UNDP Jobs - 52496- Programme Manager- Inclusive Growth

Programme Manager- Inclusive Growth - (Only Open to South African Nationals)

Location :

Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

01-Mar-2015

Application Deadline :

24-Jan-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-C

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Initial 12 months

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

South Africa is one of a handful of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa classified as upper middle-income (MIC). Despite this distinction, the country faces a number of challenges that have been documented in the National Development Plan: Vision for 2030, especially with respect to the triple threat of poverty, inequality and unemployment. The Inclusive Growth Programme Manager will provide support to the Government of South Africa in addressing challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The Inclusive Growth priority area of the UNDP country programme in South Africa has three outputs: enhanced social protection framework through technical and advisory services; expanded access to employment opportunities; and increased competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through Supplier Development Programme (SDP).

Under the overall guidance of UNDP South Africa Country Director, and the direct supervision of the Economic Advisor and Team Leader of the Development Solutions Team, the Inclusive Growth Programme Manager will be responsible for programme implementation and management of Inclusive Growth programmes such as social protection, Supplier Development Programme (SDP), land reform, and expanded access to employment opportunities.

The Programme Manager will provide leadership in executing Inclusive Growth projects and keeping up with new developments in Inclusive Growth and other core areas of work by establishing and maintaining consultations with counterparts, implementing partners, UN Agencies, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), government institutions, bilateral and multi-lateral development partners, private sector, and civil society organisations to ensure proper implementation of programme activities.

The Programme Manager will also work in close collaboration with the Programme Support Team (PST) and the Operations Team to ensure that programmatic tasks and activities are aligned with the UNDP's vision and goals in South Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight and Reporting:

Facilitate quality assurance of all Inclusive Growth projects, identify capacity development needs and develop adequate solutions to ensure effective programme implementation;
Monitor the implementation of programme/projects and ensure that all necessary data and information are accurately and correctly updated and shared through corporate platform in close collaboration with the Programme Support Team (PST);
Review and ensure high quality reporting on the Inclusive Growth programme to meet donor and corporate requirements;
Ensure that projects under Inclusive Growth programme comply with corporate requirements through close monitoring and provide overall guidance to project staff to be responsive to these requirements;
Analyse the financial status at programme level such as budget, expenditure and forecast and advise the Economic Advisor/Team Leader of Development Solutions Team periodically of the status and provide recommendations for the improvement of the performance of the programme;
Analyse donors’ interests in inclusive growth and identify potential areas of resource mobilization;
Carry out periodic analysis of economic and social development issues that contribute to the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth as well as social development in South Africa.

Implementing of inclusive growth projects:

Facilitate the implementation of the Inclusive Growth programme overall annual work plan, which include achieving programme outcomes and projects’ targets, supporting resource mobilization and partnership-building, evaluation and knowledge management;
Solve pending issues relating to project schedules and delivery under Inclusive Growth programme;
Provide operational advice to project managers and staff under Inclusive Growth programme;
Assist project teams under Inclusive Growth programme with respect to issues arising from field visits;
Build capacity of project managers and staff under Inclusive Growth programme.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Act as a focal point for periodic programme/projects’ reviews including but not limited to Integrated Workplan Monitoring (IWP), mid-term and annual review and result-oriented annual review (ROAR) in close coordination with the PST;
Analyse the achievements of programme/projects under the Inclusive Growth programme against CPD/CPAP outcomes and projects’ targets in close collaboration with the PST;
Conduct overall monitoring and evaluation of programme/projects and develop recommendations to enhance programme/project implementation;
Analyse lessons learned and document them for preparing annual work plan and budget for future effective programme support;
Support advocacy for inclusive economic growth in South Africa based on programme outputs.

Developing Partnerships:

In collaboration with the Partnership/Resource Mobilization Specialist, initiate and maintain close dialogue and resource mobilization efforts with potential donors for the relevant sectors and projects of the Inclusive Growth programme;
In collaboration with the Partnership Specialist, strengthen and enhance partnership and coordination with key relevant counterparts, national and local government counterparts, international and bilateral donors, UN agencies in the area of Inclusive Growth programme;
Review final proposals and/or concept papers to the potential donors for their accuracy and correctness before submission

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

People Skills:

Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others;
Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent, and credible behaviour;
Respect individual/cultural differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork;
Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process.

Strategic Partnering and Networking:

Initiates and sustains relationships with key constituents (internal /external /bilateral/ public/ private/ Government);
Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.

Results-Orientation:

Proactive, problem-solving and result-oriented attitude;
Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals;
Generates innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations.

Communication:

Formulates written information clearly and persuasively;
Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences.

Job Knowledge and Expertise:

Strong analytical skills, with the ability to deal with team management and financial management;
Sound and proven management skills and ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with counterparts;
Ability to build strong relationships with counterparts, focus on impact and result for the counterparts and respond positively to feedback;
Openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Ability to remain calm and in control while under pressure;
Ability to work independently and take initiatives when and if needed;
Deep understanding of both South African macro and microeconomic environment.

Core Competencies:

Demonstrating and safeguarding ethics and integrity of UNDP;
Demonstrating corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
Self-development, initiative-taking;
Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
Communicating effectively with colleagues;
Learning and sharing knowledge and encouraging the learning of others;
Informed and transparent decision-making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A master’s degree in economics or development studies or related field.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years professional experience in programme or project management support in development work;
At least 3 of those working and living in South Africa, 2 years working experience in the private sector will be considered an added advantage;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Outlook PowerPoint, etc.) and advance knowledge of spread sheet and database packages, and experience in handling web-based management systems is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in English;
Knowledge of at least one South African local language is desirable.