Programme Associate

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' global development network, advocating for sustainable development and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to build a better future. We are                           on the ground in 177 countries, working with them on theirown solutions to global and national development challenges. In Namibia, UNDP collaborates with the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) to address challenges related to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth.

We support the GRN to identifying key challenges in meeting its Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving capacities at the national, regional and local levels. To accelerate structural transformations for sustainable development our programming priorities, the UNDP Namibia Country Office has organized its programmatic activity into three portfolios: Sustainable, Inclusive and Green Growth (SIGG); Governance, Inclusive Institutions and Civic Engagement (GRICE) and Sustainable Environmental Management and Enhanced Resilience to Shocks and Crises (SEMER).  

The SEMER Portfolio aims to ensure that by 2029, Namibia integrates gender-inclusive systems for sustainable natural resources management, reduced climate change vulnerability and enhanced resilience of marginalized communities and young people. The Portfolio can broadly be divided into three overlapping areas of work: (a) sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity; (b) climate change adaptation and mitigation; and (c) renewable and affordable energy solutions. 

With this background, UNDP is looking for a Programme Associate to support the SEMER Portfolio. The Programme Associate is expected to be fully committed and passionate about the wise utilization, protection and sustainable management of Namibia’s environment, considering the global, regional and national environmental challenges. Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Programme Head/Specialist, the Programme Associate will provide critical support in coordinating and implementing activities under the SEMER portfolio. This role will ensure efficient programme operations, financial oversight, and strategic partnerships to achieve the portfolio’s objectives. The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the Country Office (CO) Senior Management Team, Programme and Operations teams and programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP regional hubs and head quarter staff.
 

Under direct supervision of the Programme Specialist - SEMER, the Programme Associate will carry out the following primary responsibilities: 

Programme and Financial Management Support

• Assist in the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the Country Programme Document (CPD), Annual Work Plans (AWPs), and project budgets to ensure that activities are implemented effectively and on time.
• Provide comprehensive support in the financial management of projects, including budget preparation, financial reporting, and expenditure tracking in compliance with UNDP financial rules and regulations.
• Manage project financial transactions, including requisitions, payments, and procurement processes, in the Quantum system to ensure efficient and timely project implementation.
• Support the monitoring of project expenditures and ensure adherence to the Internal Control Framework and UNDP's financial management policies.
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•  Project Implementation and Coordination
• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of project activities within the SEMER Portfolio to ensure effective implementation and timely delivery of results.
• Assist in organizing and coordinating meetings, workshops, field missions, and other events related to SEMER projects, including handling all logistical and administrative arrangements.
• Support procurement processes in collaboration with the operations team, ensuring compliance with UNDP rules and procedures.
• Provide assistance in preparing project progress reports, donor reports, and other documentation to ensure timely and quality reporting to stakeholders.
• Monitor project performance indicators and support data collection and analysis for project monitoring and evaluation.

Resource Mobilization

• Support the SEMER Head/Programme Specialist in resource mobilization efforts, including conducting research on potential funding opportunities and preparing donor profiles.
• Assist in the drafting and review of concept notes, project proposals, and funding applications in alignment with SEMER's strategic priorities.
• Track donor contributions and manage donor reporting requirements to ensure compliance with funding agreements and deadlines.

Knowledge Management and Communication

• Document and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from SEMER projects to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, reports, presentations, and communication materials to raise awareness about SEMER initiatives.
• Maintain an organized and updated filing system for project documentation, reports, and correspondence.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist in the onboarding processes for project teams and consultants.
• Support the preparation of project progress reports, donor reports, and other required documentation.
• Provide technical and operational support during field missions, ensuring effective coordination with external consultants and stakeholders.

Undertake additional tasks as assigned to support the overall objectives of the SEMER portfolio.

Institutional Arrangement

The Programme Associate will report directly to the SEMER Head/Programme Specialist. The incumbent will work closely with other programme, operations, and project staff within the UNDP Namibia Country Office, as well as with implementing partners, government entities, and development stakeholders. Approved costs to arrange meetings, workshops, travel costs, and DSA during field visits shall be covered by UNDP.

Core Competencies	Description of Competency at Level Required
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

 

Technical Competencies	Description of Competency at Level Required
Project Management	Ability to plan, organise, and oversee the execution of projects to achieve specific goals and objectives.
Financial Management	Competency in budgeting, financial reporting, and expenditure tracking.
Data Management and Analysis	Proficiency in collecting, managing, and analysing qualitative and quantitative data.
Procurement and Contract Management	Familiarity with procurement processes, including tendering, evaluation, and contract management.
Report Writing	Ability to prepare quality reports
Knowledge Management	Competency in documenting and disseminating best practices, lessons learned, and success stories.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Strong IT skills

Self-Management

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Academic Education Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Policy, Economics, or related fields. A diploma with three years of relevant experience will be considered.  Min. years of relevant Work experience  Minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience in programme or project management, financial management, or administrative support. Experience using UNDP’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Quantum is desirable. Required skills and competencies Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Desired additional skills and competencies Knowledge and experience with UNDP or UN agencies policies and procedures are desirable. Evidence of sound project management, stakeholder engagement, technical leadership, monitoring, and evaluation, and reporting skills. Experience working on environmental projects. Project management certification is an advantage. Required Language(s) (at working level) Fluency in English (both written and spoken). Knowledge of local languages is an asset.

 

Required Documents for Application

Personal CV or UNDP P11 form indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers themselves to be suitable for the position.