduct field visits to assess project impact.
Prepare performance reports for UNDP and donors (such as Swepa).

Qualifications & Experience

Required

Education:@vacancyspaces.com
- Master’s degree in Public Administration, Policy, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
- A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable if combined with 7 years of experience.
Experience:
- At least 5 years (with a Master’s) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s) of experience managing sustainable development projects.
- Experience with results-based project management, budgeting, and monitoring.
- Experience working with international organizations or UN agencies.
Languages:
- Fluency in English is required.

Preferred (Desirable Skills)

Experience in environmental governance, extractive industries (mining), or climate policy.
Experience developing knowledge products, training materials, and advocacy strategies.
Familiarity with UNDP policies, procedures, and reporting standards.
Previous collaboration with Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Swepa) is a plus.

Competencies & Skills

This job requires:

Project Management Skills – Ability to lead multi-country programs and track progress.
Strategic Thinking – Ability to analyze complex policies related to mining, sustainability, and governance.
Stakeholder Engagement – Experience working with governments, NGOs, and private sector partners.
Knowledge Sharing & Training – Ability to develop learning resources and train teams.
Interagency Collaboration – Experience coordinating with UN organizations or other development agencies.

Work Environment & Conditions

Fully remote position (home-based) but may require travel to project locations.
The role requires flexibility in working hours due to different time zones.
The selected candidate must have their own laptop, internet, and phone for remote work.

Why Apply?

Lead a high-impact environmental governance project across multiple countries.
Work with top international experts in climate policy, governance, and human rights.
Gain exposure to global policy frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Work with a reputable UN agency with opportunities for career advancement.

Application Deadline

Apply before March 1, 2025 (6:59 AM UTC).

Project Manager (Home-Based) – UNDP

Job Location: New York, United States (Remote)

Contract Type: International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-10)

Contract Duration: 1 Year (Possibility of Extension)

Salary/Compensation: Not specified

Introduction to UNDP & Its Mission

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a leading agency within the United Nations (UN) System that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, governance, and climate action. The organization operates in over 170 countries and territories, working with governments, civil society, and the private sector to help build resilient nations.

UNDP is committed to:

Sustainable development through strategic policy implementation.
Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Climate action, nature conservation, and renewable energy expansion.
Strengthening governance and human rights protections at global and national levels.

The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is the division responsible for policy formulation, technical assistance, and advocacy. Within BPPS, the Nature, Climate, and Energy (NCE) Hub works to integrate environmental and human rights issues into national policies and governance frameworks.

The Environmental Governance Programme (EGP) and Phase 3

The Environmental Governance Programme (EGP) is a major initiative within the UNDP that was launched in 2014, in partnership with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Swepa) and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The program is designed to enhance governance in mining sectors, ensuring that extraction processes are sustainable, socially responsible, and aligned with global environmental standards.

The Phase 3 (2025-2028) of the EGP aims to build upon previous successes and will focus on five key countries:

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Zambia
Kenya
Argentina
Colombia

These nations were chosen based on their rich natural resources, challenges related to climate vulnerability, economic development, and mining governance, and their need for better regulatory frameworks to protect biodiversity and indigenous rights.

Key issues addressed in Phase 3 include:

Growing global demand for critical minerals due to the energy transition.
Biodiversity loss, pollution, and ecosystem degradation caused by mining.
Human rights violations, including displacement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Environmental justice and sustainable land use policies.
Strengthening national regulatory systems for improved environmental oversight.

Role of the Project Manager

As the Project Manager for Phase 3 of the EGP, the selected candidate will be responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and implementing this critical initiative. The role involves high-level strategic management, policy development, inter-agency collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Key Responsibilities

The role is multi-dimensional and requires expertise in policy formulation, project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and impact assessment. The main responsibilities are categorized into three major areas:

1. Project Management & Implementation

The Project Manager will lead the strategic execution of Phase 3 by:

Developing comprehensive work plans that outline project deliverables, expected results, and impact assessments.
Ensuring full compliance with UNDP’s financial and project management guidelines (POPP/PPM).
Overseeing a team of 20+ experts and consultants working across multiple thematic areas, including environmental law, human rights, and economic development.
Monitoring budgets, tracking expenditures, and ensuring efficient allocation of funds.
Providing technical assistance to UNDP’s Country Offices, ensuring that program execution is context-sensitive and meets local needs.
Managing risks and developing mitigation strategies to navigate complex political, economic, and environmental challenges.
Ensuring successful coordination between various stakeholders, including Swepa, Sida, local governments, NGOs, and private sector partners.
Leading fundraising and resource mobilization efforts, identifying potential new donors and investment opportunities.

