Programme Specialist, Operations and Programme Administration; Programme Division

United Nations Population Fund

The Position:

Located in the Programme Division, the Programme Specialist, Operations and Programme Administration is responsible for the overall management of operations and finance related to core funds at the Divisional level, while also coordinating with non-core fund activities. The Programme Specialist supports the PD Branches and the Division on specific global initiatives and donor-funded projects. Under the supervision of the P5 Programme Management Adviser, the Programme Specialist in charge of Operations and Programme Administration, manages the Division's General Support (GS) staff, oversees operational and financial matters concerning core resources, and provides support and guidance to programme leads to ensure successful delivery of their commitments. 

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA's strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to "build forward better", while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job purpose: 

This role supports the Programme Division's management, ensuring the effective management of core resources and providing PD Branches with necessary operational and financial support to meet their obligations under UNFPA policies and procedures. It plays a key function in standardising working practices and fostering collaboration across thematic teams. The incumbent must possess excellent project management skills, broad operational knowledge, and a solid understanding of UNFPA's thematic areas.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Role Description:

- Operations Management for the Division:
- Supervise General Service (GS) staff supporting the PD office, programme administration, and core finances;
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures across PD branches to ensure consistency and standardisation within the Division;
- Ensure the integrity of financial systems, review budget requirements and ensure consistent application of UNFPA policies, rules and regulations;
- Oversee PD travel and logistics administration;
- Review the Branch work plans, and monitor results achievement, in collaboration with programme teams;
- Ensure high quality procurement and other support services, monitoring the quality and timeliness of service providers;
- Routinely monitor financial reports for unusual activities and transactions, and alert Branch Chief and DMS/Finance Branch;
- In collaboration with the Knowledge Management team to promote effective knowledge management practices within the Division;
- Build staff capacity through coaching and mentoring on operations management best practices for programme implementation and sound project management;
- Support Division-wide initiatives, including team retreats.

2. Programme Administration and Management

- Provide support to non-core funded programmes and thematic teams, as needed. This may include preparing documentation for the Resource Management Committee (RMC), liaising with thematic leads on activity planning and costing, consolidating communications to Regional and Country offices, monitoring expenditures and supporting engagement with other HQ units;
- As required, provide coordination and financial oversight to cross-thematic non-core projects, working closely with the Programme Division Directorate;
- Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of flagship programmes; monitor and analyse programme/project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties and track follow-up actions;
- Coordinate budget and funding activities (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare required documentation and reports;
- Support engagement with other UNFPA units, such as DER (PFFB), DMS (SPB, FASB, FB), ITSO and SCMU, for coordinated programme management and administration;
- Coordinate the development of new funding proposals, and support programme leads in the development of funding proposals and project workplans, including scope, schedule and budget;
- Regularly engage with other units to support corporate fundraising efforts. 
Education: 

Post-graduate University Degree in public administration, social science, public health, population studies, programme management, communications or other relevant field.

Knowledge and Experience: 

- A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in coordinating and managing international development projects and/or managing staff and operational systems, including at least 2 years in an international context, is required;
- Demonstrated knowledge of results-based management, operations, financial management and reporting;
- Proven ability to lead the formulation, administration, management and monitoring of projects;
- Solid knowledge of financial and human resources management, contracts, procurement, information and communication technology, and general administration;
- Excellent communications skills;
- Familiarity with the UN's operational environment;
- Knowledge of population and sustainable development issues is desirable;
- Programme management experience within the UN system is desirable.

Languages: 

Fluency in English required; knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French, is highly desirable.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

- Exemplifying integrity, 
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
- Embracing cultural diversity, 
- Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

- Achieving results,
- Being accountable,
- Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
- Thinking analytically and strategically,
- Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
- Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies:

- Delivering results-based programmes
- Participate in the formulation of programme proposals and ensure substantive rigour in the design and application of proven successful approaches
- Determine workload and resource requirements for programmes and projects
- Monitor specific stages of programme implementation and progress towards predefined milestones
- Implement work adjustments based on lessons from monitoring progress
- Pro-actively share information and knowledge within the organization for more effective results

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.

To view the complete job description and apply to this position, click "Apply Now" below.

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Important Application Information:
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Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

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