Associate Project Manager

Volunteering Admin

Overview

Manage and coordinate a project aimed at strengthening the asylum system in Costa Rica.

You have:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or programmes, preferably in asylum systems, refugee protection, migration governance, justice sector reform, institutional strengthening, public administration reform or related areas.
• Proven experience in Results-Based Management (RBM), including project planning, indicator development, budgeting, forecasting, monitoring, and reporting.
• Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives and working in partnership with public institutions, international organizations and civil society.
• Experience managing projects funded by international donors, including compliance with financial, procurement, and reporting requirements.
• Strong knowledge of asylum procedures, international refugee law, and protection-sensitive case management systems is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills in English and Spanish (both required); demonstrated ability to produce policy briefs, analytical reports, and strategic documents.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

Contract

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Costa Rica has a long-standing tradition of providing protection and solutions to persons in need of international protection. In recent years, the country has experienced a significant increase in the number of asylum applications, which has placed pressure on national asylum procedures, institutional capacities and reception arrangements. Strengthening the asylum system is a priority for the Government of Costa Rica and a key area of engagement for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

UNHCR is supporting the Government of Costa Rica, in particular, the competent asylum authorities, to reinforce the fairness, efficiency and integrity of the asylum system. This support includes technical assistance on legal and policy frameworks, institutional and operational capacity-building, digitalization and case management, as well as improved coordination among relevant ministries and institutions at central and local levels.

The Project Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of a dedicated project aimed at strengthening the asylum system of Costa Rica in close partnership with the Government. The incumbent will work in direct and regular contact with government counterparts, including, but not limited to, the General Directorate for Migration and Foreigners and the relevant asylum units, as well as other ministries and institutions involved in refugee protection and migration management.

The purpose of this position is to ensure the effective planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of UNHCR’s project to strengthen the asylum system in Costa Rica, in close collaboration with government counterparts and other partners. The Project Manager will serve as the primary focal point for project-related matters, ensuring that activities are implemented in line with agreed objectives, timelines, budgets and quality standards, and that they contribute to enhanced access to fair, efficient and protection-sensitive asylum procedures.

1. Project Planning and Management 1.2 Lead the overall planning, organization and management of the asylum system strengthening project, ensuring alignment with UNHCR’s multi-year strategy, country operations plan and relevant government plans; 1.3 Develop and regularly update detailed project work plans, implementation schedules and resource plans, in consultation with government counterparts and UNHCR teams; 1.4 Oversee day-to-day project implementation, ensuring that activities are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and in accordance with UNHCR standards and donor requirements; 1.5 Manage project risks, issues and dependencies proactively; propose and implement mitigation measures and adjustments to work plans as needed; 1.6 Coordinate the preparation, revision and tracking of project budgets, in close collaboration with UNHCR Programme and Protection Units, ensuring sound financial management and compliance with UNHCR rules and regulations.

2. Government liaison and coordination 2.1 Facilitate coordination mechanisms between UNHCR and government counterparts for project planning, implementation, monitoring and review, including regular technical meetings and steering committees as required; 2.2 Support government counterparts in articulating priorities, defining project activities and identifying opportunities to reinforce institutional ownership and sustainability; 2.3 Promote coherent and complementary approaches between this project and other national efforts and international cooperation initiatives related to asylum; 2.4 Contribute to initiatives to strengthen case management systems, including digitalization, data management and information flows, in coordination with relevant government departments and technical experts.

3. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting 3.1 Maintain a project results framework, including indicators, baselines and targets, in line with UNHCR results-based management standards and any donor requirements; 3.2 Compile, analyse and interpret data and qualitative information to track progress, identify challenges and propose corrective actions; 3.3 Prepare high-quality project reports (internal and external), including progress, annual, final and ad hoc reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and alignment with agreed formats; 3.4 Lead the joint preparation and quality assurance of all contractual reports to the donor regarding the project, including inception, interim, annual and final narrative reports; 3.5 Contribute to project evaluations, reviews and learning exercises, and document good practices and lessons learned to inform future programming; 3.6 Maintain regular communication and coordination with the donor, in close collaboration with UNHCR and IOM senior management, including through briefings, participation in coordination fora, and support to visibility and communication activities in line with the project communication strategy and EU visibility requirements;

4. Other responsibilities 4.1 Provide regular briefings to UNHCR senior management and government steering structures on project progress, challenges and opportunities; 4.2 Perform any other related duties as required by the supervisor in support of the project or the broader UNHCR operation.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or programmes, preferably in asylum systems, refugee protection, migration governance, justice sector reform, institutional strengthening, public administration reform or related areas.

• Proven experience in Results-Based Management (RBM), including project planning, indicator development, budgeting, forecasting, monitoring, and reporting. • Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives and working in partnership with public institutions, international organizations and civil society; • Experience managing projects funded by international donors, including compliance with financial, procurement, and reporting requirements. • Strong knowledge of asylum procedures, international refugee law, and protection-sensitive case management systems is highly desirable. • Excellent analytical and drafting skills in English and Spanish (both required); demonstrated ability to produce policy briefs, analytical reports, and strategic documents. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

• Desirable experience: • Experience working with or within government institutions, preferably in Costa Rica or in the Latin America and Caribbean region; • Familiarity with UNHCR administrative and programme management systems. • Knowledge of Project Management Tools.

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and hosts the main government institutions, diplomatic missions and United Nations offices. It is a family duty station with access to a range of services and amenities, including health care, education, housing and recreational facilities. • Security and safety: Overall, San José is considered a relatively stable environment, although urban crime (such as theft and robbery) exists, particularly in certain areas and at specific times of day. Staff members are expected to follow United Nations security guidance, remain vigilant in public spaces, and apply basic personal security measures in daily life and travel. • Housing and cost of living: A variety of housing options are available, including apartments and houses in different neighbourhoods within commuting distance of the office. The cost of living is moderate to high compared to some countries in the region, particularly for imported goods, private schooling and certain services. It is generally possible to secure accommodation that meets UN security and safety requirements. • Health and medical services: San José offers access to public and private medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics and specialized services. Quality of care in private facilities is generally good. Staff members are advised to ensure adequate medical insurance coverage and to identify primary care providers upon arrival. •Education: For staff with accompanying dependants, San José has public and private schools, including some bilingual and international schools offering different curricula. Places in preferred schools may be competitive and tuition fees can be significant, particularly in international schools. •Transport and mobility: Public transport is available through buses and taxis, and app-based ride services operate in the city. Traffic congestion can be significant during peak hours, and commuting times may vary considerably depending on location. Many staff choose to live within reasonable distance of the office to limit travel time. •Climate and environment: San José has a mild tropical climate, with a marked dry season (approximately December to April) and rainy season (approximately May to November). Temperatures are moderate year-round due to the city’s elevation. Occasional climatic events such as heavy rains may affect transport and infrastructure. •Recreation and services: The city offers a range of cultural, sports and leisure activities, as well as restaurants, shopping centres and green areas. Costa Rica’s national parks, beaches and other natural attractions are accessible from San José within a few hours’ travel, subject to security and road conditions.

Living and working conditions may evolve over time; staff members are expected to regularly consult updated information and comply with United Nations security and administrative instructions.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: unv.org