UNDP Jobs - 60811- Programme Associate

Programme Associate

Location :

Kuwait, KUWAIT

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

GS-7

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

Arabic 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

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Analyst, the Programme Associate provides leadership in execution of services in the Country Office (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 support the staff of the Programme Unit and 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;
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 the Common Country Strategy, the Country Programme Document, the Country Programme Action Plan, effective application of Results Based management 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;
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;
Preparation and conduct of audit of National Implementation Modality (NIM) projects, implementation of audit recommendations.

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, 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;
Preparation and conduct of audit of National Implementation Modality (NIM) projects, 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 NIM 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.

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

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

Impact of Results

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

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda:

Support the preparation of information for advocacy

Identifies relevant information for advocacy for a variety of audiences;
Makes research of contacts in the media, government, private sector, donors, other agencies, civil society in other stakeholders for UNDP’s advocacy efforts.

Results-Based Programme Development and Management:

Contributing to results through provision of information

Provides information for linkages across programme activities to help identify critical points of integration;
Provides information and documentation on specific stages of projects/programme implementation;
Participates in the formulation of project proposals.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Maintaining information and databases

Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives;
Maintains databases of donor information;
Tracks and reports on mobilized resources.

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches:

Implementing processes and uses products

Documents and tracks innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches;
Tracks bottlenecks, problems and issues, and proposes solutions;
Responds positively to new approaches.

Resource Mobilization (Field Duty Stations):

Providing information for resource mobilization strategies

Maintains information/databases on potential and actual donors;
Maintains database of project files;
Provides data and information needed for preparation of project documents.

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:

Basic research and analysis;
Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things;
Documents innovative strategies and new approaches.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:

Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position;
Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks;
Identifies new and better approaches to work processes and incorporates same in own work;
Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;
Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools, and utilizes these regularly in work assignments.

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals:

Research and analysis

Identifies relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’s goals for a variety of audiences;
Maintains a network of contacts in the media and civil society, for use in UNDP’s advocacy efforts.

Client Orientation:

Maintains effective client relationships

Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion;
Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;
Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients;
Responds to client needs promptly.

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, preferably with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance;
University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political or Social Sciences would be desirable, but it is not a requirement;
Prince2 training and certification, RMG.

Experience

7 years of progressively responsible administrative or 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.

Language:

Fluency in English and Arabic.