Project Coordinator - Fez, Morocco (Open to Internal and External applicants)

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Background

UNDP provides integrated solutions in programming, policy, and financing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, UNDP has established a Global Policy Network (GPN), a global and field-based technical expertise network covering a wide range of knowledge areas and supporting signature solutions and organizational capabilities outlined in the Strategic Plan. The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and the Crisis Bureau (CB) are the two anchoring bureaus of the GPN.

In this framework, the new Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding (GRP) Hub, a joint initiative with BPPS, provides leadership and advisory services to strengthen 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 CB and BPPS and to 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, achieve visible impact on communities, and improve lives by delivering integrated solutions that leverage global expertise and partnerships. The Local Action unit works closely with local and regional governments as key development actors, emphasizing their role as service delivery leaders, drivers of innovation, and the level of government closest to people.

Local and regional governments are already responsible for more than 65% of SDG targets, most of which relate to the delivery of basic services such as water, sanitation, mobility, climate action, health, and education. Cities and territories play an important role in implementing the SDGs, which are increasingly used as a strategic medium- and long-term planning and budgeting tool. Since 2015, local governments and their associations have become increasingly active in promoting the SDGs through advocacy, working with local populations and partners to translate the spirit of Agenda 2030 into cities and territories. Local governments have also begun using the SDGs as a strategic framework to deliver better and more innovative public services aligned with SDG targets and indicators.

Within the SDG Local Action project, UNDP is one of the implementing partners of the Mayors’ Challenge, a global initiative aimed at rethinking the most essential services cities provide to residents.

In this context, the SDG Local Action project is launching a call for applications to recruit a Project Supervisor to support the implementation of the Mayors’ Challenge in the city of Fez, Morocco, one of the winning cities of the 2025 edition.

The project “Smart Management of the Cleanliness Sector, Integration of Waste Pickers into Cooperatives, and Promotion of the Circular Economy” aims to address challenges related to informal waste recovery activities. These activities, carried out by waste pickers operating outside the formal system, are often conducted in precarious and unsanitary conditions, contributing to the spread of illegal dumping sites across the city, affecting living conditions, urban attractiveness, and public health.

Through an inclusive and structured approach, the project foresees the integration of waste pickers into formal cooperatives, ensuring respect for their dignity, access to stable income, social protection, and training programs that support their long-term inclusion and future prospects.

The innovative nature of this initiative lies in its ability to professionalize the sector while placing waste pickers at the center of the operational system. By becoming managers of collection and sorting points, they are recognized as strategic partners in urban cleanliness and recycling, actively contributing to citizen awareness and the promotion of waste sorting at source.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Coordinator will perform the following functions:

A. Support implementation of the project in the city of Fez

B. Project monitoring and reporting

C. Sharing lessons learned globally

The incumbent will perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the proper functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangements

Under the overall supervision of the Mayor of the city and the city project focal point, the Project Coordinator will report directly to the UNDP Advisor on Cities and Local Governments based in New York (USA).

Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional/Technical competencies

Business management

Business strategy

Business management

Business management

2030 Agenda: Prosperity

2030 Agenda: Engagement and effectiveness

SDG integration: Role of science, technology and innovation for SDGs. 

Business strategy

Strategic and creative thinking: Ability to approach issues in a new way through intentional and rational thinking focused on critical analysis of factors affecting long-term success.  

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Experience:

Required skills:

Desired 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.

Use of AI by candidates

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

Scam alert

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