Project Manager

While graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status is a testament to Bangladesh’s developmental progress, it will bring various challenges, requiring adroit policy responses to manage the transition and prepare, especially for the loss of LDC-specific trade preferences. If Bangladesh can successfully navigate and mitigate any adverse implications for its export trade following its graduation from the LDC status, the transition should not precipitate major economic consequences, but will rather represent a natural progression in economic development. However, to navigate the transition effectively, Bangladesh must adopt a dual approach: securing extended LDC-type trade preferences as a transitional buffer and bolstering export competitiveness. 

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) will play a crucial role in the post-LDC scenario, despite facing limited resources—encompassing human, financial, and technical capacities—and programmatic support. The IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) – II project, funded by the UK government, aims to bridge these gaps, aligning closely with national priorities for a smooth LDC graduation, particularly on Bangladesh’s trade policy and trade negotiation skills, inter-ministerial coordination on compliance issues, private sector’s competitiveness, and evidence-based policy initiatives. 

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will also play a crucial role in supporting ongoing growth and economic development and reaping potential benefits from the LDC graduation. In an evolving context, Bangladesh will need to improve investment facilitation, retention, and aftercare services to attract more FDI. The IP TEPP-II project, through its Research and Analytics Unit (RAU), anchored in the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) of the Prime Minister’s Office will also support evidence-based policy reforms for improved investment climate in Bangladesh.  

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Project Manager will work under the supervision of the Senior Governance Specialist, DG Cluster. However, she/he will take technical guidance from the Senior Economic Adviser of UNDP Bangladesh. The Senior Governance Specialist will be responsible for the performance assessment of the Project Manager.
• The Project Manager will oversee the day-to-day management and coordination of the IP TEPP-II Project, ensuring that it achieves its objectives in alignment with UNDP standards. This role will involve close collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the private sector, local think tanks, and other relevant stakeholders. The key responsibilities of Project manager are outlined below:

Lead Project Coordination: 

• Lead the day-to-day management of the IP TEPP-II project, ensuring timely and effective implementation of project activities.
• Coordinate with project partners and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Commerce, BIDA, local think tanks and private sector associations to ensure alignment with project objectives.

Develop Strategic Planning: 

• Develop and implement project work plans in line with the project document, ensuring clear objectives, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress against established targets and adjust plans as necessary.

Financial Management: 

• Oversee project budgeting, ensuring adherence to financial regulations and guidelines.
• Prepare financial reports and ensure timely disbursement of funds.

Ensure Quality Assurance: 

• Maintain the highest standards of quality in project outputs and deliverables.
• Conduct regular reviews and evaluations of project activities to ensure they meet specified results.

Develop Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Foster a collaborative environment among project partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
• Organize regular meetings, workshops, and consultations to facilitate communication and collaboration.

Ensure Reporting and Documentation: 

• Prepare progress reports and documentation for stakeholders, including UNDP, FCDO, and government partners.
• Ensure proper documentation of project activities, lessons learned, and best practices.

Facilitate Capacity Building and Knowledge Management: 

• Identify training and capacity-building needs among project partners and stakeholders.
• Support the development and implementation of training programs to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the project.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field is required,
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master´s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience in project management, preferably in economic policy advocacy, governance, or development sectors.
• Proven track record of experience in multi-stakeholder project management including coordination, financial management, risk management and partnership management is an asset.
• Previous experience working in the UN agencies/ development sector/ academia/ think tanks/donor organizations, etc. is an asset.
• Working experience on economic development issues including trade and investment and public sector reforms is an asset.
• Knowledge of research techniques and data analysis.
• Prior experience in leading a project team comprising national and international experts.
• Prior experience of resource mobilization.
• Ability to make new and useful ideas work.
• Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefully.
• Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.
• Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement.
• Meets goals and quality criteria for delivery of products and services.
• Ability to identify and execute opportunities to improve operational efficiency.

Required Languages:

• Fluent in English and Bangla is required.

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/22442