Project Architect, Cartagena 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 Architect to support the implementation of the Mayors Challenge in the City of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, one of the winners of the 2025 Mayors Challenge. The project, led by the City of Cartagena, aims to address the conditions of street vendors in the city’s historic district. For generations, hundreds of families sell food, fruits, traditional sweets and several other items, being part of the colorful culture of the city. Over time, the conditions of this tradition have become outdated, precarious and even unhealthy. The winning idea wants to strengthen traditional vendors, improving their capacities, equipment and quality of life. As a result, the project will achieve a safer, more attractive and organized environment able to highlight the city’s beauty. This project aims to dignify the work of the traditional vendors of the Historic Centre of Cartagena. Initially, it will focus on coconut, sweets and fruit vendors, “raspaos” and visual artists. It will provide new equipment, improve their wellbeing and strengthen their skills. The objective is to recognize traditional vendors as living cultural heritage agents and promote their inclusion in the city’s tourism industry, and within the public space and urban development models. 

Through a series of activities, 142 vendors will be trained in hospitality, customer service, financial management and pride in their craft. Through counselling sessions, they will able be supported by social workers to maintain their motivation. New equipment will be made available for them to sell their goods; through co-creation and co-design of the mobile charts they use around the city.

The project results are aimed to increase the quality of life and wellbeing of the informal vendors, including increased income, as well as an improved cleanliness and organization of the public spaces.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work

The Project Architect will perform the following functions:

A. Ensure design and prototype project equipment in Cartagena

B. Sharing lessons learnt at global level

C. Establish partnerships and open channels of communication.

Develop and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support key objectives and ensure inclusive implementation and participation of key stakeholders in assigned portfolio.

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 Architect will directly report to the UNDP Advisor on cities and local governments based in New York (USA).

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

Business Direction & Strategy: Effective Decision Making

Business Management: Communication

Business Management: Working with Evidence and Data

2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness: SGD Integration

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness: Innovation

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Minimum education requirements

Experience:

Min. years of relevant work experience   

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

Required Language(s)

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.

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