Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 227142
Job Network : Economic, Social and Development
Job Family : Programme Management
Category and Level : Consultants, CON
Duty Station : NEW YORK
Department/Office : Office of Legal Affairs
Date Posted : Feb 2, 2024
Deadline : Feb 15, 2024

Result of Service
The Programme Coordinator will engage in programme management, liaison, communications and reporting to manage the Project and assist in its implementation.
Work Location
Home-based; possibility of travel.
Expected duration
The duration of the contract will be an initial 6 months (with the possibility of extension).
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project for “Promotion of a better understanding of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), in particular to strengthen capacities of developing States toward becoming parties to the BBNJ Agreement and implementing it” is a strategic partnership between the Office of Legal Affairs of the Secretariat of the United Nations, through its Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (the Division), and the European Union.
The Project, to be implemented by the Division pursuant to General Assembly resolution 77/321 and in the context of its capacity-building mandate, will seek to address critical capacity barriers at the regional and national levels in becoming parties to the Agreement and for its implementation.
The Project will be implemented over two years and comprises three main activities, namely: (1) needs and priority assessments with a view to informing the subsequent regional workshops; (2) regional workshops for parliamentarians and government officials of African, and Latin American and Caribbean States; and (3) the publication of case studies with experiences of States in becoming parties to the Agreement. Further activities include communication and outreach.

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Division, the consultant shall be directly supervised by a Senior Legal Officer (the Head). The Programme Coordinator will manage and coordinate the development and implementation of the programme of work under the Project, and will have a role in liaising and collaborating with internal and external partners, including Project beneficiaries, UN Secretariat entities and the donor.

Scope of work: The Programme Coordinator is expected to be engaged in four main areas of work:
1.Programme management: In accordance with established timelines and budgets, manage the development and implementation of the programme of work and related deliverables, and coordinate human resources associated with the programme, including the Project consultancies. Assist in the development, review and editing of substantive Project outputs, as requested.
2.Programme liaison: Coordinate the provision of regular updates to, and the implementation of the programme, with Project partners, the donor, and Project beneficiaries.
3.Programme communications: Outreach and relations with external partners: Support the Head’s function as the main point of contact for the programme, including coordinating and maintaining programme communications with Government officials, partners in the UN System and key stakeholders.
4.Programme reporting: Fulfil all reporting requirements, both internally and as agreed-upon with the donor.

Programme Management:
•Provide overall day-to-day coordination of programmes. In coordination with the Head, establish, develop, and maintain appropriate administration systems and procedures to help ensure programmes are delivered on time, to budget and to the required quality standards.
•Organise activities, such as workshops, making necessary logistical and technical arrangements and liaising with resource persons and beneficiaries.
•Provide support to the Project’s core team in organizing meetings and providing secretariat support to relevant teams.
•Manage documentation, including creating and updating documents (e.g., core documents, papers, publications, draft meeting agendas, minutes etc.).
•Monitor and support the financial administration of the Project in close collaboration with the relevant offices and assist the Head in monitoring programme expenditure against budgets.
•Gather, analyse and present data, compile reports, establish databases as required, carry out preliminary research, prepare/draft presentations, prepare briefing notes and correspondence.
•Monitor and analyse programme development and implementation; review relevant documents and report; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track follow-up actions.
•Support the curation of a consistent portfolio of virtual learning interventions, tools and support materials.

Programme Liaison:
•Support the Head to develop a detailed implementation plan to achieve programme objectives, setting strategic direction for the Project, and ensuring results respond to countries’ requirements and donors’ expectations.
•Coordinate the implementation of the programme with the programme partners and in close consultation with the European Union.
•Ensure strong collaboration with the European Union on all areas of strategic planning, management, oversight implementation and donor communication.

Programme Communications, Outreach & Relations with External Partners:
•Support with mobilizing external partnerships to enhance support to the Project and expand experience sharing to a broader constituency.
•Support the strengthening of partnerships with relevant national partners, UN System Agencies, Intergovernmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Alumni networks, the private sector, and scientific institutions to support the implementation of the Project.
•Support the engagement and maintain regular contact with key sectoral policy counterparts, including in Government, UN system Agencies, Intergovernmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, and Alumni networks; and respond usefully and timely to requests for advice and information.
•Participate in field missions (when possible), in accordance with the requirements of the Project.
•Identify and support development of communications (print, video) highlighting key programme achievements, best practices, and lessons learnt and contributes to information sharing with stakeholders.
•Support the development and maintenance of the Project website, including posting regular news items.
•Prepare publicity materials (e.g., brochure) and quarterly Project updates.
•Set up and maintain a database of contacts for publicity/email distribution.
•Establish and support outreach of the programme via social media, including working closely with Project partners.

Programme Reporting:
•Support the monitoring and evaluation of Project activities and prepare quarterly and annual technical progress reports.
•Coordinate activities related to budget and funding (Project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, Project budget, etc.).
•Undertake survey initiatives; design data collection tools; review, analyse and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions.

Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to results-based budgeting and project management. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Strong command of information technology tools and programmes, is required. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to build good working relationships at all levels. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports colleagues, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his or her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

• Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate risks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
Qualifications/special skills
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law, law of the sea, ocean affairs, sustainable development, environment/ocean-based science, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Programme or project management certifications are an asset (i.e. PMP, PMI-ACP, Project+, Prince2, Prince2Agile).

Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required.
Experience in ocean affairs or related fields is required.
Experience in managing stakeholder relationships within projects is required.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages is required.
Previous work experience in the UN system is highly desirable.
Experience in developing and/or delivering capacity-building programmes, at any level is desirable.
Experience in using Drupal or similar website content creation and management software is an asset.
Languages
For this position, Fluency in English is required. Knowledge French or Spanish is highly desirable.