Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
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.
UNDP Country Office in Eswatini is well-positioned as a key development partner in knowledge and policy advice as well as supporting access to development financing. The new UNDP Country Programme Document (CP)D (2021-2025) is focused on addressing issues of poverty, inequality and strengthening resilience, using an integrated programming approach framed around two pillars namely, Inclusive growth and sustainable development (poverty-environment nexus) and Efficient and Participatory Governance.
The Country Office seeks a suitable candidate for the position of Programme Associate to strengthen result-based management and reporting system within the office. The UNDP Eswatini Country Programme Document 2020–2025 is fully aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNDCF) for the Kingdom of Eswatini covering the same period, which is itself in alignment with the National Development Plan 2023/24-2027/28 document.
Under the overall guidance of the DRR P&O, the Programme Associate ensures effective delivery of the programmes by entering and managing data and supporting programme implementation consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
The Programme Associate is the CO M&E focal point and works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project staff in the CO and UNDP HQs as required for resolving complex administrative, procurement and logistical issues and exchange of information.
Summary of Key Functions:
- Provide M&E support to programme units and support the formulation, implementation and monitoring of the programme strategies, annual workplans and activities;
- Support to management of the programmes, ensuring adherence to corporate processes and procedures;
- Administrative support to the Programme Units;
- Support in development and maintenance of strategic partnerships and resource mobilization;
- Supports knowledge management and full maintenance of the SharePoint files for all projects and programmes.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Supports formulation, implementation and monitoring of the programme strategy, annual workplans and activities, focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Supports Programme Specialists in collection, analysis and presentation of background information for preparation of CCA, UNSDGCF and CPD a, effective application of RBM tools and establishment of management targets (BSC) linked to the programmes;
- Supports Programme Specialists in establishing tracking mechanisms of RBM tools and maintenance of RBM database;
- Ensure all programming and planning integrate SMART indicators, targets, and baseline;
- Supports the development of the CO M&E plan;
- Collect data for baseline, targets (based on SMART) and advise on gap and propose methodologies to develop these data;
- Support the development of M&E matrix, templates and formats for programmes/projects to facilitate reporting and monitoring.
2. Supports effective management of the monitoring and evaluation process in the Country Office, focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Support the revision of Terms of Reference (TOR) for specific project/thematic/sectoral evaluation missions and/or desk evaluations/reviews, participation in consultant and evaluation team selection, technical feedback on evaluations and budget oversight;
- Serves as focal point for M&E in line with UNDP monitoring and reporting policies, procedures, and practices;
- Provide guidance on UNDP evaluation policies, procedures and practices to programme managers, UNDP CO staff concerned with assigned project/thematic/sectoral evaluations and/or desk reviews, consultants and/or members of the evaluation team., including provision of guidance at the design stage of programmes/projects;
- Support to the analysis and synthesis of proposals on areas evaluated and impact of UNDP programme;
- Ensure programme follow up on implementation of evaluation recommendations and updating of the ERC portal as required;
- Supports the Country Office input into the annual UN Cooperation Framework review exercise;
- Ensure data collection and input for UNDP Results Oriented Annual Report;
- Coordinate result-oriented reporting and support timely reporting arrangements;
- Highlight issues for corrective measures, effective troubleshooting, and technical assistance to implementing partners based on results of monitoring, where necessary;
- In collaboration with the communication focal point, support timely collection of information and drafting of ‘human interest stories’ of persons impacted by UNDP supported programming;
- Analysis of data related to the project at the national level.
3. Provide administrative support to Programme Unit, focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Collects, maintains and provides information relating to UNDP Programmes/Projects such as project documents, minutes of Local Programme Appraisal Committee (LPAC), Steering Committee Meetings, Evaluation Reports, etc. Projects to meet demand within the CO, from Government, HQ and others;
- Establishes and maintains reference with respect to Programme and project related documents, manuals, guidelines, policies and directives;
- Monitors timely and proper completion of project closure actions;
- Familiarizes counterparts with UNDP’s policies and procedures;
- Develops RFQs and RFPs in consultation with the Programme Specialists;
- Prepares E-Requisitions;
- Participates in bid evaluations;
- Prepares draft memos for review by the Programme Specialists;
- Provides contract management through monitoring submission of deliverables and processing of milestone payments within timelines set;
- Monitors timely and proper completion of project closure actions;
- Supports and provides backstopping functions for PMSU related to finance management, monitoring of programme delivery and targets.
4. Supports the development and maintenance of strategic partnerships and resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Analysis of information on donors and development partners, preparation of partner profile, in support of resource mobilization landscaping and formulation of strategies;
- Support the preparation and review of contribution agreements and partnership documents (MOUs, project documents, (N) RLAs etc).
5. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Support the Programme Specialists in preparing presentations and organize briefings and meetings with partners;
- Maintenance of teams’ sites and data repositories with lessons learned and best practices in the programme;
- Organization of trainings for the operations/projects staff on programme;
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Competencies
Core
Core competencies
Core Competencies
- Achieve Result: Level 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work;
- Think Innovatively: Level 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking;
- Learn Continuously: Level 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning;
- Adapt with Agility: Level 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process;
- Act with Determination: Level 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously;
- Engage and Partner: Level 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships;
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making.
Technical/Functional
Business Management
- Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.
Business management
- Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
Business Direction & Strategy
- Entrepreneurial Thinking: Ability to create clarity around UNDP value proposition to beneficiaries and partners and to develop service offers responding to client needs based on UNDP’s organizational priorities and mandate.
Business Management
- Resource Management: Ability to allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with principles of accountability and integrity.
Business Development
- Knowledge Facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.
Business Management
- Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results.
Business Management
- Evaluation: Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks – Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary or High School Diploma is a requisite.
- University degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
- Minimum of 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible administrative/management, or programme and/or coordination experience is required at the national or international level;
- Experience in programme or project management, finance, budgeting and reporting skills;
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation and results-based management tools is an asset;
- A background and interest in partnerships and resource mobilization, experience working with donor funded programmes will be an added advantage;
- 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:
- Proficiency in written English and SiSwati.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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