The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a National Project Officer (Insurance and Risk Finance) to support its ongoing work in Thailand and potentially across the Asia-Pacific region. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and implementing critical projects under the overall guidance of the Senior Development Economist and the technical support of the Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) Regional Specialist.
This role requires a highly skilled individual with expertise in finance, economics, and development management. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing development projects, particularly those related to insurance, risk finance, and economic policy reforms. The National Project Officer will play a vital role in shaping and delivering sustainable solutions to enhance risk management and insurance practices in the country, aligning these efforts with broader development goals.
Key Responsibilities of the National Project Officer
The National Project Officer will undertake a broad range of responsibilities under the direct supervision of the Senior Development Economist, with technical support from the IRFF Regional Specialist. These responsibilities will focus on ensuring effective project management, fostering stakeholder relationships, and mobilizing resources. Below are the main duties:
- Effective Project Management and Resource Mobilization
The National Project Officer will ensure that the project is managed efficiently and effectively, with a clear focus on resource mobilization. The officer will collaborate with the UNDP Country Office and the Global IRFF Team to develop and update work plans and budgets. These work plans and budgets must be submitted promptly during the bi-annual budget revision periods (on June 30 and December 31 each year). Furthermore, the officer will manage the strategic implementation of the country work plan and oversee the establishment of relationships with key stakeholders in government, the private sector, and the broader development community.
- Supervision and Coordination
The officer will supervise the work of contracted national experts and institutions to ensure that the outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet high-quality standards. The officer will also be responsible for organizing workshops and consultations with a wide variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private-sector players, NGOs, donors, and academia. These workshops will serve as platforms for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
- Alignment with Country Office Portfolio
One of the key tasks of the National Project Officer is to ensure that the insurance and risk finance work aligns with other ongoing initiatives in the UNDP Country Office portfolio. The officer will actively seek opportunities for resource mobilization and collaborate with other teams to maximize the impact of the project. This may involve identifying potential funding sources or collaborating with other stakeholders in development finance.
- Risk Identification and Mitigation
The officer will be responsible for identifying any potential risks that could hinder the successful implementation of the project at the national level. These risks should be communicated promptly to the UNDP team, along with proposed mitigation measures. The officer will also monitor national deliverables and propose corrective actions in cases of delays or setbacks.
- Communication and Advocacy
A critical aspect of the role involves developing various communication products, including briefing notes, case studies, press releases, web articles, and other media materials. These products will be used to communicate the progress and outcomes of the project to stakeholders and the wider public. The officer will also contribute to technical reports, facilitating research and writing/editing sections related to the project’s scope.
- Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building
The National Project Officer will play an active role in knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives related to insurance and risk finance. The officer will document best practices, lessons learned, and innovative mechanisms developed during the project and ensure that these are shared with project partners. Additionally, the officer will participate in and contribute to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and project-related forums.
- Promote Advocacy and Development Trends
The officer will promote advocacy on development trends and opportunities related to insurance and risk finance. This will involve working closely with project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP’s communication staff to increase visibility and awareness of the project’s objectives and outcomes. The officer will also help coordinate with various organizations to leverage collaboration opportunities and drive forward the agenda of sustainable finance and risk management.
- Other Duties
The National Project Officer will perform additional tasks as required by the Senior Development Economist and the UNDP office. These may include supporting general project administration, facilitating communication between various stakeholders, and assisting with any other requirements that may arise for the efficient functioning of the project and the organization as a whole.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To be considered for this position, the candidate must meet specific educational, experience, and language requirements. Below are the key qualifications:
- Educational Qualifications
The ideal candidate should hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Finance, Economics, Development Management, Public Policy, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) combined with at least two years of additional relevant experience will also be considered.
- Experience
– Minimum Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant experience in economic and financial policy formulation (with a Master’s degree), or four years of relevant experience (with a Bachelor’s degree).
– Development Finance: Experience in working on development finance solutions, specifically in Thailand or another Asia-Pacific economy, is highly desirable.
– Public and Private Fina: A solid understanding of substantive policy issues in public and private financing, with a focus on insurance and risk finance, is essential.
– Consultations and Dialogue Facilitation: Proven ability to lead consultations and facilitate dialogues among senior government officials, private sector leaders, and other senior stakeholders.
– Public Policy Reforms: Demonstrated experience in working with government entities on public policy reforms, especially in collaboration with international organizations and agencies.
– Project Management: Experience in the implementation of projects relevant to insurance, risk finance, sustainable finance, or financial inclusion is highly desirable.
– Data Collection and Analysis: Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and statistical tools for project management and monitoring purposes.
– Subnational Financing: Knowledge and experience in financing policies at subnational levels are an added advantage.
- Language Skills
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Thai is required for this position. This is essential for effective communication with both local stakeholders and international teams.
Application Process
To apply for the UNDP National Project Officer (Insurance and Risk Finance) position, candidates should submit their applications through the UNDP careers portal. The application must include a detailed CV, a cover letter outlining the candidate’s qualifications and experience, and any other documents required by the specific application process. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that their application reflects the criteria and skills outlined in the job description.
Candidates who meet the required qualifications will be shortlisted for an interview, where they will be assessed on their technical expertise, project management experience, and ability to work in diverse and complex environments.
The role of National Project Officer (Insurance and Risk Finance) at UNDP presents an exciting opportunity for professionals with a strong background in finance, economics, and development management. The position offers the chance to work on a highly impactful project in Thailand and potentially across the Asia-Pacific region, where the successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of sustainable finance and risk management policies. Through this position, the National Project Officer will help drive positive change and make a significant contribution to the region’s development goals.
For individuals passionate about development finance and risk management, this position represents an excellent career opportunity within a globally respected organization.
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