The Project Manager will be responsible for:

Advising and supporting UNDP Country Offices, regional teams, and policy units on sustainable mining governance.
Facilitating inter-agency coordination, particularly within the UN Working Group on Transforming Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development and Critical Energy Minerals Initiatives.
Ensuring that EGP’s policy recommendations are aligned with major international agreements, such as:
- Paris Agreement (Climate Change)
- Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
- UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
Producing high-quality research papers, case studies, and learning materials that contribute to global discussions on mining governance.
Organizing training sessions, workshops, and webinars for policymakers, environmentalists, and development practitioners.
Developing advocacy campaigns to promote responsible mining practices, particularly in vulnerable communities.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment

Defining key performance indicators (KPIs) and setting clear monitoring frameworks.
Conducting field visits to assess project progress and engage with local stakeholders.
Preparing annual and quarterly reports for Swepa, Sida, and UNDP leadership.
Ensuring transparency and accountability by tracking project spending and verifying compliance with international best practices.
Identifying challenges, making recommendations, and ensuring continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Minimum Academic Requirements

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Policy, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
Bachelor’s degree accepted if combined with 7 years of experience instead of 5.

Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) in project management, international development, or environmental governance.
Experience in results-based project implementation within international organizations or UN agencies.
Previous experience working with donor-funded programs (such as Sida, Swepa, or similar institutions).
Proven ability to develop policies and strategies for sustainable development and climate action.
Experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly with governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Preferred (Additional Assets)

Familiarity with UNDP project management policies (POPP/PPM).
Previous work on environmental governance and sustainable resource management.
Experience in developing knowledge-sharing products, training programs, and advocacy materials.
Prior experience collaborating with Swepa or other Swedish development agencies.

Core Competencies & Skills Required

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

Project Management Expertise – Strong ability to lead multi-country projects.
Policy Analysis & Development – Capacity to analyze governance issues and recommend solutions.
Stakeholder Engagement – Proven ability to work with governments, NGOs, and international donors.
Strong Communication & Advocacy Skills – Ability to prepare reports, policy briefs, and training materials.
Monitoring & Evaluation – Skilled in tracking project performance and impact assessment.

Work Environment & Logistics

Fully remote position (home-based).
Occasional travel required to project sites and UNDP offices.
Flexible working hours to accommodate time zone differences.
Candidate must have own laptop, internet connection, and phone.

Conclusion & Application Process

This is a high-impact leadership role with significant opportunities to influence international policies on climate governance, human rights, and mining sustainability.

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (6:59 AM UTC).

Project Manager (Home-Based) – UNDP

A Comprehensive Role Analysis

1. Introduction to UNDP and Its Global Impact

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the most influential UN agencies, leading global efforts in sustainable development, environmental governance, poverty reduction, and social justice. With operations in over 170 countries, UNDP plays a critical role in helping governments and communities tackle complex challenges such as:

Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation
Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation
Poverty Eradication & Economic Inclusion
Sustainable Energy Transition
Governance, Human Rights & Social Justice

At its core, UNDP’s mission is to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, aligning policies and governance structures to promote long-term prosperity, equality, and environmental sustainability.

1.1. The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)

Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is responsible for:
✅ Developing global policies and best practices for sustainable development.
✅ Providing technical expertise to UNDP Country Offices and national governments.
✅ Managing large-scale environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs.
✅ Mobilizing international funding for climate resilience and green economy projects.

1.2. The Nature, Climate, and Energy (NCE) Hub

The Nature, Climate, and Energy (NCE) Hub is a specialized division within BPPS focused on environmental governance, climate action, and sustainable energy. The Project Manager (Home-Based) – UNDP will work within this hub, leading the Environmental Governance Programme (EGP) – Phase 3.

2. The Environmental Governance Programme (EGP) – Phase 3 (2025-2028)

The Environmental Governance Programme (EGP) is one of UNDP’s flagship initiatives, originally launched in 2014 in collaboration with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Swepa) and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

EGP is designed to improve governance in the extractive industries sector (mining, oil, and gas), ensuring that natural resource extraction aligns with human rights, environmental conservation, and sustainable economic development.

