Joint Programme Coordinator

The Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive and Responsible Digital Philippines or Digital-PINAS aims to leverage digital innovation for inclusive growth and resilience, aligning with UN frameworks and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses digital disparities among marginalized groups through a three-pillar strategy: enhancing MSME capabilities, improving digital access, and fostering gender-responsive policies. 

The JP brings together a coalition of partners, leveraging the strengths and resources of Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs) — United Nations Development Programme, International Labour Organization, and the International Trade Centre — under the auspices of the UN Resident Coordinator, alongside key government agencies. With a multi-stakeholder approach, collaboration with local governments, the private sector, civil society, and international donors ensures alignment with national priorities. 

UNDP is looking for a Coordinator for the Joint Programme – Digital PINAS, who will lead the Joint Programme Management and Coordination Unit (JPMCU) based in Manila. This involves working closely with the Joint Programme PUNOs, UNDP Institutions and Partnerships Programme (I&P) Team, and Impact Advisory Team, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project achieves its intended objectives. The JP Coordinator shall also lead initiatives for the JP, working closely with the project’s Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups in the delivery project outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key functions include:

• The Joint Programme Coordinator will lead the Joint Programme Management and Coordination Unit reporting directly to the Lead PUNO (UNDP Philippines).  Under the direct supervision of the Institutions and Partnerships Team Leader, the JP Coordinator will work closely with participating United Nations agencies (ILO, ITC) and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. He/she is expected to collaborate with relevant government agencies such as Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and other stakeholders, including non-government organizations, and private sector entities.

Ensure strategic management of the joint programme and provide day-to-day financial and administrative management for the delivery of the project’s activities focusing on achievement of the following results: 

• Overall management of the initiative and provision of technical inputs in the implementation of the project under the overall guidance and advisory support of the Joint Programme Steering Committee;
• Preparation of detailed annual and financial plans based on the project results framework and theory of change;
• Manage project funds, maintain financial integrity, and ensure effective use of project resources;
• Provide quality and timely financial reports as per UNDP financial rules and regulations and Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO) requirements;
• Lead the UNDP initiatives reflected in the Joint Programme’s Work Plan, and collaborate with UNDP teams and other partners to effectively deliver results;
• Management, certification, and reporting on financial disbursement based on approved work plan and payment schedule;
• Monitoring, reporting and evaluation of outputs and accomplishments towards the achievement of project intended outputs; and
• Ensuring effective, efficient and timely implementation of activities
• Ensure effective collaboration among Participating United Nations Organizations (UNDP, ILO, and ITC) and UN Resident Coordinator’s Office;

Effective Joint Programme coordination: 

• Coordinate and liaise with the designated representatives of Joint SDG Fund Secretariat and Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO); and
• Lead quality assurance process while ensuring coordination among United Nations Organizations (UNDP, ILO, and ITC).

Develop and maintain effective working relationships and coordination with key counterparts to ensure the strategic positioning of the Joint Programme focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Build and maintain an effective working relationship with key partners and stakeholders, especially with the Joint Programme Steering Committee and Technical Working Group;
• Develop and finalize Memorandum of Agreements, Responsible Party Agreements, or other relevant legal instruments with relevant entities, and project partners such as non-government organizations and academic institutions;
• Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Joint Programme’s Partnership Strategy;
• Promote coordination, dialogue, and good practice knowledge sharing among stakeholders; and
• Ensure effective collaboration with the UN agencies and other development partners

Perform resource mobilization and financial accountability focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identify and collaborate with potential partners to leverage Joint Programme funds and results;
• Effective application of UNDP financial oversight through the Quantum enterprise management system; and
• Work closely with programme administration and finance staff to ensure efficient and transparent use of project resources in line with approved budgets and within UNDP rules and regulations

Perform human resources management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Supervise staff members under the Joint Programme Management and Coordination Unit and provide necessary guidance and coaching; and
• Set performance parameters for staff members under the JPMCU, assess their performance, and provide feedback

Efficient support to tasks related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Joint Programme’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan;
• Establish suitable monitoring mechanisms and undertake regular monitoring and reporting on project progress, risks and constraints; updates the implementation plan as required; and
• Promote accountability through effective programme results reporting (including but not limited to semi-annual and annual progress and financial reports)

Ensure facilitation of communications, knowledge management, and advocacy focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Joint Programme’s Advocacy and Strategic Communications Plan;
• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to project goals; and
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Required Skills and Experience

Business Management

• Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
• Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making
• Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skilfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed

Digital and Innovation

• Data Analysis: Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making

Partnership management

• Strategic engagement: Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives

2030 Agenda: Prosperity

• Inclusive Growth: Social Inclusion

Business Direction & Strategy

• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Computer Science, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Information Management, Statistics, Sustainable Development, Social Sciences, Education or related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the fields mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years (with master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience in implementing, monitoring, and/or evaluating development programs and projects, managing the development and execution of policy and institutional reforms and innovations, coordinating development cooperation and collaboration of sectors, and other related work
• Experience working in or with government agencies and familiarity with government processes and dynamics is highly preferred.
• At least 2 years working experience with international organizations at local or international level
• At least 2 years working experience in resource mobilization and partnerships.
• Civil Service Eligibility – Professional is desirable

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English and Filipino is required

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/job/19845