Location: Jijiga, Ethiopia
Company: UNDP – Regional Bureau for Africa
Employment Type: Full‑Time (International Personnel Service Agreement)
Grade: IPSA‑11
Contract Duration: 1 Year
Apply Before: May 28, 2026
About the Role
UNDP, in partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), is implementing the Groundwater Access Facility for Africa Initiative (GAFA) in Ethiopia’s Somali region. The Project Manager will oversee planning, procurement, drilling, and construction of boreholes, water supply schemes, and solar/electromechanical installations. This role is critical to strengthening climate resilience, improving groundwater governance, and supporting pastoral and agropastoral communities in Jijiga and surrounding areas.
Key Responsibilities
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Planning & Supervision: Develop work plans, supervise drilling/construction teams, ensure safety and environmental standards.
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Recruitment & Training: Hire drilling personnel, train crews and local technicians, promote knowledge transfer.
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Procurement & Contract Management: Oversee procurement of equipment/supplies, manage contracts, ensure compliance with UNDP/donor regulations.
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Stakeholder Management: Act as liaison with UNDP Ethiopia, Somali Regional Water Bureau, government officials, and communities.
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Monitoring & Reporting: Track progress, prepare monthly/quarterly/annual reports, identify risks and mitigation strategies.
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Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to regulations, environmental safeguards, and safety standards.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Water Resource Management, Hydrogeology, Project Management, or related field with 7 years’ experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with 9 years’ experience.
- Proven expertise in water resource projects, borehole drilling, and construction in developing countries (Horn of Africa experience preferred).
- Strong background in procurement, logistics, contract management, and stakeholder coordination.
- Demonstrated leadership managing multidisciplinary teams in remote locations.
- Knowledge of national/regional water resource regulations.
- Experience with UN agencies, donor‑funded projects, or CIFF‑related initiatives.
- Fluency in English; Somali language is an asset.
Competencies
- Results‑driven project management and systems thinking.
- Expertise in climate change adaptation and water resource management.
- Strong skills in partnerships management, monitoring & evaluation, and risk management.
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and ethical standards.
Equal Opportunity
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should apply online via the UNDP recruitment portal before May 28, 2026.