Programme Manager – P5

BACKGROUND

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the development arm of the United Nations, UNDP supports strategic capacity development initiatives to promote inclusive growth and sustainable human development. Through partnerships with national, regional, and local governments, civil society, and the private sector, UNDP strives to support Ukraine in its efforts to eliminate poverty, develop people’s capacity, achieve equitable results, sustain the environment, and advance democratic governance.

In Ukraine, UNDP has been working since 1993 with the Government and local authorities, partners across the UN system, civil society and local communities to help identify and develop targeted solutions to the country’s development challenges.  We work in close collaboration with several key ministries, departments, and agencies in a robust, integrated manner in three thematic priorities/portfolios:

• Inclusive Development, Recovery and Peacebuilding,
• Democratic Governance, and
• Energy and Environment

Since 24 February 2022, complex humanitarian, development, and peace challenges have been emerging in Ukraine, underscoring the importance of programming that responds to the multiple dimensions of the crisis. In April 2022, UNDP launched the Resilience Building and Recovery Framework for Ukraine grounded in working in close partnership with various government and development partners. The need for enhanced crisis/emergency coordination and response planning between the central government, the oblasts/rayons and other stakeholders (international community, CSOs, private sector) is becoming more and more critical for Ukraine to ensure delivery of services and build stronger resilience of the receiving/host communities and of the displaced. 

Drawing from past experiences and aiming to bolster the resilience and recovery of communities affected by war in target areas of Ukraine, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in response to the war, launched in October 2022 the “EU4RecoveryEmpowering Communities in Ukraine” (EU4Recovery) programme. The key objective of the programme is to support the strengthened resilience and early recovery of war-affected communities in selected target areas of Ukraine through: a) increased access to quality public services that respond to the needs of all population groups, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable; b) enhanced community security and maintained social fabric maintained in project target areas (Poltava, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kherson, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia oblasts). 

In this regard, UNDP Ukraine invites applications from highly qualified and experienced professionals for the post of International Programme Manager.  The incumbent will be primarily responsible for the successful management of the EU4Recovery programme and also other related area-based UNDP interventions in the conflict-affected areas of Ukraine. 

Area based development (ABD) is an approach which offers an integrated, participatory, and inclusive methodology to advance sustainable human development in specific geographically defined target areas that face distinctive complex challenges or vulnerabilities.  UNDP experience has shown that it makes most sense in post-conflict environments, where the sheer complexities of the challenges call for comprehensive, integrated multi-agency, multi-sector and multi-level responses, and above-all flexibility, to adequately respond to sometimes rapidly changing conditions.

An ABD approach, in which multiple strands of programming are implemented in the same place, and at the same time, allows complex challenges to be addressed, and links up  to UNDP R4 Recovery Framework which presents a multi-dimensional nexus programming, aimed at reconstruction and socio-economic recovery, durable solutions for IDPs and refugees, and accelerated return to development pathways

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Programme Manager will directly manage the group of area-based projects implemented in the conflict-affected areas of Ukraine and contribute to the efforts of the UNDP Country Office in the respective programmatic area. S/he will also supervise the team, coordinate the joint implementation with participating UN Agencies, and ensure the program’s success through planning, implementing, and managing innovative policies and practices, capacity building, project monitoring and assurance, advocacy, and knowledge services. The incumbent will oversee the joint implementation of the UN multi-agency recovery efforts in partnership with national and regional governmental authorities, serving as the key focal point for all related coordination and implementation tasks.

The incumbent will work under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative (Programme) and day-to-day collaboration with the portfolio manager of the Inclusive Development, Recovery and Peace Building portfolio (IDRPB) in the UNDP country office. S/he will lead the provision of substantive advice on all aspects of area-based programming, inclusive and sustainable recovery, and participatory local governance and other related areas to the Senior Management Team and liaise closely with other project managers and portfolio managers on pertinent development topics to ensure a multi-sectoral integrated development solutions approach for the conflict-affected areas of Ukraine.

The Programme Manager will prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment within all implementations and promote UNDP’s mandate as a gender-responsive organization with zero tolerance for any kind of discriminatory and abusive behavior, including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse.

 

Impact of results: 

The key results have a significant impact on the overall success of the UNDP’s programming and UNDP Strategic positioning to support the Government and the war conflict affected oblast and hromada administrations’ priorities such as increased access to quality public services, increased community security, maintained social fabric. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design, operation and implementation of the UNDP area-based programme.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration. 

