Posted 26 August, 2026
Project Manager - Donor-Funded Projects, APAC Region
Universal Communications Group
Auckland, AUK, NZ
Full Time
Reference: 61ba9f8f36aac7b4
Job Description
Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. Project Manager - Donor-Funded Projects, APAC Region Universal Communications Group – Auckland, North Island UCG’s International's team delivers donor-funded programmes across the Asia-Pacific region, working in partnership with multilateral development banks, bilateral donors, and government implementing agencies. Our teams support the full project lifecycle - from design and procurement through to implementation, monitoring, and reporting - helping our clients turn donor financing into measurable development outcomes. We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our international team and take ownership of delivery across a portfolio of donor-funded projects in the region. Ko tā mātou mahi – About the role As Project Manager, you will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of assigned projects, working closely with in-country implementing partners, donor representatives (including institutions such as the World Bank), and cross-functional specialists (finance, procurement, M&E, technical experts). You'll be the central point of accountability for keeping projects on time, on budget, and compliant with donor requirements. Ko tō mahi – What you will do Lead planning, execution, monitoring, and close-out of donor-funded projects across the APAC portfolio Act as the primary liaison between UCG International, donor agencies, and government/implementing partners (e.g. Project Management Units/PMUs, Project Implementation Units/PICs) Develop and maintain project work plans, budgets, risk registers, and procurement plans, ensuring alignment with donor guidelines and fiduciary requirements Track project performance against agreed indicators and donor reporting schedules; prepare timely progress and financial reports Coordinate technical specialists, consultants, and in-country teams to ensure quality and timely delivery of outputs Identify implementation risks and bottlenecks early, and drive corrective action in coordination with senior management and donor counterparts Support procurement and contract management activities in line with donor procurement frameworks (e.g. World Bank Procurement Regulations, STEP system, or equivalent) Represent UCG International in donor missions, review meetings, and stakeholder engagements Mentor and provide direction to in-country project staff and support teams Nā tāu rourou – What you will bring Experience (typically 5+ years) managing utility or digital projects Strong working knowledge of procurement, financial management, and contract management Proven ability to manage multi-stakeholder relationships across government agencies, suppliers, and technical teams Excellent organisational, budgeting, and risk-management skills, with a track record of delivering complex projects to time and quality Culturally attuned and perceptive, with the patience to read the room and adapt your approach accordingly Comfortable working across time zones in a fast-paced, matrixed international team Must be willing and able to travel internationally, including ~1-2 weekday trips per quarter, occasionally at relatively short notice UCG and our team members are committed to our core company values of Performance, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork, Quality, Safety and Integrity. Our valuesare our promise to each other and are non-negotiable behaviours that underpin our company culture. However only persons with current work rights in New Zealand should apply. Personal data held by UCG relating to employment applications will be stored and managed in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available on our website at ucg.co.nz/privacy-policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr