UNDP Jobs - 38040- Programme Specialist

Programme Specialist

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

12-Aug-2013

Application Deadline :

24-Jun-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year

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

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has a longstanding commitment to mainstreaming gender equality and promoting women’s empowerment in its work. UNDP’s work on gender is guided by the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA), Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the frameworks provided by the Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). UNDPs commitment and strategy to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment is articulated in the Gender Equality Strategy (GES) which accompanies UNDPs Strategic Plan.

UNDPs Strategic Plan for the period 2014-2017 will be presented to the Executive Board for approval. Over the course of 2013, the Gender Team will lead the development of UNDPs forthcoming Gender Equality Strategy 2014-2017 which will be presented to the Executive Board in January 2014.

The Gender Team is at the forefront of UNDP's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. The Gender Team is part of the Bureau for Development Policy (BDP) which provides policy advice and technical support to all of UNDP’s operations. The Gender Team works to implement gender equality as a core objective of UNDP through a two-pronged approach (i) mainstreaming gender in all core practices; and, (ii) dedicated interventions that empower women and promote gender equality. The Gender Team is also the main unit responsible for the elaboration of the forthcoming Gender Equality Strategy 2013-2017 which guides the work of the entire organization in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment and for ensuring adequate corporate reporting to the against the results outlined in the GES.

In order to advance their mandate, the Gender Team has a Corporate Gender Equality Strategy 2008-13 which outlines in detail how UNDP will work towards gender equality in each of the goals and key results set out in the UNDP Strategic Plan 2008-13. In addition to addressing the gender dimensions of each focus area, the Strategy sets out institutional accountability arrangements which are aimed at ensuring oversight and commitment to achieving gender equality both within the organisation and in the work of the organisation

The Gender Team is responsible for: steering the organisation to achieve the goals outlined in the GES; representing UNDP in global, regional and interagency fora; leading UNDPs work with other agencies of the UN in the area of gender equality; expanding partnerships for UNDP in the field of gender equality; supporting the Administrator of UNDP in overseeing the realisation of gender parity and gender equality commitments within the organisation through the Gender Steering and Implementation Committee (GSIC) process; and for leading initiatives such as the elaboration of training tools, policies, practices and programmes to support UNDP as an organisation in achieving its gender equality and women’s empowerment commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Coordinator will work directly under the Director/Officer in Charge and will coordinate the following tasks:

Team Work planning, Resource and Results-based Management:

Coordinates the team work planning and resource management in accordance to the unit`s strategic plan;
Monitor delivery, takes necessary corrective actions and prepares regular reports to the Practice Director and BDP management on the implementation of the GT work program;
In cooperation with Operation Specialist provides solutions to practice colleagues on compliance in accordance to the BDP`s internal control framework and UNDP`s relevant policies and procedures. Analyzes the risks and fostering the innovation to increase the effectivity;
In cooperation with Operation Specialist oversees the implementation of the Procurement plans and facilitates the relevant approval processes by BDP/Corporate bodies (CAP, CAP/ACP, PSU, BRSP, LSO, etc);
In cooperation with Operation Specialist advises on complex operational/management aspects influencing the projects delivery;
Act as practice focal point for SP reporting and coordinate practice benchmarking;
Advise practice project managers on the formulation and implementation of projects, with special focus on operational/ management aspects and ensuring delivery of results.

Strategic Planning, Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation:

Coordinate Gender Team inputs into the forthcoming Strategic Plan and development of the new gender equality strategy, including the results frameworks;
Develops a solid Monitoring and Evaluation plan and system to monitor results frameworks, performance indicators and targets. Coordinates period evaluations;
Backstop policy advisors in their implementation of the project components. These include compiling and synthesizing reports; providing relevant and timely feedback to ensure adequate delivery; analyzing programme-related documents ensuring compliance with UNDP standards, mandate and results-based management system;
Compile information, analyze and prepare briefs and reports for the Executive Group and Executive board on matters related to the achievement of development goals and outcomes outlined in the results frameworks of UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2008-2013 and accompanying Gender Equality Strategy. Work with the policy/thematic advisers to support preparation of briefs and other documentation requested by the Executive Office;
Coordinate Gender Team input to the evaluations (global, thematic, outcome or project evaluations),
Coordinate Gender Team inputs into corporate reports;
Work with the Cluster Leader for Institutional Development to ensure the integration of gender equality and women’s empowerment results, indicators and other measures into corporate planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting tools.

GT Representation and Support functions:

Keep abreast of BDP Directorate priorities and policies and shares them with the Gender Team. Participate in RMT and other corporate meetings;
Coordinate practice inputs for all corporate initiatives/exercises.;
Ensuring the quality of all GT outputs, publications and reports;
Support the Direct/OIC of the Gender team in the management of human resources, including ensuring timely renewal of contracts, preparations of terms of reference, timely advertisement and recruitment;
Represent the Gender Team in key practice meetings and corporate bodies as requested by the Director;
Continuously scan the partnership environment to identify niche for partnership building and resource mobilization, advocating for opportunities, contributes to the resources mobilization.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the ability of UNDP to transform itself into a gender responsive institution. Successful completion of the functions will contribute to: (1) the integration of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the forthcoming strategic plan; (2) the elaboration of a Gender Equality Strategy 2014-2017; (3) the successful implementation of the Gender Team workplan; (2) improved results based management, monitoring and reporting on gender results across the organization.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN values. Commitment to UNDP’s vision, mission, and strategic goals;
Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
Understanding of the UN system, operations and structures, in particular those related to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Knowledgeable of UN/UNDP corporate rules, regulations, policies, procedures and practices;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; and,
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional/Technical Competencies:

Knowledge and technical expertise in the area of gender equality and women’s empowerment;
Ability to identify creative and practical approaches to overcome challenges;
Familiarity with evaluation, results based management, work planning, budgeting and reporting instruments;
Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships, advocate effectively and communicate to various constituencies;
Excellent analytical skills of substantive as well as organizational issues;
Ability to establish priorities for self and others, and to work independently and;
Ability to perform a variety of tasks in a fast-paced and highly pressured environment;
Demonstrated working knowledge on the principles and issues surrounding gender and development, UNDP and UN system policies, programming in gender equality and women’s empowerment;

Behavioral Competencies:

Ability to work in a complex environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors;
Ability to work under pressure and with a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team;
Resourcefulness, initiative and mature judgment;
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, tact and diplomacy and;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in development or related field.

Experience:

A minimum of five years of experience analytical work in international development in the area of gender equality or related field;
Experience with UNDP result management, accountability, and reporting tools and mechanisms;
Experience in working on the intersection of gender issues
Knowledge of experience with UNDP project management and procurement procedures;
Experience working in partnership with organizations, and inter-agency collaboration on gender equality and women’s empowerment is an asset;
Strong written and analytical skills required.

Language Requirements:

Fluent in English.
Working knowledge in another UN language is an asset.