Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative the Programme Associate contributes to the effective implementation of the evaluation policy, ensures that minimum monitoring and evaluation requirements for the Country Programme and projects are met, and participates in the conduct of thematic and crosscutting evaluations.

In matrix management with the Programme Analyst for Democratic Governance and IMB, the Programme Associate provides leadership in execution of services in the CO Programme Unit, supports the design, planning and management of the country programme in the DG thematic area by managing data and facilitating programme implementation.

The Programme Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

Incumbent is entrusted with programme support in quality assurance and results based management and the use of corporate reporting tools and M & E activities and will also assist in the elaboration of programme communication products to better promote the accomplishments of the UNDP programme in Armenia.

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, adaptation of 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;
  • Implementation of evaluation policies and strategies;
  • Support to  the evaluation process;
  • 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;
  • 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 NEX 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 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.

Ensures the implementation of evaluation policies and strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Analysis of requirements and synthesis of proposals for the planning, preparation and management of specific thematic, country programme/project evaluations and other types of evaluations;
  • Inputs to the evaluation workplan, analysis and proposals on topics, and projects/programme to be evaluated;
  • Promotion of evaluation standards, quality assurance/control and capacity development in the Country Office.

Supports effective management of the evaluation process in the Country Office, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Drafting/revision of Terms of Reference (TOR) for specific project/thematic/sectoral evaluation missions and/or desk evaluations/reviews, participation in consultant and evaluation team selection, technical feedback on evaluations and budget oversight;
  • Guidance on UNDP evaluation policies, procedures and practices to programme managers, UNDP CO staff concerned with assigned project/thematic/sectoral evaluations and/or desk reviews, consultants and/or members of the evaluation team. Provision of guidance at the design stage of programmes/projects;
  • Analysis and synthesis of proposals on areas evaluated, effectiveness and impact of UNDP programme;
  • Follow up on implementation of evaluation recommendations.

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. Effective implementation of evaluation policies and strategies enhance the effectiveness of UNDP programmes. 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 required - University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political or Social Sciences desirable but not a requirement;
  • Prince 2 training and certification.

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;
  • Experience/exposure working in related thematic areas such as democratic governance, human rights, citizen’s security, local delivery, local governance and development etc. a distinctive advantage.

Language:

  • Written and oral fluency in English and Armenian.

Other:

Documentation required:

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