UNDP Jobs - 17601- Programme Associate (Planning and Partnership Unit

Programme Associate (Planning and Partnership Unit)

Location :

Abuja, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

01-Sep-2010

Application Deadline :

06-Jul-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

GS-7

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year with possibility of yearly renewal

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 overall supervision of the Planning and Partnership Team leader, the Planning and Partnership Associate ensures effective execution of financial services and processes in CO and transparent utilization of financial resources. 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 programme teams in the CO and UNDP HQs staff for resolving complex programme-related issues and information delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations and other relevant policies on programme financial reporting system; monitoring and evaluation; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
Effective and accurate financial resources management and supervision of programme budgets to ensure proper planning and expenditure tracking of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations

2. Provides effective support to management of the CO programme, administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provision of guidance to the implementing partners on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources.
Ensuring sound planning, delivery forecasting and monitoring of programme financial resources.
Effective monitoring and analysis of programme financial resources/delivery.
Accuracy verification of Combined Delivery Reports.
Implementation of the control mechanism for development projects through monitoring of budgets preparation and modifications.
Tracking and reporting on mobilized resources.
Assists in the preparation of cost-recovery bills in ATLAS for the services provided by, elaboration and implementation of the income tracking system and follow up on cost recovery.
Ensuring multiyear budgets are set up for all UNDP Country Office projects.

3. Support the establishment of an M&E system, based on ERBM principles which ensure quality control of programme/project operations and result.

Ensuring monitoring missions are carried out successfully, lessons extracted and shared and uploaded on UNDP shared area.
Coordinating the Country Office’s Annual, midyear and quarterly review meetings and reports with Federal and State Implementing partners,

4. Provide effective support to management of the CO programme focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Support efficient and effective setting of Management and Development Work Plan targets, Balance Score Card targets, management of the dashboard and the reporting for the Results Orientated Annual Report (ROAR).
Presentation of thoroughly researched information for formulation of country programme, preparation of Country Office’s Annual work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements for implementing partners.
Ensure entry of data of new grants into ATLAS in the form of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), monitoring of their status.
Support the develop the CO development workplan with outputs, targets, activities, baselines and indicators for all projects set up in ATLAS; as well as risks and issues logs regularly updated in order to ensure high programme quality management
Financially and operationally closing old or inactive projects; linking new projects to the UNDP project tree.

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

Monitor compliance and quality assurance of donor reports by setting up and regularly updating the donor reporting database and prodding programme units to ensure donor reports are submitted to donors in a timely manner.
Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of donor’s profile and database, establishment of contacts with donor counterparts, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, and identification of opportunities for cost-sharing.

6. 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 the units programming activities.
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

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:

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 is not a requirement.

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 Requirements:

Fluency in the written and spoken English is essential.
Fluency in one National Language is Essential.