Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Environment and Sustainable Development Coordinator, 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 supervises and leads the support staff of the Programme Unit. 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

  • Administration and implementation of programme strategies, adapts processes and procedures;
  • Support to management of the CO programme;
  • Administrative support to the Programme Unit; 
  • Support in creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy; 
  • 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, 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 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, including UN Theme Groups and Interagency thematic teams;
  • Initiation of a project, entering project into Atlas, preparation of required budget revisions;
  • 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;
  • Follow up the implementation of the project´s audits 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 NIM projects Financial Reports;
  • Follow up the internal expenditures control system;
  • Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers;
  • Control of voucher in regards to eligibility and consistency of expenditure (in in NIM and DIM projects);
  • Review and approval of requisitions.

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

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

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

Competencies

Functional Competencies:        

  • Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda;
  • Results-Based Programme Development and Management;
  • Building Strategic Partnerships;
  • Innovation and Marketing New Approaches;
  • Resource Mobilization (Field Duty Stations);
  • Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing;
  • Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise;
  • Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals;
  • Client Orientation.

Core Competencies:

  • Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity; 
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
  • Self-development, initiative-taking;
  • Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
  • Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
  • Creating synergies through self-control;
  • Managing conflict;
  • Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
  • Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Secondary Education;
  • University Degree in Environmental, Natural Sciences or Political or Social Sciences would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

  • 7 years of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience is required at the national or international level, preferable in environmental and natural resources topics;
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems. Knowledge in ERP system is desirable.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in Spanish and English.