1.Position Information

• Organization: UNDP Saudi Arabia, through Stars Orbit Consultants and Management Development (SOC).

• VA No. VA25/81

• Position Title: Talent Program Lead

• Duty Station: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• National or International Consultancy: National Consultancy

• Duration: 12 months

• Vacancy Date of Issue: 29 September 2025

• Vacancy Closure Date: 6 October 2025

• Expected Starting Date: 1 November 2025

This vacancy is announced by UNDP Saudi Arabia through Stars Orbit Consultants and Management Development (SOC). SOC is a sub-contractor for UNDP Saudi Arabia, assisting the programme in implementing their activities through HR and contract management of consultants working in their support.

2. Project Description

The project will provide a strategic framework for UNDP and UN-HABITAT to provide substantive technical assistance, advisory, and quality assurance services to the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MoMaH) to deliver on the following six initiatives of the Spatial Planning and Visual Appeal Program that are the focus of this project:

• The Regional Plans, Local Plans and Urban Codes under MoMaH’s jurisdiction are efficiently and effectively delivered following international best practices.

• The National Urban Policy for KSA is developed and its implementation enabled, setting the overarching framework for cross-stakeholders’ contribution and alignment in support of sustainable, resilient and inclusive urbanization.

• Local planning departments are empowered and enabled through a new Operating Model for Planning Departments.

• The municipal system is improved and restructured, updating settlements boundaries, revising classification and categorization of Saudi human settlements, and optimizing service delivery towards efficiency and sustainability.

• The Saudi Planning framework is restructured, planning tools are redefined, updated and improved in line with the new classification and categorization.

• The existing MoMaH Urban Design Studio is upscaled in a fully-fledged Urban Lab and capacitated to spearhead and device innovative tools and projects-based satellite Labs in support of MoMaH’s mission.

3. Scope of Work

Under the overall guidance of the of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and in coordination with the larger UNDP, UN-Habitat and MoMaH team, the Talent Program Lead will ensure effective and efficient delivery of the Talent Program by leading the program from conception to completion.

4. Duties and Responsibilities

Initiation: Capability Gap Analysis (CGA)

• Collect data from the relevant Deputyship(s) and departments (through interviews, questionnaires, surveys, etc.) to determine the capabilities needed to meet the deputyship’s/department’s goals (desired state).

• Use multiple data sources to determine the current competency levels of capabilities (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) comprehensively and objectively (current state).

• Conduct a gap analysis to identify what core competencies, capabilities, or talents are needed to help the deputyship/department fulfil its mandate more efficiently and effectively.

• Develop an action plan that prioritizes the capability and talent gaps identified based on their impact on organizational goals and, if needed, perform a training needs analysis to determine the type of training required.

Planning: Strategic Program Design

• Develop and execute strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining talents, including talent development, mentorship, and career path programs based on the CGA.

• Identify the program mentors, establish an advisory committee, and define the roles and responsibilities.

• Develop the program implementation plan in close alignment with the CTA.

• Collaborate with the Initiative Team Leads/mentors in the development of the program implementation plan.

Execution: Implementation & Collaboration

• Lead the day-to-day planning, management, coordination and implementation of the program activities.

• Lead the acquisition and management of talents, in close coordination with the UNDP Project Coordinator and in accordance with UNDP recruitment policies and procedures.

• Coordinate the work of the recruited talents and mentors and ensure timely delivery of expected results and effective synergy between the various activities, in line with the program workplan.

• Provide the required support in identifying new program activities, in close coordination with counterparts.

• Network and engage with relevant stakeholders and attend relevant events to promote talent acquisition and inspire collaboration.

• Support strategic communication and stakeholder engagement and management for successful program implementation.

• Maintain close coordination with the program internal and external stakeholders and ensure synergies.

• Contribute to the dissemination and visibility of the program achievements and support mechanisms for exchange of information, experiences and lessons learned at the local, national, and international levels.

• Offer constructive and timely advice on the inclusion of communication components in program formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of the project.

• Document lessons learned from program implementation and make recommendations for more effective implementation and coordination of program activities.

Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets that will be used to measure progress and success of the program.

• Determine data collection methods ((e.g., surveys, performance reviews, analytics software) and timeline.

• Continuously monitor the program activities and collect data against your defined KPIs to track performance over the program lifecycle.

• Collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data to assess the program's effectiveness, efficiency, and impact.

• Evaluate the program against key measures to understand its direct and indirect impacts and to confirm its relevance and coherence.

• Translate the data and evaluations into actionable insights and strategies to improve the talent program and inform future decisions.

5.Institutional Arrangement

The Talent Program Lead will report to the Chief Technical Advisor.

6.Travel

The IC may be required to travel to the destinations where the training programs are offered or where relevant events take place. Travel expenses (round-trip airfares, daily subsistence allowances, and terminal expenses) shall be covered by UNDP.

7. Duty Station

The assignment will be office-based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

8.Schedule of Payments

The payment term for this IC is a monthly salary upon the signing of the contract.

9. Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education Requirements

A master’s degree in business administration, public administration, human resources, international affairs, international relations, urban planning, regional planning, built environment, real estate development, architecture, urban design, engineering, or any other closely related field.

Minimum Years of Relevant Work Experience

A master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience.

Required skills

• High level of communication and interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

• A demonstrated track record in managing projects and initiatives from conception to completion.

• Experience working on youth engagement and empowerment initiatives.

• Prior experience in developing or leading a capacity development initiative.

• Excellent analytical and report writing skills and a track record in producing relevant reports and materials.

• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Familiarity with UNDP and UN-Habitat's work and approach and knowledge of the SDGs and NUA are an asset.

• Understanding of talent acquisition and management principles and best practices is desirable.

• Strong business knowledge to align talent initiatives with overall organizational goals is an advantage.

Required Language(s):

Fluency in the English and Arabic languages is required.

Professional Certificates:

An asset if acquired in relevent fields.

To review the full job description, please click on the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ny_MW9sA7692jpQ0zbbLROPO511DKeco/view?usp=sharing

How to apply

1. CV must be submitted online in PDF through SOC’s portal via the following link: https://jobs.my-soc.org/apply/20250929202707/kprl1ENy8qtYSmaQOuFMsgHXA

2. During submission, please use the English language only.

3. Indicate clear years of experience with each job (Month/Year)

4. If the candidate is currently employed by a government institution, he/she must be able to provide an unpaid leave of absence for the duration of the consultancy.

5. Only candidates who are short-listed will be contacted.

6. By submitting your application, you have read the Terms of Reference for this position and agree that any false, wrong, or incomplete information might lead to your disqualification in this recruitment process.