Project Analyst

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

UNDP provides integrated programmatic, policy and financing solutions to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, UNDP has created a Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and the Crisis Bureau (CB) is the two anchor Bureaux of the GPN.

In this context, the newly established Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding (GRP) Hub, a joint endeavour with the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), provides leadership and advisory services to enhance UNDP’s impact on governance and peacebuilding, ensuring the integration of democratic governance and human rights into crisis response and recovery. The Hub aims to build an integrated portfolio collaboratively between the CB and BPPS and establish partnerships with various stakeholders including the UN System, IFIs, civil society, and the private sector. 

Through Local Action, the GRP Hub seeks to contribute to peace and development, achieving a visible impact on communities and improving lives by delivering integrated solutions that harness global expertise and partnerships. The Local Action Unit works closely with local and regional governments as key development players, highlighting their role as public service implementers, as drivers of innovation and the closest institution to people. 

Local and regional governments are already responsible of over 65% of the SDG targets, most of them linked to basic service provision from water, sanitation, mobility, climate action, health or education. Cities and territories are playing a big part on the implementation of SDGs, that are becoming a new tool for strategic planning and budgeting in the mid to long-term. Since 2015, local governments and their associations have been increasingly active in promoting the SDGs through advocacy, working with their local population and partners in transposing the spirit of Agenda 2030 in cities and territories. Local Governments have also started to use SDGs as a strategic framework to deliver better and more innovative public services linked to SDG targets and indicators. As part of the SDG Local Action project, UNDP is one of the implementing partners of the Mayors Challenge, a global initiative to reimagine the most essential services that cities deliver to residents.

Within this context, the SDG Local Action project is seeking to recruit a Project Analyst (NPSA 8) to support the implementation of the project in the City of Beira in  Mozambique, one of the winners of the 2025 Mayors Challenge. The project, under the title “Productive Relocation Project based on the Fish Value Chain” aims to implement an integrated model of productive relocation and climate resilience, relocating vulnerable coastal families from the neighborhood of Praia Nova to the Muave area, while strengthening the fish value chain, building resilient housing, and promoting inclusive economic development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator (NPSA 8) and in coordination with the Institutional Representative of the Municipality, the Project Analyst will perform the following functions: 

A. Overall coordination of all technical activities of the project

• Coordinate and supervise all technical components implemented under the project;
• Ensure integration and harmonization of urban, environmental, social, and infrastructural interventions;
• Oversee technical planning and sequencing of project activities;
• Work closely with the Project Supervisor in defining priorities, implementation schedules, and resource allocation from a technical perspective;
• Propose innovative and sustainable urban development solutions aligned with climate resilience and SDG localization.

B. Supervision of the technical team

• Coordinate the work of the project consultants (Civil Engineer, Architect, Environmental Expert, Economist, etc);
• Provide technical guidance and ensure multidisciplinary coherence between the different project activities.

C. Ensure quality assurance

• Ensure compliance with quality standards and resilience criteria;
• Ensure alignment between field implementation and the approved technical designs;
• Ensure technical consistency between the housing construction, market infrastructure, docking facilities, environmental restoration, and urban planning components of the project;
• Identify technical risks and propose mitigation strategies;
• Validate technical deliverables in coordination with the Project Supervisor.

D. Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing

• 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.

Institutional arrangements

The Project Analyst will report directly to the Project Coordinator, Beira Mayors Challenge

• Maintain functional reporting and coordination with the Institutional Representative of the Municipal Council. Work in close collaboration with UNDP technical advisors under the SDG Local Action framework

Competencies

Core Competencies: 

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements. 

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible. 

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Management: Project Management

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals. 

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 Direction & Strategy: Effective Decision Making

• Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

2030 Agenda: Peace Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions 

• Municipal Planning and Basic Service Delivery (including budgeting & financing) Governance Local Action (Localization and Locally led portfolios) 

Programme and Policy 2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness: Effectiveness               

• Project Quality Assurance

2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth           

• Development Planning

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Minimum education requirements             

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Urban Development, or related field is required. OR 
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Min. years of relevant work experience

• Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. 
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in urban planning, infrastructure development, urban resilience, or related areas.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams in urban or infrastructure projects;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word) and ability to review technical drawings and documentation;
• Experience in quality assurance of construction and/or urban development interventions;
• Experience working with cities and local governments;
• Experience and knowledge of urban planning regulations and infrastructure standards applicable in Mozambique;
• Experience with UNDP or other international development agencies;
• Experience and knowledge of SDG localization frameworks and climate resilience programming;
• Experience in participatory urban planning and community engagement processes;
• Familiarity with procurement processes related to infrastructure works;
• Experience working in coastal or climate-vulnerable urban environments;
• Experience in innovation-driven urban development initiatives.

Required Language(s)                

• Fluency in Portuguese and English is required. 

Professional Certificates

• Valid professional registration with the relevant professional body in Mozambique (e.g., Engineers Association, Architects Association is desired. 
• Certification or formal training in Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction, or Urban Resilience is an advantage.

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

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.