Programme Management Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Strategic Planning and Inter-Agency Affairs Unit (SPIA), Public Affairs and Policy Support Branch (PAB) in the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna, Austria. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Strategic Planning and Inter-Agency Affairs Unit and the overall guidance of the Chief of the Public Affairs and Policy Support Branch. For more information on UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Coordinate the secretariat of the Programme Review Committee by reviewing all UNODC Programmes and projects prior to their submission to the Committee to ensure that they are in line with the agreed policies and strategies, Management Instructions, the Office’s results-based management principles and operational priorities. Provide strategic guidance and policy advice to programme managers at HQ and the field on programme development, monitoring and reporting. • Organize the preparation and review of the Programme Plan. Provide training and advice to focal points in subprogrammes, ensuring quality of programmatic documents and liaise with UNHQ. Facilitate review by legislative bodies (ACABQ, CPC and Fifth Committee) preparing written responses to questions submitted. Oversee updating of results and deliverables in Umoja SMA ensuring quality assurance and consistency of performance reporting. • Coordinate the monitoring of and reporting on the implementation of the 2021-2025 UNODC Strategy and ensure consistency and coherence with the Programme Plan and Budget, as well as other UNODC strategic documents, plans and policies. Coordinate the development of a new 2026-2030 UNODC Strategy. • Coordinate UNODC and UN-systemwide strategic and policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. Coordinate and draft inputs for the preparation of various consolidated reports to governing bodies, and other legislative and technical bodies. • Coordinate activities related to corporate planning and reporting (consolidated budget preparation and submissions, Senior Managers’ Compacts, workplan reporting etc.) and prepare related documents/reports; review, analyse and finalize budget proposals. Monitor budget implementation of the unit and ensure compatibility with programme priorities and objectives, taking into account the most effective use of resources; identify deviations from plans, initiate corrective actions and ensure follow-up; identify areas of potential savings or overruns and make recommendations. • Coordinate inputs and responses to the Office of Internal Oversight Services, the Board of Auditors, the Joint Inspection Unit and other oversight bodies and draft consolidated and consistent replies for management approval; monitor the implementation of audit and evaluation recommendations relating to programmatic work. • Monitor and analyse programme/project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; ensure follow-up actions. Enhance the monitoring and reporting capacity of UNODC programmes and projects by advising on relevant monitoring and indicator frameworks and in linking their programming to the UN Strategic Framework, such as the 2030 Agenda and the Our Common Agenda. • Plan and implement critical systems and processes related to results-based management, including results-based reporting, and use of new Management Information systems and applications for programme planning, monitoring and reporting. Design a corporate monitoring framework in close coordination with HQ and the field ensuring alignment with existing systems at division level. • Develop and review guidance related to the implementation of applications for programme planning, monitoring and reporting as well as overall project/programme management, in consultation with relevant stakeholders within UNODC. Provide capacity building training to staff on related applications and results-based management. • Prepare material related to and follow-up on inter-agency affairs issues, in particular to ensure meaningful engagement with entities in the UN system. Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources. Organize and prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to programme management and development; has knowledge of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the wider UN system, and knowledge of policies, strategies, concepts and operational approaches relevant to UNODC’s goals; is able to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; is able to identify key strategic issues, formulate opinions and concepts and make conclusions and recommendations; has extensive knowledge and specialization of programme development, planning and management, with a focus on results-based management; has the ability to conceptualize, design and implement policies to facilitate the consideration of parliamentary documents by legislative bodies; has the ability to understand questions from legislative bodies and formulate oral or written responses for senior management during/after formal hearings; has conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis; is able to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; is able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international law, development management or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management in addressing crime, drugs, corruption and terrorism in an international context is required. Extensive experience in results-based management, developing and monitoring results frameworks and indicators, including training of staff and development of higher-level monitoring frameworks in an international context is required. Experience in strategic planning, foresight, development of strategic documents and partnering is required. Experience in corporate-level programme planning, development, monitoring and reporting in the context of the mandate areas of UNODC is desirable. Experience in using an ERP (such as SAP/Umoja) for integrated programme planning, monitoring and reporting is desirable. Experience in coordinating audits and ensuring oversight and quality assurance of programme and project portfolios is desirable. Experience in budgetary and staffing administration is desirable. Relevant experience in working with intergovernmental and UN committees and legislative bodies is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview

Special Notice

This position is funded from extra budgetary resources. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment will be subject to the availability of funding. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity.  All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs.  The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff.  Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. Vienna is classified in the H category (family duty station).

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.