Background

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Country Director - Programme and added guidance from the Deputy Country Director (O) and Deputy Country Director (P), the Programme Specialist acts as the quality assurance advisor to the senior management on all aspects of the CO programme. This includes support and advice on strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, implementing the Internal Control Framework, results based management policies, resource mobilization, donor reporting and oversight of programme finances.

The Programme Specialist will hold a key function in the management team of UNDP Sudan and play a crucial role in helping to direct the organization’s development wok. The post is challenging and requires a skilled development practitioner who has the ability to manage programme and operations issues in a coherent fashion, while also keeping an eye on the larger issues regarding UNDP’s position in the development arena in Sudan. The post holder will interact with senior programme colleagues to facilitate the impact of development results and work with the different operations teams to maximize the effectiveness of business processes in the cause of proficient programme delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:
 
  • As a member of the CO management team, ensures the strategic planning for the programme.
  • Provides effective quality assurance of the full programme cycle from formulation to implementation  
  • Ensures sound planning and monitoring of financial resources
  • Provides strategic oversight of donor relations and supports resource mobilization strategies and plans.   
  • Effective management of the Management Support Unit ensuring the professional development of individual team members and maintenance of a cohesive team.
As a member of the CO management team, ensures the strategic planning for the programme, with a focus on the following results:
 
  • Support the operationalization of the UNDAF/CPD/CPAP in collaboration partners and UN agencies.
  • Provides technical assistance in corporate planning exercises and supports the mapping of business processes and formulation of internal standard operating procedures in relation to programme development and implementation. 
  • Acts as the secretariat to the Senior Management Team and monitors the application of senior management decisions.
  • Coordinates the formulation of strategic advisory notes, designed to support management decision-making.  
  • Facilitates the knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Country Office.

Provides effective quality assurance of the full programme cycle from formulation to implementation, with a focus on achieving the following results:   

  • Effective application of RBM tools, with a focus on assessing results at the output/outcome level, and establishes and monitors management targets in the Integrated Work Plan.
  • Ensure the effective monitoring and evaluation of development results, and monitors and analyses the programme environment to ensure timely adjustments of programme.
  • Supervises the M&E Analyst to ensure the effective planning, implementation and management of the CO evaluations.
  • Effective implementation of the internal control framework (ICF).
  • Oversee the entire compliance regime related to programme implementation, encompassing quality assurance of legal documents and agreements, the timely conduct of audits and adherence to corporate audit policies and procedures and the overall supervision of the Programme Management Analyst.
  • Ensure the maintenance of a quality project and programme reporting system.

Ensures sound planning and monitoring of financial resources. 

  • Strategic oversight of the implementation of the operational strategies related to cost recovery and compliance of financial activities with UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies and the implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies..
  • Manager Level 2 in ATLAS for transactions approval.
  • Supervises Programme Finance Analyst and coordinates the regular programme resource assessments and analysis for senior management.

Provides strategic oversight of partnership building and supports resource mobilization strategies and plans.   

  • Supervises the Strategic Partnership Coordinator to ensure the effective implementation of the SP framework.
  • Support the formulation and implementation of the CO strategies and action plans related to resources mobilization and partnerships building.
  • Identification of areas for possible donor cooperation by assessing donor priorities and country office needs.
  • Analysis and research on information on donors and preparation of donor profiles as a vehicle to identify cost-sharing opportunities.
  • Exercise quality assurance and oversight of donor relations and reporting, involving supervision of the Reporting Officer.

Effective management of the Management Support Unit ensuring the professional development of individual team members and maintenance of a cohesive team.  

  • Develops and maintains the annual work plan of the MSU and communicates expected results to senior management and relevant units in the CO.
  • Develops the individual work plans of the MSU team members and monitors the delivery of individual results through the UNDP staff performance review system.
  • Holds regular team meetings and Unit meetings, and monitors the implementation of team work plans. 
  • Participates in the regular Heads of Unit meeting and advises senior programme staff on strategic management support matters.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the success of country programme. In particular the incumbent is required to maintain the strategic level oversight of the country programme and use this knowledge to support senior management decision-making.

 

 

 

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism


Functional Competencies:

Management and Leadership

  • Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
  • Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example.
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plans and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

  • Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
  • Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects
  • Good understanding of the rules governing programme management and implementation modalities defined in the Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP).
  • Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change
  • Strong IT skills
  • Excellent written skills in English


Required Skills and Experience

 Education:

  • Masters degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or related field.

Experience:

  • 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management services advice.
  • Hands on experience in the design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
  • Experience of maintaining relations with government and donor partners.
  • Solid knowledge of using web-based knowledge and management systems.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English and Arabic.