UNDP Project Manager – Elections Job 2026 in Lesotho: One-Year Contract in Maseru
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for a Project Manager – Elections to lead the implementation of an electoral support and peacebuilding project in Maseru, Lesotho. The position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to strengthen electoral institutions, improve coordination between government agencies and support inclusive, peaceful democratic processes.
The role is offered under a one-year National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10) and is open to eligible internal and external applicants, subject to UNDP’s tiered recruitment process.
Application deadline: 23 October 2026.
About the UNDP Project Manager – Elections Position
UNDP works with governments and partners to promote sustainable development, effective institutions and peaceful societies. In Lesotho, this project focuses on strengthening electoral management and supporting reforms that improve the credibility and effectiveness of electoral processes.
The Project Manager will work closely with Lesotho’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Ministry of Home Affairs, civil society organisations and relevant United Nations partners.
The project focuses on four broad outcome areas: strengthening electoral institutions, deploying a Chief Technical Advisor, supporting local government election dialogue, and building the capacity of media, civil society and interdenominational organisations. It also supports initiatives to prevent and mitigate electoral violence through early warning, mediation and coordination.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing annual work plans, implementation schedules, budgets, procurement plans and human resource plans.
- Supervising project personnel and coordinating technical expertise.
- Engaging national, district and local government structures, including traditional leadership.
- Identifying, onboarding and supervising implementing partners.
- Monitoring project activities against agreed targets and delivery plans.
- Coordinating monitoring and evaluation frameworks, annual reviews, mid-term reviews and end-line assessments.
- Preparing reports, policy briefings, presentations, case studies and other communication materials.
- Documenting lessons learned and sharing good practices with relevant knowledge networks.
The Project Manager will operate under the overall guidance and supervision of UNDP’s Governance and Peacebuilding Unit.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum education and experience requirements specified in the vacancy announcement.
Education
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in governance, political science, international relations or a related field is required. The vacancy also provides an alternative bachelor’s-degree route with additional professional experience; applicants should consult the complete official posting for the applicable requirements.
Professional experience
The vacancy specifies the following education and experience combinations:
- Master’s degree with at least five years of relevant experience; or
- Bachelor’s degree with at least seven years of relevant experience.
Candidates should demonstrate experience relevant to project management, planning, budgeting, results-based management and coordination with institutional partners.
Languages
English and Sesotho are required.
The position is based in Maseru, Lesotho, and the vacancy indicates that mobility is not required.
Contract Details
- Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Position: Project Manager – Elections
- Job identification: 37414
- Grade: NPSA-10
- Contract type: National Personnel Service Agreement
- Duration: One year
- Duty station: Maseru, Lesotho
- Work schedule: Full-time
- Application deadline: 23 October 2026, at 5:59 a.m. East Africa Time, as listed in the vacancy
The advertised position does not specify a salary amount.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the complete vacancy announcement, verify their eligibility under UNDP’s tiered recruitment process and submit their applications through the official UNDP recruitment portal.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Applicants should rely on the official vacancy page for the application procedure and any additional documentation requirements.
Deadline: 23 October 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will normally proceed to the next stage of recruitment. Ensure that your application demonstrates relevant project management experience, institutional coordination skills and the ability to deliver measurable results.
