Project Specialist

Tiered Approach In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
- Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
- Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
- Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
- Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply. Background The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading organization for sustainable development within the UN system and acts as the key integrator for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP operates across headquarters, regional, and country levels, leveraging local expertise alongside global insights to deliver effective advocacy and solutions. For six decades, UNDP has worked with partners to lift millions out of poverty and expand opportunities for all. UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 is grounded in the determination to eradicate poverty—the greatest global challenge and a prerequisite for achieving the 2030 Agenda. Through the Strategic Plan, UNDP will continue supporting countries in advancing high human development while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives—prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and a healthy planet—guide its direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. All efforts are underpinned by a strong commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind. Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) brings together world‑class policy expertise, flagship global programmes, and collaborative innovation and learning networks. BPPS ensures that UNDP is not only ready for the future but actively helps shape it with governments and partners. Working closely with the Crisis Bureau (CB), BPPS supports countries in navigating complex development and crisis contexts, integrating risk considerations into programming, and strengthening results‑based management, innovation, and data‑driven approaches. The Global Policy Network (GPN) is central to this effort, mobilizing technical expertise to advance UNDP’s strategic objectives and signature solutions. Within the GPN, BPPS is responsible for developing policy and guidance, providing technical advice to Country Offices, representing UNDP in multi‑stakeholder fora, and supporting UN inter‑agency coordination across thematic areas. The Italy Africa Digital Flagship programme is implemented in close collaboration with national governments, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Italian public and private sector partners. It focuses on advancing digital public infrastructure, digital identity systems, agritech solutions, and data‑driven governance, contributing to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Within this framework, the Project Specialist will be embedded within the UNDP Rome Centre and will play a central role in ensuring effective coordination, management, and delivery of programme activities across multiple countries and stakeholders. The position will work in close collaboration with UNDP Country Offices, technical teams, and external partners. The required services will directly contribute to the achievement of programme objectives by ensuring high‑quality project implementation, alignment with donor requirements, timely delivery of outputs, and effective stakeholder coordination. The role will also support the consolidation of programme coherence across countries and thematic areas. The assignment is situated within a complex and evolving multi‑stakeholder environment, characterized by tight timelines, advanced stages of project design, and the need to align diverse partner expectations and requirements. Additional challenges include the coordination of multi‑country interventions, adaptation to specific donor formats and procedures (including AICS requirements), and ensuring consistency across projects developed in different national contexts Scope of Work: Under the supervision of Head of Political Affairs and strategic Initiatives, the Project Specialist – Digital Development will support the effective coordination, management, monitoring, and delivery of the Italy–Africa Digital Development Flagship Programme across participating countries. The Project Specialist will work in close coordination with the Digital Transformation Specialist, UNDP Count