UNCDF Jobs - 32176- Programme Specialist (UNSGSA) UNCDF

Programme Specialist (UNSGSA) UNCDF

Advertised on behalf of

UNCDF

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

24-Sep-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year (renewable)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

In September 2009, the UN Secretary General designated H.R.H. Princess Máxima of the Netherlands as his Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA). As UNSGSA and Honorary Patron of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), Princess Máxima raises awareness and advocates specific policies, investments and actions with governments, regulators, private companies, international institutions and diverse additional stakeholders, all with view of how inclusive financial systems can help to reduce poverty, equalize opportunity and accelerate progress toward numerous development goals. She does so through country visits, speeches, meetings, convening of stakeholders and other outreach. This requires careful, comprehensive and rigorous analysis of local conditions, policies, available services and public priorities, as well as the needs of households, enterprises and communities. A small Office supports Princess Máxima’s work as UNSGSA and Honorary Patron. Headed by the Policy Advisor, the Office is housed at UNCDF in New York City and works in close collaboration with the Princess’ Secretariat in The Hague.

This is a Development Project funded position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Provide specialized technical and policy-oriented research, analysis and advice on key topics and trends in financial inclusion such as emerging financial products and business models that meet the needs of low-income clients and small enterprises, financial inclusion data and measurement, national strategies for financial inclusion, global standards and their application at the country level, and work streams of financial SSBs, G20 GPFI, OECD and other global entities. Recommend advocacy and policy positions to inform the UNSGSA’s overall advocacy agenda.
Prepare briefing notes and background papers for the UNSGSA’s meetings with government leaders, multilateral organizations, private sector companies, etc. ensuring that the relevant developments are appropriately reflected and serve to support the UNSGSA’s high-level advocacy activities and outreach.
Contribute to the strategic planning and roll-out of UNSGSA country visits and other activities through coordination with technical and expert-partners, preparation of comprehensive background analysis and briefs, and preparation of UNSGSA materials to build and sustain advocacy momentum and implementation of recommendations.
Represent the Office in meetings and events that require technical-level expertise and political astuteness.
Contribute to an efficient functioning of the Office, including through preparation of top quality materials with accurate technical and policy content for communications and other tasks.
Oversee inputs from and review the accuracy and clarity of technical work of consultants.

Key Expected Results:

The UNSGSA is aware of emerging trends, political and social developments and strategic opportunities in specific areas of financial inclusion and countries, and is presented with technically accurate, politically astute recommendations for high-level advocacy opportunities in a timely manner.
The UNSGSA’s trips and other outreach activities are well-prepared, supported by insightful, technically rigorous and up-to-date briefs, and followed-up in a timely manner.
The Office of the UNSGSA’s relationships with high level, global and national partners and stakeholders continue to deepen and expand, and the UNSGSA is well-informed of stakeholder views, priorities and activities in specific countries as well as globally.

Impact of Results

If effective, the Program Specialist will contribute to the successful implementation of an ambitious global advocacy agenda for financial inclusion by the UNSGSA and to an Office that provides timely, insightful and technically-accurate support to the UNSGSA.

Competencies

CORPORATE:

Demonstrates integrity and fairness
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN and Office of the UNSGSA
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

FUNCTIONAL:

Experience and understanding of the diverse aspects of financial inclusion, with technical expertise in one or several specific sectors.
Familiarity with national financial policy, regulatory or supervisory agencies, global financial standard setting organizations, financial service companies and institutions, research community, multilateral organizations and the relevant donor community is an asset.
Experience working with international organizations, including the UN system, developing country governments, donor agencies, and/or NGOs and other civil society groups
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software, including Excel, Powerpoint, Word, multi-media and other applications.

MANAGERIAL/BEHAVIORAL

Leadership

Focuses on impact and results for client
Takes initiative
Displays positive and constructive attitude

Managing Relationships

Builds strong relationships with clients, partners and diverse stakeholders
Communicates clearly and convincingly

Managing Complexity

Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Ability to identify key communications issues and opportunities and lead development of clear unit strategy

Building and Sharing Knowledge

Promotes knowledge management in the office through leadership and personal example
Makes valuable practice contributions in the area of communications and branding

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Public Policy, or related fields.

Experience and skills:

Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in financial inclusion and /or financial systems or other related development sectors. Experience in applied research and policy development in developing country contexts or multilateral context is preferred.

The Program Specialist will have demonstrated excellent:

Technical knowledge of the breadth of financial inclusion and the field of stakeholders, with expertise in one or several areas beneficial.
Experience in leadership/high-level representational offices and with policy and advocacy issues at the national or global level, preferably related to financial issues although other relevant fields may be considered. Experience in government and policy setting organizations is an asset.
Capacity to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines even in imperfect conditions and thrive as part of a small and fast moving team.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with an ability to sum up key points concisely
Success working independently and as a member of a team, and with partners in other time zones and from diverse and multi-cultural contexts
Sense of humor and grace under pressure
Equal enthusiasm and efficiency for any task and ability to travel and, as needed, work over weekends

Language:

Fluency in English is required. Working Knowledge in French and other UN languages is an asset.

The applicants are strongly encouraged to upload (as a *pdf attachment) the completed and signed UNDP Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from http://sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.docx. Completion of all the fields is required.