Key duties and accountabilities:

Lead strategic direction of UNDP in area-based programming in Ukraine and lead and contribute as needed to UNDP work at subnational level:

• Provide strategic analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the immediate response context and provision of strategic advice to CO Management and any partnering UN agencies;
• Identification of strategic opportunities and potential recovery programme areas of cooperation, including opportunities for joint programming with UN agencies and other development partners (IFIs, INGOs etc.);
• On behalf of UNDP participates in any coordination forums for the target area and represents UNDP in inter-agency and humanitarian efforts as required;
• Ensure alignment and coordination of recovery programme with UNDP corporate Strategic Plan, Country Programme Document in Ukraine and efficient linkages to other programme activities of the CO as well as those of any UN Agency implementing partners and capitalizes on synergies consistently;
• Ensure mainstreaming of cross-cutting priorities in recovery programmes, in particular environment, gender, human rights and disaster risk reduction;
• Develop relevant strategies to ensure the effective programmatic and operational interface and complementarities between humanitarian, transitional, and recovery interventions of UNDP with an essential focus on concretizing the humanitarian development peace nexus (HDPN) in the (most) war-affected communities in Ukraine.
• Provide solutions and manage strategically and with agility project multiple strands of complexities
• Connect the project to the wider  resilience and recovery  agenda at subnational level

Leads effective management of the project(s) and supervision of the related team focusing on responsive programming from formulation to implementation:

• Provide leadership and effectively manage the programme team.  Ensure proper training, guidance and coaching opportunities for personnel.
• Effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets and monitoring achievement of results;
• Strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the Programme, tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. Performs the function of Project Manager as per Internal Control Framework;
• Effective monitoring and evaluation, continuous analysis of the environment and timely readjustment of programme;
• Aggregate reports are regularly prepared on activities, outputs and outcomes. Donor reports in accordance with cost-sharing agreements with all donors, are prepared and submitted within deadlines;
• Apply the internal web-based integrated monitoring and reporting platform (IMRP), conduct oversight over reporting, ensure quality data entry, monitor progress and performance of activities, outputs and outcomes, take necessary actions to improve performance of project delivery and impact results;
• Organization of cost-recovery system in close cooperation with the CO Finance Unit and Operations Manager for the services provided by the CO to projects.
• Provide needed strategic guidance, and technical accompaniment to project teams in social inclusion, digitalization , administrative service provision, among other project areas to ensure complementarity and contributing to UNDP value proposition at subnational level.

Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships with national and target oblast authorities, for the programme;

• Identify strategic opportunities and potential new areas of cooperation, including joint programming with UN agencies and other development partners. Actively coordinate with other stakeholders on the subject matter and contribute technical expertise to related work in regions of Ukraine.
• Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in the specific thematic areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Undertakes advocacy for and strengthening of national capacity for planning and coordination of the recovery effort.
• Provide policy advice and participate in peacebuilding and development corporate efforts
• Provides of quality policy and strategic advice to the regional and local authorities and Government counterparts on HDPN  and implementation of recovery policies and strategies;
• Ensures the identification, sharing and application of international best practices and lessons on recovery related issues relevant to the country’s recovery needs and goals;
• Provides sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Provides capacity building for country office staff (programme and operations).
• Supervise outsourced research and dissemination of research findings.
• Promote innovative programme areas and good practices in thematic area.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Provide policy advice and contribute to upstream policy work for UNDP Ukraine including to participate in recovery and development corporate efforts.

Other Duties:

• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:  

• Manages and supervises Project personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or a related field is required. Or.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills: 

• Minimum of 10 years (with master’s degree) or 12 year (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience, at the international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development portfolios and projects in relevant thematic areas; and establishing inter-relationships among international organizations and national governments is required.
• At least 5 years of relevant project/programme management experience in countries in transition, conflict or post-conflict situations is required.
• Extensive experience in implementing recovery programming at local level, with specific focus on nexus programming and advancing Build Back Better (BBB) and Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principles is desired.
• Extensive experience in providing advisory services to central and local authorities in the areas of local governance, sustainable recovery and institutional reform, and proven track record in establishing and nurturing relationships with national and international stakeholders is an asset.
• Experience in providing advisory support on EU accession process is desirable.
• Previous experience in programmes/project management within UN system is an asset.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of web-based management systems is required.

Languages: 

• Fluency in oral and written English required.
• Knowledge of another UN language will be an asset. Knowledge of Ukrainian is a plus.

COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 4: Prioritize team workflow, mobilize resources, drive scalable results/strategic impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 4: Easily navigate complexity, encourage/enable radical innovation, has foresight
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 4: Create systems and processes that enable learning and development for all
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 4: Proactively initiate/lead organizational change, champion new systems/processes
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 4: Able to make difficult decisions in challenging situations, inspire confidence
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 4: Construct strategic multi-partner alliances in high stake situations, foster co-creation
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 4: Create ethical culture, identify/address barriers to inclusion

People Management Competencies: 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

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.

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 Management: Portfolio Management 

• Ability to select, prioritise and control the organi ation s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimising return on investment.

Business Development: Knowledge Generation 

• Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need.

2030 Agenda – Peace: Governance 

• Area-based approaches to local governance

2030 Agenda – Prosperity: Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility 

• Area Based Development

2030 Agenda – People: Gender 

• Gender Mainstreaming

 

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

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Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

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.

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