World Tourism Organization

(Roster) Project/Programme Management

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Duty station
🇸🇦 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Country / area
Saudi Arabia
Region
Asia
UN system
Other Intergovernmental
Category
Service Contract
Grade or Area
Area I
Type of post
Service Contract
Department
To be determined

About this role

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is establishing a roster of service contract holders for Project/Programme Management roles, including Senior Project Specialist, Project Specialist, and Project Associate, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These positions involve supporting the effective delivery of project implementation services, ensuring operational management, and transparent resource utilization. Responsibilities vary by level: Senior Specialists innovate development programmes and design project portfolios; Specialists assess proposals and coordinate resources; Associates oversee support activities like procurement and budget monitoring. Candidates must possess relevant academic degrees and progressively responsible professional experience in fields related to UNWTO's activities. Fluency in English is essential, with Arabic and other official languages as assets. The roster is valid for two years, with assignments lasting up to 24 months, extendable to four. Remuneration ranges from SAR 9,500 to SAR 30,000 monthly, plus health insurance and pension contributions. Applications are submitted via an online system, with selection involving screening, competitive exams, and interviews.

Key requirements

  • Fluency in English
  • University degree in related field
  • 3-5 years professional experience

Nice to have

  • Fluency in Arabic
  • Fluency in another official language
  • Good working knowledge of Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian

Requirements at a glance

Min. experience
Minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in a field related to the activities of the department (for Type 3A/3B/3C); Minimum of four years (for Type 4A/4B); Minimum of five years (for Type 5A/5B).
Required degree
University degree in a field related to the activities of the department; an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) for Type 5A/5B. A university degree in another discipline may be accepted in lieu if pertinent to the requirements of the post and in combination with relevant professional experience.
Languages
English

Call for Expression of Interest (Roster)

Associated Titles: Senior Project Specialist Project Specialist Project Associate

Duty Station: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reference: UNWTO/HHRR/CFE/31/HHRR- R1/2021

Start Date: To be determined Area: I – Project/Programme Management

Department: To be determined Duration of contract: Up to 24 months Contractual Status: Service Contract Deadline for Applications: Ongoing

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

UNWTO is currently looking for interested candidates to be part of its Roster of service contract holders in the area of Project/Programme Management under the following associated titles : Senior Project Specialist, Project Specialist and Project Associate. Considering the demands of the work programme of the Organization, these positions are assigned to specific departments and they are responsible for the effective delivery of project implementation support services ensuring effective operational management of projects and transparent utilization of the Organization´s resources.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the designated supervisor , the incumbent of these positions will be responsible for some of the following key functionalities, which may vary depending on the assigned department.

Senior Project Specialist

  • Innovates development programme in a major sector of activity;
  • Designs project portfolios and promote s organization’s capacity as a reliable partner with national counterparts;
  • Ensures coordination of sectoral activities with broader programmes;
  • Advocates on behalf of organization’s goals;
  • Designs sectoral programme initiatives to support broader programme goals;
  • Assesses project proposals for relevance and coherence;
  • Organizes project execution consistent with programme objectives engaging counterparts and building reputation for quality design and reliable delivery.

Project Specialist

▪ Assesses project proposals for quality and consistency; ▪ Identifies project delivery issues and ensure s effective coordination of project resources;

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  • Works closely with counterparts to build cooperative relationships and establish the organization as an effective partner;
  • Reviews project components, develops project resource profiles and timelines;
  • Assesses delivery issues and works with counterparts to buil d common understanding and coordination on project activities.

Project Associate

  • Oversees support activities in project implementation including procurement, recruitment and operations logistics;
  • Assesses support requirements against project objectives a nd operating environment;
  • Prepares project financial statements and manage s project budgets, monitoring expenditures against established allocations;
  • Organizes statistical data on project implementation which supports transparent management of project resources;
  • Supports procurement and recruitment related project activities.

Note: The functions indicated above are generic and may not always be applicable, nor comprehensive, for all positions under the associated job titles.

REQUIREMENTS

Academic and Professional Experience

Following a vetting process, the successful candidates would be placed in one of the following types of assignment depending on the academic background and professional experience:

Type of Assignment Academic Background Professional Experience

Type 3A/3B/3C

University degree in a field related to the activities of the department; a university degree in another discipline may be accepted in lieu if it is pertinent to the requirements of the post and in combination with relevant professional experience.

Minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in a field related to the activities of the department. Type 4A/4B University degree in a field related to the activities of the department; a university degree in another discipline may be accepted in lieu if it is pertinent to the requirements of the post and in combination with relevant professional experience. Minimum of four years of professional experience in a field related to the activities of the department.

3 Type 5A/5B Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field related to the activities of the department; an advanced university degree in another discipline may be accepted in lieu if it is pertinent to the requirements of the post and in combination with relevant professional experience. Minimum of five years of professional experience in a field related to the activities of the department-

Languages

▪ Fluency in English is essential; ▪ Fluency in Arabic is a strong asset; ▪ Fluency in another official language of the Organization may be required; ▪ Good working knowledge of another of the official languages of the Organization (Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) is an asset.

Computer Skills

▪ Computer literacy in Microsoft Office software and Windows 10. Other Skills and Competencies

▪ Excellent communication skills; ▪ Planning and organizing skills; ▪ Flexibility, tact and discretion; ▪ Ability to work harmoniously with people in an international environment; ▪ Previous experience in the United Nations or another international organization would be a strong asset.

Note: The requirements indicated above are generic and may not always be applicable, nor comprehensive, for all positions under the associated job titles.

Remuneration and Other Conditions

The monthly remuneration of the selected candidate would be in the base range of SAR 9,500 – SAR 30,000, depending on the type of assignment, previous professional experience, skills and competencies. The Service Contract holder will be affiliated to the UNWTO health insurance plan (co -shared scheme in conformity with the Organization’s procedures). The Organization will contribute 13% of the aforementioned monthly r emuneration to the individual’s pension scheme.

Procedure of application and Evaluation of applicants

Interested applicants are requested to complete the Online UNWTO Personal History Form . Please note that UNWTO will only accept applications received through our web-based system. Applications sent by other means (e.g. post, email, etc.) or received after the deadline indicated above, will not be taken into consideration.

All related docume ntation, e.g., curriculum vitae, should be attached to the Online UNWTO Personal History Form.

Candidates will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

Stage 1 – Establishing a roster All applicants will initially be screened against the minim um requirements as specified above. Those candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to a competitive exam and/or interview. Following the competitive

4 examination, successful candidates will be included in the roster for a period of two years, in one of the “types” indicated above. Your membership in the roster is only valid at the level of the job title for which you are rostered and the associated titles at that level. In addition, the inclusion in the roster does not guarantee a contract with UNWTO.

Stage 2 – Evaluation and mechanism for a specific assignment When a request for services arise, individuals in the roster shall be contacted and provided with the terms of reference of the position.

Individuals will be requested to confirm their interest, availability and dates of the assignment, as well as the remuneration level.

  • As per UNWTO’s policy on contractual mechanisms, the maximum length of service for Service Contracts shall normally be limited to three years, extendable on an exceptional basis up to a total of four years;
  • Only candidates short-listed will subsequently be contacted. Short-listed candidates may be asked to take a competitive exam and/or interview as part of the final phase of the selection process. These candidates will be contacted directly for this purpose;
  • There is no guarantee either that the initial contract will be renewed or that a career appointment within UNWTO will subsequently be offered. Any extension beyond the advertised duration is subject to the availability of funds and necessities of service.

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