Project Manager [Open to internal and external applicants]

UNDP; Cotabato City; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, Crisis Resilience and Peacebuilding Cluster in Mindanao, seeks a Project Manager based in Cotabato City to lead peacebuilding initiatives, stabilization, and resilience programs in conflict-affected areas.

You will collaborate with government, UN agencies, donors, and civil society to deliver results that foster social cohesion and inclusive development.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in social sciences or related field.
• Minimum five years of project management/coordination experience (Master’s) or seven years (Bachelor’s).
• Fluency in English; Filipino language proficiency is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day operations of the Peacebuilding Cluster in Cotabato City.
• Oversee project coordination, action plans, and financial delivery for fund utilization.
• Identify and resolve project issues and risks; prepare donor progress reports.

Skills

Achieve Results

Think Innovatively

Adapt with Agility

Engage and Partner

Education

Master’s degree in Social Sciences / Public Admin / Political Science / International Development / Peace & Conflict Studies

Bachelor’s degree + 2 years qualifying experience

Job description

Organizational context: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, specifically its Crisis Resilience and Peacebuilding Cluster in Mindanao, supports the country's achievement of the 2030 Agenda. This role is based in Cotabato City and focuses on peace processes, conflict prevention, and socio-economic empowerment in conflict-affected areas, contributing to resilience and inclusive development.

Job purpose: The Project Manager will lead the day-to-day operations of the Peacebuilding Cluster in Cotabato City, overseeing projects focused on stabilization, peacebuilding, resilience, preventing violent extremism, and women/youth/Indigenous Peoples empowerment. This role is crucial for shaping UNDP initiatives, ensuring effective program delivery through collaboration with diverse stakeholders including government, UN agencies, donors, and civil society. The purpose is to drive peacebuilding and development in the Bangsamoro region and the Philippines by applying global best practices to local contexts, fostering social cohesion, and supporting climate security, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and peaceful society.

Responsibilities: The Project Manager is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of peacebuilding cluster projects. This includes providing leadership in overall project coordination, developing and monitoring action plans, and managing financial delivery to ensure optimal fund utilization. Key duties involve identifying and resolving project issues, risks, and challenges, and preparing comprehensive progress reports for donors and stakeholders. The role requires organizing and participating in workshops, needs assessments, and consultations, and contributing technical inputs. Building and maintaining strong working relationships with government, UN, donor partners, NGOs, civil society, and media is essential. The Project Manager will oversee project implementation, manage project outputs, provide guidance to teams, liaise with project boards, and ensure efficient administration. This includes planning activities, mobilizing resources, managing project risks and issues, preparing financial reports, and overseeing project closure activities. Additionally, the role involves supporting strategic partnership building, resource mobilization, and contributing to knowledge management and information sharing within the UNDP country office.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Public Administration, Political Science, International Development, or Peace and Conflict Studies is required. A Bachelor's degree in a related field with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be considered. Fluency in English and Filipino is also required.

Work experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience (with a Master's degree) or seven years (with a Bachelor's degree) in project management and coordination, preferably in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, is required. Experience in preparing budgets, annual work plans, and financial reporting is necessary. At least five years of experience in sustainable area development or community-level peacebuilding is desirable.

Skills: Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Technical Competencies: Systems Thinking, Knowledge Facilitation, Project Management, Partnerships Management, Resource Management, Communication, Community engagement for prevention, response, and social cohesion.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: