Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader, the Programme Associate provides leadership in execution of services in the CO Programme Unit, supports the design, planning and management of the country programme by managing data and facilitating programme implementation. The Programme Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the operations programme and project teams in the CO and UNDP HQs staff for resolving complex programme-related issues and information delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

  • Administration and implementation of programme strategies, adapts processes and procedures;
  • Support to management of the CO programme and focal point for the Civil Society component;
  • Administrative support to the Programme Unit;
  • Support in creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy;
  • Monitoring & Evaluation Focal point for Governance Unit;
  • RBM focal point for Governance Unit;
  • Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensures administration and  implementation of  programme strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Presentation of thoroughly researched information for preparation of CCA, UNDAF, CPD, and CPAP, effective application of RBM tools and establishment of management targets (BSC). Establishment of the mechanisms to track use of RBM tools and maintenance of RBM database;
  • Presentation of information/ reports for identification of areas for support and interventions;
  • Implementation of and support to the CO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies, preparation  of reports.

Provides effective support to management of the CO programme focusing on the achievement of the  following results:

  • Presentation of thoroughly researched information for formulation of country programme, preparation of project documents’ drafts, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements;
  • Initiation of a project, entering project into Atlas and preparation of required budget revisions;
  • Focal point for the Civil Society components of the CPAP;
  • Provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources;
  • Follow up on performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation of reports;
  • Analysis of the situation in programme, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions;
  • Preparation and support to the conduct of audit of NEX projects, and to the implementation of audit recommendations.

.  Provides administrative support to the Programme Unit  focusing on achievement of the following  results:

  • Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of NEX projects Financial Reports;
  • Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas;
  • Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.

Provides support in creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Analysis of information on donors, preparation of donor’s profile and database, establishment of contacts with donor counterparts.
  • Track and reporting on mobilized resources.

Support to M&E:

  • Support planning and participate in select evaluations (thematic/strategic) and country evaluations under the direct supervision of the DRR and in close collaboration with the office PMSU and the Evaluation Office;
  • Ensure the coordination with other M&E officers/focal points from other UN agencies for the regular UNDAF reviews for Governance portfolio;
  • Assist in developing training material for Monitoring and Evaluation and for learning and knowledge sharing.

  RBM focal point for Governance Unit:

  • Contribution to ongoing process of results orientation in UNDP through methodological development of tools (RMG implementation; monitoring & evaluation tools, guidelines, etc.), and to continuing refinement of methodologies of Results Based Management (RBM) in the organization;
  • Participate in the updating and diffusing of knowledge developed in support of results-based management in UNDP within the context of harmonizing evaluation policies and practices.

 Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Support to the organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme;
  • Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Governance programme;
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

The key results have an impact on the overall CO efficiency in programme and success in implementation of programme strategies.  Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision making of the management.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

  • Shares knowledge and experience;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

  • Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting;
  • Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems;
  • Good knowledge of Results Management Guide and Toolkit.

Leadership and Self-Management:

  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably with specialized certification in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences and Social Sciences or related field;
  • Prince 2 training and certification RMG desirable.

Experience:

  • 5 years of progressively responsible programme experience is required at the national or international level;
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems;
  • Previous experience with the UN or with UNDP is a distinctive advantage.

Language:

  • Fluency in French and Arabic, English is desirable.