2.1. Objectives of Phase 3

The upcoming Phase 3 (2025-2028) aims to:
✅ Strengthen environmental regulations and legal frameworks for mining governance.
✅ Promote responsible mining practices that minimize ecosystem degradation.
✅ Protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights from displacement and exploitation.
✅ Reduce environmental pollution from mining waste and toxic materials.
✅ Enhance corporate accountability in the global minerals supply chain.
✅ Integrate climate resilience and sustainability policies into mining governance.

2.2. Key Countries Involved

Phase 3 will focus on five key countries with significant natural resource reserves:
1️⃣ Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Rich in cobalt, copper, and gold; faces issues of illegal mining, corruption, and environmental destruction.
2️⃣ Zambia – One of the world’s top copper producers, with concerns over deforestation, soil contamination, and indigenous land rights.
3️⃣ Kenya – Emerging mining sector with growing investments in gold and rare earth minerals.
4️⃣ Argentina – Key supplier of lithium, a critical mineral for renewable energy technologies.
5️⃣ Colombia – Significant deposits of coal, gold, and emeralds, but affected by armed conflict, illegal mining, and deforestation.

By targeting these nations, EGP Phase 3 aims to drive structural reforms that enhance environmental protections, human rights, and corporate accountability.

3. The Role of the Project Manager

3.1. Position Overview

The Project Manager (Home-Based) – UNDP will lead the implementation of EGP Phase 3, ensuring that the program achieves its governance, sustainability, and human rights objectives.

This is a highly strategic leadership role requiring expertise in policy development, stakeholder engagement, financial management, and environmental governance.

3.2. Key Responsibilities

A. Project Implementation & Execution

📌 Develop detailed work plans for implementing governance reforms in mining sectors.
📌 Ensure full compliance with UNDP’s project management guidelines (POPP/PPM).
📌 Supervise a team of technical experts, researchers, and country coordinators.
📌 Monitor program budgets, track expenditures, and ensure efficient fund allocation.
📌 Identify risks (political, economic, environmental) and develop mitigation strategies.
📌 Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements.

B. Policy Development & Regulatory Strengthening

📌 Support governments in drafting mining regulations that align with environmental and human rights standards.
📌 Advise on policy solutions for balancing economic growth and ecosystem protection.
📌 Promote the adoption of global sustainability frameworks, including:

Paris Agreement (Climate Change)
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

C. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

📌 Work closely with governments, NGOs, private sector leaders, and Indigenous communities.
📌 Facilitate high-level discussions between policymakers and international agencies.
📌 Build alliances with mining companies to promote ethical supply chains.

D. Knowledge Management & Advocacy

📌 Develop training materials, research reports, and policy briefs.
📌 Host webinars, workshops, and conferences to promote knowledge sharing.
📌 Advocate for stronger environmental governance at international forums.

E. Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment

📌 Define KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure success.
📌 Conduct field assessments and impact evaluations in target countries.
📌 Ensure transparency in data collection, reporting, and donor communications.

4. Qualifications & Requirements

4.1. Education Requirements

✅ Master’s degree in Public Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Environmental Policy, or related fields.
✅ Bachelor’s degree considered if the candidate has 7+ years of experience.

4.2. Work Experience Requirements

✅ Minimum 5 years of experience (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s).
✅ Proven track record in project management within international organizations.
✅ Experience in policy advisory, governance reforms, and stakeholder engagement.
✅ Previous work with donor-funded projects (e.g., Sida, Swepa, UNDP, EU).

4.3. Key Competencies

✅ Project Management & Strategic Planning
✅ Strong Analytical & Policy Development Skills
✅ Financial & Budgetary Oversight
✅ Inter-agency Coordination & Diplomacy
✅ Communication & Public Advocacy

5. Compensation, Work Environment & Career Prospects

📍 Fully remote position (Home-Based).
📍 Occasional travel required to project sites and international conferences.
📍 Competitive salary (dependent on UNDP’s IPSA-10 pay scale).
📍 Potential career growth into higher leadership roles within UNDP and the UN system.

6. Conclusion: Why This Role Matters

This position offers an unprecedented opportunity to:
🔹 Influence global environmental and governance policies.
🔹 Protect vulnerable communities from exploitation and displacement.
🔹 Promote ethical and sustainable mining practices worldwide.
🔹 Strengthen international cooperation in natural resource management.