The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for the position of Project Analyst (NPSA-9) to support the Lean Innovation Facility, a flagship initiative under the Young Africa Innovates Programme, jointly implemented with the Mastercard Foundation. This national position is based in Abuja, with operational coordination through the UNDP Innovation Centre in Lagos. The role is open to all eligible applicants and requires regular travel across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Project Context Nigeria stands at a crucial stage in its development trajectory. With 60% of its population under age 25 and projections placing it among the world’s most populous nations by 2050, the potential for youth-driven economic transformation is vast. However, persistent structural challenges hinder young innovators and entrepreneurs. Between 2010 and 2018, nearly 50% of Nigerian start-ups failed, pointing to systemic gaps in support, innovation pathways, and resource access. To respond, UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation created the Lean Innovation Facility, a 2.5-year programme supporting youth-led innovation across Nigeria and Ghana. Its mission is to empower young innovators—including those from marginalized communities—to create employment-intensive solutions. With operations spread across diverse regions, strong coordination, structured execution, and adaptive management are essential. The Project Analyst serves as the central driver ensuring that programme strategies translate into measurable impact. Scope of Work and Responsibilities The Project Analyst ensures coherent planning, quality implementation, resource management, stakeholder coordination, and performance monitoring across the programme. Key functions include: Project Planning and Implementation Lead development and execution of project plans aligned with goals and timelines Coordinate internally and externally to ensure smooth delivery Align all project activities with milestones and strategic objectives Monitoring, Reporting, and Analysis Produce regular reports on implementation status, progress, challenges, and risks Analyze project data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities Recommend adjustments to improve effectiveness and ensure timely delivery Prepare monthly progress reports with detailed updates on achievements and mitigation measures Budget and Resource Management Oversee project budgets and ensure optimal allocation of resources Monitor expenditures in line with UNDP guidelines and financial procedures Provide recommendations on cost-effectiveness and resource utilization Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination Organize workshops, meetings, and engagement events across Nigeria Build strong relationships with government stakeholders, private sector actors, community groups, innovators, and development partners Represent the project at relevant fora when required Team Support and Capacity Building Mentor and train project team members to strengthen operational capacity Foster a learning environment that promotes innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration Compliance and Governance Ensure adherence to UNDP guidelines, policies, and operational procedures Maintain documentation and systems for accountability and audit readiness Perform additional duties as needed to support the efficient functioning of the project and the UNDP office Reporting Structure The Project Analyst reports directly to the Head of the UNDP Innovation Centre, Lagos, while working closely with partners and field teams across Nigeria. Core Competencies (Level 1) Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, ensures accuracy, delivers on time Think Innovatively: Applies creative thinking and pragmatic problem-solving Learn Continuously: Shares knowledge, seeks feedback, learns from experience Adapt with Agility: Responds constructively to change and uncertainty Act with Determination: Works with resilience and confidence under pressure Engage and Partner: Builds positive, respectful relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Values differences and challenges bias Technical and Cross-Functional Competencies Results-Based Management: Ability to manage programmes focused on measurable results Project Management: Skilled in planning, organizing, and managing resources effectively Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain relationships with government, civil society, private sector, and expert networks Systems Thinking: Understands interdependencies within project ecosystems Effective Decision-Making: Makes timely, informed decisions within mandate Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate trends, link strategy to implementation, and develop effective solutions Relationship Management: Ability to sustain trust-based engagement with partners Required Qualifications and Experience Education Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Project Management, or related fieldOR Bachelor’s degree in similar fields plus two additional years of relevant experience Work Experience Minimum of 2 years (with master’s) or 4 years (with bachelor’s) of progressively responsible project management experience Experience managing large-scale projects Proven record of delivering projects successfully Desired Experience Experience working in developing country contexts Familiarity with UNDP procedures and guidelines Language Requirements Fluency in English (mandatory) Equal Opportunity and Safeguarding UNDP encourages applicants from all backgrounds. Employment decisions are based strictly on merit. UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates undergo appropriate screening. Application Information Job ID: 29728 Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria Grade: NPSA-9 Schedule: Full-time Apply By: 19 December 2025 (06:59 AM) Contract Duration: 1 year VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.