Project Manager

Background

Ethiopia's rich biodiversity is under increasing threat due to rapid population growth, unsustainable resource use, and weak institutional capacity. These pressures have led to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trade, endangering both ecological integrity and local livelihoods.

As part of the GEF-8 Wildlife Conservation for Development Integrated Program (GEF-8 GWP), this project addresses key drivers of biodiversity loss through improved protected area management, expansion of protected areas, restoration of degraded ecosystems, strengthened anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts, expansion of nature-based tourism, diversified livelihood opportunities, and adaptive learning approaches to strengthen wildlife economies and community resilience.

The project delivers significant Global Environmental Benefits (GEBs), including improved biodiversity conservation, enhanced land management, 7.5 million metric tons of CO₂e mitigation, and benefits to 15,000 people (50% women). It also promotes cross-country collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy integration to ensure long-term sustainability of Ethiopia’s terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Project Planning, Coordination, and Implementation

• Oversee overall management of the project across all components.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive project plan aligned with GEF and UNDP guidelines.
• Coordinate all activities to ensure alignment with objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Review and approve work plans and terms of reference from EWCA and EBI technical teams.
• Ensure adaptive management based on monitoring and evaluation findings.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Serve as the primary liaison between EWCA, UNDP, GEF, GWP, and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, NGOs, communities, and private sector partners.
• Facilitate inclusive stakeholder consultations and coordination meetings.
• Communicate project achievements to stakeholders and the public.

3. Team Leadership and Capacity Development

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate project staff performance.
• Promote strong teamwork, ethical conduct, and capacity development.
• Provide technical guidance on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

4. Financial Management and Compliance

• Manage project budgets in compliance with UNDP, GEF, and government regulations.
• Ensure harmonized financial management across implementing institutions.
• Support resource mobilization and financial sustainability of the project.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Prepare timely and accurate reports for UNDP, EWCA, GEF, and partners.
• Produce technical reports, briefs, and knowledge products.
• Promote learning, documentation, and best practice sharing.

Institutional Arrangements and Reporting Lines

The Project Manager will work under the supervision of the Team Leader, CRES Unit (UNDP), in close coordination with the GEF Programme Specialist and UNDP programme and operations teams.

The role also requires close collaboration with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), government stakeholders, NGOs, community organizations, and development partners to ensure effective integration and alignment with national and UNDP frameworks.

Competencies

• Achieve Results: Set and deliver challenging objectives with lasting impact.
• Think Innovatively: Develop solutions and mitigate risks creatively.
• Learn Continuously: Expand knowledge and experience across contexts.
• Adapt with Agility: Manage change and competing demands effectively.
• Act with Determination: Deliver results beyond immediate constraints.
• Engage and Partner: Strengthen collaboration across institutions.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Promote inclusive and diverse work environments.

Technical Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Systems Thinking.
• Project Management and Results-Based Management.
• Stakeholder and Partnership Management.
• Digital team leadership and management.
• Expertise in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree with additional qualifying experience may be considered.

Experience

• 5–7 years of experience in protected area and wildlife management.
• At least 5 years in managing large-scale conservation or development projects (preferably GEF/UNDP funded).
• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• Experience in project planning, financial management, and M&E systems.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement with governments, NGOs, and communities.
• Experience in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development.
• Experience in knowledge management platforms (e.g., Global Wildlife Program).

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of local language is desirable.

Skills Required:

• Environmental / Natural / Resource
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development