Programme Management Specialist

Update

The Programme Management Specialist will be based with UNDP’s Pacific Office in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), supporting programme implementation in Kiribati under the guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative and matrix supervision of the Gov4Res Capacity Building Specialist. The role focuses on strengthening risk and compliance management, enhancing oversight of the country portfolio, and promoting integrated approaches such as Risk-Informed Development (RID) and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) across UNDP projects and partners. Working closely with government counterparts, implementing partners, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, the incumbent will support effective coordination, evidence-based decision-making, and alignment with UNDP policies, including Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) and Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT). The assignment also emphasizes capacity building and knowledge sharing to strengthen institutional effectiveness and support resilient, inclusive development outcomes in Kiribati.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Pacific Office in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) or his/her designated mandated representative(s), with matrix supervision from the Gov4Res Capacity Building Specialist, the UNV Programme Management Specialist will:

a. Strong support in risk and compliance management for risk-informed programmatic and operational implementation in Kiribati
• Ensure close monitoring and timely delivery of and reporting on the agreed results
• Provide support in risk assessments, risk analysis for decision making, design and implementation of risk mitigation actions, risk escalation and other tasks in line with Social and Environmental Standards (SES) and ensure proper partner risk management including due diligence, vetting, risk assessments, and determination of residual risks for management.
• Ensure effective follow-up to the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) and Country Office micro assessments and audits, analyze findings and support preparation of the improvement plans, facilitate regular monitoring of capacity development activities for all projects and advice on the management of project level cash transfers to the Implementing Partners.
• Support the implementation and integration of Risk-Informed Development (RID) and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) approaches across UNDP projects and Implementing Partners (IPs), ensuring alignment with programme objectives and national priorities.
• Instigate and strengthen cross programme/projects coordination and collaboration within UNDP programme/projects and with partners to advocate for RID and GEDSI considerations into the planning and budgeting process based on evidence data to inform decision making.
• Identify entry points on RID integration with UNDP programme/projects and Implementation Partners


b. Support in the effective oversight of Country portfolio for optimization of development initiatives
• Provides support in strategic planning and oversight of the portfolio of programmes and projects in Kiribati to ensures their compliance with programme and operations policies and procedures (POPP) and quality assurance standards.
• Identifies strategic opportunities and leads engagement on potential joint programming with other UN Agencies and entities.
• Prepares data analysis and reports, with recommendations on control issues requiring CO management’s actions and interventions.

c. Ensure effective and efficient coordination and partnership
• Maintain regular communication on relevant issues with the local and international counterparties, consultants, and experts and ensure quality and timely delivery of all agreed outputs.
• Support and contribute substantively to preparation of the programme and briefing notes for the field missions by the MCO senior management, global/regional programme advisors, donors as appropriate.
• Provide logistical and other support for multi country office (MCO) donor visits in the geographic area of responsibility.
• Identify and support synergies with UNDP projects and programmes on related activities where possible.
• Strive to engage groups and communities in project activities that affect them through participatory processes.
• Contribute to the UNDP Annual Programme Reviews, whole-of-office corporate annual planning, and the end-of-year reporting with the data and key results achieved in the area.

d. Capacity building and knowledge facilitation with UNDP, partners, and stakeholders
• Provide training and capacity building that will facilitate better alignment of the government systems, assurance frameworks such as HACT, and the UNDP POPP in line with the identified needs on the ground
• Promote effective knowledge management practices across the office, counterparts, and projects through provision of resources, tools, and stock taking of lessons learned.
• Facilitate and support capacity development initiatives on RID and GEDSI, including training, learning exchanges, and practical application to strengthen institutional capabilities for resilience development and good governance.