Project Management Specialist

Contract

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Background

The Saudi Vision 2030 emphasized the role of urban planning and management as fundamental for city prosperity. In fact, Saudi cities have grown significantly in recent decades to accommodate about 82% of the total population. Although this urban growth has been accompanied by the steady development of advanced infrastructure, it poses daunting challenges to service provision across the vast areas in 13 regions. Along with this, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)can provide a robust framework for local development policy. In this respect, local and regional governments can support the achievement of the SDGs.

A key result sought by the Project is strengthened institutional capacity and coordination of MOMRA Deputyship of town planning with relevant institutions working on urban planning mandates. That will depend primarily on communication and establishment of systems but also on fostering partnerships. The partnership with the different central, regional and local stakeholders will be one of the key outcomes of the Project, which will concomitantly enable MOMRA to play its regulator role and phase out from provision. The Project will build on lessons learned and develop tools to scale up. The Project will also draw on UNDP and UN-HABITAT extensive networks to foster partnerships between countries and institutions.

This project has been designed to boost the capacity of the Government to achieve the objectives of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) along with their alignment with the Vision 2030. The project which will be implemented by UNDP jointly with UN-Habitat envisages the support to the NSS implementation Office established inside the deputyship of town planning with specific focus on the following outcomes:

• Improved capacity for the Implementation of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) 2030.
• Improved access to urban data between line ministries in NSS2030 platform Improved localizing sustainable urban development at national, regional and local authorities.

In addition to these outputs, the project is designed to provide advisory services in novel areas of interest to the urban planning and management sector. The project, based on available budget, will provide technical assistance to various activities operated within the deputyship of Town Planning including the emerging urban planning issues within the deputyship mandate.

Objective within the Framework of the UNDP Project

Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MoMRA) through the Saudi National Spatial Strategy Office (NSSO) is conducting six regional strategies of the regions of (Northern Boundaries, Tabouk, Qassim, Al-Baha, Jazan and Najran) and strategies for their capital cities. These projects have several tasks, deliverables and activities. The works of these strategies are conducted with close coordination with their relevant municipalities in the regions. The main task of the project management specialist is to control and monitor the project deliverables, activities and millstones within the timeframe assigned for the project. This control needs close coordination with the Project Management Office (PMO) already exist within the deputyship of Town Planning in MoMRA. Comprehensive coordination is also needed with the project managers assigned for the six strategies.

(SAUDIS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY)

Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties and responsibilities for a Project Management Specialist include:

• Creating long- and short-term plans, including setting targets for milestones, adhering to deadlines of each task and activities and maintain the project plans.
• Keep track of the projects’ progress and provide needed feedback.
• Identifying and managing potential risks and liabilities of multiple projects
• Assisting in the definition of project scope and goals
• Making effective decisions when presented with multiple options for how to progress with the project
• Serving as a point of contact for teams when multiple units are assigned to the same project to ensure team actions remain in synergy
• Communicating with executives or the board to keep the project aligned with their goals
• Performing quality control on the project throughout development to maintain the standards expected
• Adjusting schedules and targets on the project as needed
• Monitor the application of project management methodologies
• Assist the project manager with all templates needed for project management
• Evaluating the projects manager’s performance frequently and report to the PMO director
• Assist the project managers to deal with all project risks

EXPECTED KEY DELIVERABLES

• Assist the project manager in preparing detailed plans, supported by charts and sheets, to guide the daily management of the project.
• Detailed project plans, which include (project risk management plan, resources management plan, stakeholders’ management plan, etc.)
• Communicate with project team members to facilitate delivery of their tasks and address any difficulty that might arise.
• Assists the NSS Project leader on project management and human resource management and planning.

Competencies

It is expected that the candidate would have the following skills:

• Knowledge of various project management methodologies (e.g., agile/scrum and other project management soft skills)
• Proven leadership skills
• Cost and risk management skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to make important decisions under pressure
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to delegate effectively
• Time management skills
• Friendly and approachable

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master or Bachelor degree in business, management or related field. A degree in architecture or urban planning with experience in project management is preferable.
• The candidate should have also completed a certificate in Project Management Professional certified by the Project Management Institute (PMI) or any other similar certificate.

Experience:

• The candidate shall have at least 5 years of progressive professional experience relevant to project management, with preference to management of development planning and strategies.
• Experience in the work environment of a national spatial strategies' administration in an intergovernmental organization.
• Working experience in National and multi-sectoral agency such as planning agencies.
• Minimum 3 years’ relevant work experience in the Gulf Region.

Languages:

• Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required

Behavior:

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats people fairly without favoritism
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude