UNDP Jobs - 54276- PROGRAMME ASSOCIATE: UNDP

PROGRAMME ASSOCIATE: UNDP

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

01-Apr-2015

Application Deadline :

23-Mar-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

GS-7

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

yearly extension

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 Specialist/Effective Governance Cluster Lead and matrix supervision of the Policy Specialist the Programme Associate provides leadership in execution of services in the 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 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:

Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies on programme and projects management, contribution to adjustments of relevant Standard Operating Procedures,
Presentation of thoroughly researched information for preparation of CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP, effective application of RBM tools and establishment of management targets (BSC). Support in establishment of the mechanisms to track use of RBM tools and maintenance of RBM database.
Observation and provision of support on POPP compliance of projects and programmes at all stages
Presentation of information/ reports for identification of areas for support and interventions in the area of Effective Governance and Policy Development.
Implementation of the CO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies, preparation of reports.
Contribution to the mainstreaming of gender, innovation, greening in programmes/projects.
Contribution to development of e-tools to be applied in the programme/project management

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.
For projects under responsibility or acting as alternate for other Programme Associates, entry of data of new financial contributions into Atlas in the form of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), monitoring of AWPs status. Initiation of a project, entering project into Atlas, preparation or clearance of required budget revisions.
Maintenance of Programme Portfolio Pipeline and Project Tree in Atlas. Track of availability of cash for projects and coordination of installments’ transfer from donors. Follow up with HQs on ASL allocations for development projects under responsibility.
Provision of guidance to the executing agencies and project teams on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources and quality control.
Provision of support for effective monitoring of 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. Liaising with HQ/Regional Bureau and national counterparts on new areas of intervention.
Provide support to the Cluster Lead on projects’ management and oversight.
Generation of the Annual CDRs for projects under responsibility and submission for signature to the National Coordinators.
Support in preparation and clearance of projects’ financial reports to donors.
Provide support for preparation and conduct of audit of NIM/NGO projects, implementation of audit recommendations.

Provides administrative support to the Programme Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

Providing administrative support for project formulation, launch, implementation, and closing through supporting formulation missions, organization of project appraisal, closure, and evaluation including but not limited to: concluding contracts with external consultants, arranging travel, meetings, initiating recruitment processes and coordinate other logistics.
Coordination of Institutional Capacity Assessments and spot-checks for HACT projects, clearance of FACE forms, preparation of progress/annual reports.
Performing the functions of the Manager Level 1 in ATLAS.
Coordination of administrative processes for projects without staff, including management of contracts, payments, deliverables.
Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of projects Financial Reports.
Monitoring of funds and coordination of actions needed to ensure the availability of budgets and cash limits for payments.

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.
Introducing and updating projects in the Aid Management Platform
Preparation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, monitoring of fulfillment of contract clauses, terms and references,
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/programme/projects staff on issues related to programme management and use of ATLAS and other internal platforms and tools.
Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Promotion of cross-practice collaboration, exchange of information and joint programming
Good knowledge of the development assistance actors, of the public sector and the Civil Society in Moldova is a strong advantage

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
Prince2 training and certification, RMG

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University Degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business or Public Administration, Economics would be desirable, but it 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 English, Romanian and Russian.
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

Only citizens of the Republic of Moldova are eligible to apply.

All interested candidates must complete a PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P-11). Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued. Applications without P11 form submitted will not be considered.