National Project Officer

The National Project Officer will provide technical expertise in overall project oversight, including project planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting to support the implementation of projects aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals. The role involves managing project activities, coordinating with partners, and facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Responsibilities

• Ensure effective and efficient implementation of projects through project planning, monitoring, and oversight including establishment of project dashboards and an Implementation Support Unit.
• Lead and advise the project team on the achievement of specific results detailed in the annual work plan, including development of semi-annual workplans.
• Ensure achievement of outputs/results in line with approved work plans through day-to-day planning, management coordination, and implementation of activities.
• Provide support in identifying new project activities in close coordination with counterparts.
• Organize and lead team status meetings for projects as stipulated in project documents.
• Ensure accountability for and efficient use of project funds.
• Participate in various fora.
• Lead recruitment and management of experts and staff in accordance with UNDP guidelines.
• Coordinate work of consultants and subcontractors ensuring timely delivery and effective synergy.
• Document lessons learned and make recommendations for more effective implementation and coordination.
• Provide analysis and research in priority thematic areas relevant to Saudi Arabia’s development context.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret economic and statistical data and produce relevant reports.
• Assess macro-economic policies and their impact on poverty reduction, growth, and equity.
• Advise on possible areas for UNDP support and adjustment of ongoing programmes to align with national policies and priorities.
• Produce and launch economic reports including National Human Development Reports.
• Support and facilitate dialogue on sustainable development issues with government and partners.
• Provide policy and programming advice for development planning and policy formulation at various levels.
• Identify and analyze interventions impacting multiple development goals simultaneously.
• Monitor and report progress related to SDGs and national development frameworks.
• Maintain close coordination with project partners to ensure synergies.
• Contribute to dissemination and visibility of project achievements and support information exchange mechanisms.
• Advise on inclusion of communications components in programme and project formulations.
• Coordinate project implementation with government, UN, and development partners.
• Contribute to analysis of key development and sectoral policies and identify collaboration opportunities.
• Monitor and follow up on project progress according to UNDP procedures.
• Ensure timely submission of financial and activity reports by implementing partners.
• Update project risk logs and lessons learned logs regularly.
• Prepare high quality and timely donor reporting including narrative and financial reports.
• Apply UNDP programming tools and policies based on Results Based Management principles.
• Keep abreast of UNDP programming practices and maintain knowledge through continuous learning.
• Brief and consult with senior management on project progress and provide advice.
• Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to assigned thematic areas.
• Organize training, workshops, and capacity building activities involving technical experts and stakeholders.
• Identify, synthesize, and document best practices and lessons learned from projects and partners.
• Participate in knowledge networks and communities of practice and support establishment of knowledge platforms.
• Promote advocacy on development trends and collaboration opportunities with partners and UNDP communications staff.
• Perform other duties as necessary for efficient functioning of the Office and Organization.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Project Management, Business Administration, Law, Political Sciences, Urban Planning, or any discipline relevant to Sustainable International Development is required, or a first-level university degree (bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 5 years (with advanced university degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of experience in economics, project management, including planning, executing, and monitoring international or cross-border projects, proven experience in international affairs, government relations, or a related area.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of web-based management systems.
• Experience working with networks and liaising with relevant counterparts.
• Project Management Certification, such as Prince2 or PMP (desired).
• Work experience with the UN and international organizations (desired).
• Experience with UN Results-based Management, and Monitoring and Evaluation approach (desired).
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Skills

• Project Management
• International Project Planning
• Project Monitoring
• Project Reporting
• Economics
• Government Relations
• Cross-border Program Management
• Office Applications
• Web-based Management Systems
• Network Liaison
• Result-Based Management
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Prince2
• PMP Certification
• Capacity Building
• Knowledge Sharing

Languages

Arabic, English