Project Manager

UNDP Bangladesh’s Democratic Governance programming aims to accelerate effective governance so that all citizens can openly and peacefully contribute to Bangladesh’s development story. It focuses on making the country inclusive, capable, rule-based accountable, and transparent by 1) strengthening effective and accountable governance that responds to the need of people in addressing equitable and improved access to justice and rule of law, 2) strengthening civil society and promoting participatory governance to ensure that the voice of all citizens are heard, and 3) enhancing civic, political and economic empowerment of women and youth.

The Government of Bangladesh, through its 8th Five Year Plan (2021–2025), prioritizes enhancing access to justice under Key Area 2a: Justice and the Rule of Law. The Plan commits to strengthening NLASO’s capacity to reach poor and marginalized groups, fostering partnerships with NGOs and CSOs for broader legal aid coverage, and conducting diagnostic assessments to inform innovative, needs-based legal aid delivery. These efforts aim to reduce case backlogs and ensure inclusive, equitable justice.

UNDP Bangladesh will be implementing Digital Legal Aid in Bangladesh project in partnership with Ministry of Law to promote rule of law and human rights in Bangladesh. The project has two specific objectives:

Digital Legal Aid in Bangladesh project is looking to recruit a Project Manager who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project and ensure achievement of the programme results and outputs, provide technical and managerial oversight as part of the project management team and ensure efficient delivery, build new partnerships and increase resource mobilization. The successful candidate will ensure that project activities are aligned with sustainable development principles and coordinate with other projects in the Democratic Governance portfolio and other UNDP units.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Assistant Resident Representative/Programme Analyst of the DG Cluster, and in close collaboration with the Senior ROL Advisor, the Project Manager will perform the above-mentioned responsibilities in coordination with team other cluster members.

This position involves delivering high-quality technical support and will be responsible for the overall strategic and operational leadership of the project. This includes overseeing planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of results aligned with the approved Project Document and UNDP’s development priorities.

The incumbent will manage project finances, supervise personnel—including staff and consultants—and ensure effective coordination with UNDP internal units, government counterparts, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders. A key focus will be on building inclusive partnerships, facilitating policy dialogue and advocacy, strengthening national capacities, and supporting resource mobilization efforts.

In addition, the role emphasizes proactive stakeholder engagement, robust knowledge management, and continuous alignment of project interventions with UN values and UNDP’s strategic frameworks. The incumbent is expected to foster an enabling environment for innovation, accountability, and sustainable impact.

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative/Programme Analyst, Democratic Governance Cluster, and in close coordination with the Senior Advisor on Rule of Law, Justice, and Security, the Project Manager will carry out the following key responsibilities:

1. Lead the strategic planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the project to ensure the delivery of expected outputs and outcomes in line with the approved Project Document.

2. Manage project finances, supervise staff and consultants, and coordinate closely with UNDP units, government counterparts, development partners, and other stakeholders.

3. Maintaining collaborative working relationships among key project partners and Development Partners, through effective communication, consultation and reporting 

4. Aligning the project with UN values and UNDP priorities:

5. Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s).

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.  

Competencies

Core Competencies:

People Management:

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site [link removed]

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

General (across the functions)    

Partnership management    

Partnership management    

2030 Agenda: People    

2030 Agenda: Prosperity    

Business Direction & Strategy    

Business Development    

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Required skills:

Desired additional skills and competencies:

Required Languages:

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.

Scam alert

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