Project Manager, Kanifing Mayors Challenge (Open to internal and external applicants)

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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) are 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 Manager to support the implementation of the Mayors Challenge in the City of Kanifing, in the Gambia, one of the winners of the 2025 Mayors Challenge. The winning project aims to forming a new youth-led waste collection program that uses small vehicles to reach up to 60% of hard-to-access homes—creating jobs and keeping historically under-served areas clean. Kanifing’s idea reimagines waste management as a youth-driven circular economy that simultaneously tackles waste dumping and youth unemployment.

In the present time, waste collection trucks cannot reach 60% of households in Kanifing because of poor roads, forcing residents to burn or dump waste. At the same time, youth face limited job opportunities and often migrate irregularly in search of better prospects. Through this project, Kanifing will expand waste collection to 2,500 under-served households through ward-level youth cooperatives operating tricycles that can navigate narrow and unpaved roads. Households will receive bins and sensitization on waste sorting. Plastic waste will be sold to local recyclers, organic waste converted into compost, and general waste going into the landfill will be minimized through higher collection fees and continuous sensitization. Residents will also be able to use a mobile app to request pickups or report dumping and burning.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager will perform the following functions:

A. Lead project implementation in the municipality of Kanifing

B.  Track progress, document updates, and present/showcase results effectively 

C. Sharing lessons learnt at global level

D. Build and maintain UNDP’s strategic partnerships

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

Institutional Arrangements

Under the overall guidance of the City Mayor and city project focal point, the Project Manager will directly report to the UNDP Advisor on cities and local governments based in New York (USA).

Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional/Technical competencies

Business Management

Business Direction & Strategy

Business Management: Communication

Business Management

2030 Agenda: Prosperity

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness

SGD Integration: SDG Monitoring and Reporting.

Business Direction and Strategy 

 System thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Required skills:

Desired additional skills:

Language Requirements:

Professional Certificates:

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

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