Project Manager

The SOFF-funded UNEP Investment Phase in Timor-Leste project aims to enhance climate adaptation and resilience through improved environmental and climate monitoring infrastructure. This involves procuring, installing, and managing equipment and capacity building for local stakeholders. The project contributes to regional climate data networks that align with UNEP and SOFF standards.

The project will strengthen in-country capacity in Timor-Leste for sustained collection and international exchange of essential surface-based weather and climate observations according to the internationally agreed Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) regulations. The implementation of GBON will significantly strengthen the provision of high-quality weather forecasts, early warning systems, and climate services at national, regional and global levels.

The SOFF-funded UNEP Project will also support the construction and procurement of met equipment such as [include AWS and Upper Air].

The Project Manager is recruited to oversee and coordinate all project activities to fulfil the following objectives:

1. To ensure timely and successful implementation in accordance with the Ministry of Transport and Communication, UNEP and SOFF guidelines.
2. Serve as the primary point of contact for the project for liaising with SOFF, UNEP, Technical Partners, SOFF Peer Advisor, DNMG, Ministry of Transport and Communication, and other key stakeholders.

The Project Manager will be responsible for the following key responsibilities:

1. Oversee and design the project plan and timeline, manage and monitor the project budget, and ensure the proper allocation and efficient utilization of resources.

2. Ensure all activities are aligned with the project objectives and timelines and comply with SOFF and UNEP standards.

3. Liaise and coordinate with relevant government agencies to ensure the integration of the budget into the national government planning process and subsequent planning stages.

4. Prepare and execute the annual work plan, procurement plan, and budget in accordance with UNEP, Peer Advisor, and DNMG schedules and work plans.

5. Prepare and submit periodic physical and financial progress reports on project activities as required by UNEP, SOFF, and MTC, in coordination with DNMG.

6. Liaise and coordinate with MTC and DNMG to ensure compliance with MTC and UNEP financial rules, regulations, and guidelines.

7. Maintain regular communication and coordination with UNEP, Peer Advisor, MTC, government agencies, local governments, and other relevant stakeholders.

8. Coordinate inception meetings, Steering Committee meetings, and other relevant stakeholder meetings and engagements.

9. Assist in the supervision of the construction of project sites.

10. Liaise with the Project Management Unit regarding the construction of project sites.

11. Oversee the construction and installation of the Upper-Air Observation System and Automatic Weather Stations.

12. Coordinate with the Procurement Section to procure project equipment and related instruments.

13. Coordinate and obtain the required approvals for the installation of equipment, construction of sites, and any other necessary clearances from relevant agencies or organizations.

14. Coordinate in-house meetings, including tender and project review sessions.

15. Ensure the effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities.

16. Facilitate and manage the annual auditing process of project activities, address audit requirements, and ensure full compliance and transparency.

17. Monitor and manage project risks effectively and review and submit appropriate resolutions to the Project Steering Committee, UNEP, and DNMG to address identified risks.

18. Prepare quarterly physical and financial progress reports and submit them to the DNMG Supervisor before submission to UNEP.

19. Coordinate SOFF activities with the ongoing GCF Project to ensure alignment of work plans, technical activities, and efficient use of resources.

20. Facilitate coordination among DNMG, the UNEP-GCF Project Unit, and other stakeholders to support effective project implementation and reporting.

21. Carry out any other additional responsibilities as assigned by DNMG and the relevant authorities.

• Education: A Master’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Development Studies, Environmental Management, Meteorology, Climate Science, Engineering, or another relevant field. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be considered where the candidate has extensive and demonstrable professional experience relevant to the position.

• Professional Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in project management, including experience in project planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, budgeting, procurement, risk management, and reporting. Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects is highly desirable.

• Donor-Funded Project Experience: Demonstrated experience in managing or coordinating donor-funded or internationally financed projects, preferably those supported by multilateral or bilateral development partners. Experience working with donor procedures, financial and administrative requirements, procurement processes, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and donor reporting requirements is an advantage.

• Project Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement: Strong ability to coordinate and work effectively with government institutions, development partners, technical experts, implementing agencies, local authorities, and other stakeholders. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to facilitate meetings, build effective working relationships, resolve coordination issues, and maintain effective communication among project partners.

• Reporting and Documentation: Proven ability to prepare high-quality technical, physical, financial, and progress reports, work plans, budgets, project documents, meeting minutes, and other required documentation in accordance with organizational and donor requirements.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical, administrative, and project-related information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Language: Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required. Knowledge of Tetum and/or Portuguese would be considered an advantage, particularly for effective coordination with national government institutions and local stakeholders.

• Additional Competencies: Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, leadership, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under deadlines. Demonstrated proficiency in standard project management and office software is also expected.