Associate Programme Officer - P2

Accountabilities:

Supervised by the Manager, Social Development Programme, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide substantive support to the delivery of SDP’s training activities in particular its Master's Programs by:
  • Preparing, undertaking and conducting training needs assessments and draft assessment reports. 
  • Assisting in the development, implementation and evaluation of training materials in accordance with the learning objectives of the assigned portfolio.
  • Ensuring that best practices related to training and training methodologies are disseminated and incorporated into SDP training activities.
  • Provide substantive support in the reporting to the donors and partners on the implementation of the activities within the Masters Programs Portfolio.
  • Carrying out research in the area of  social development and training needs in international affairs including collecting, analysing and presenting data and other information gathered from diverse sources, reviewing and analysing emerging development issues and trends. 
  • Participating in SDP’s outreach activities by organizing training workshops, seminars, and making presentations on topics/activities as assigned by the Supervisor. 
  • Ensuring that the UNITAR’s Quality Assurance and Monitoring & Evaluation Policy Frameworks are fully implemented by the donor and partners for the delivery of SDP training activities.
• Provide support to the enhancement of partnerships to facilitate the expansion of SDP activities by:
  
  • Maintaining quality partnership with key donors and other partners of SDP by identifying and addressing their needs and concerns, as well as facilitating joint activities, as a point of contact.
  • Assist in identifying potential partners (international organisations, national governments, academia, research institutions, public and private sectors, and NGOs) who align with the Division’s thematic areas. 
  • Assist in building relationship with potential partners in responding to their requests concerning the design, development and resource orchestration of social development-related projects and initiatives.
  • Contributing to the preparation of project paper, concept notes, and donor reports, etc.
  • Assist in verifying partner activities to ensure their compliance with UNITAR and UN guidelines. 
• Support the Manager in the daily operation of the SDP by:
  • Undertaking the necessary financial, budgetary and administrative arrangements, including preparing budget estimates, informing the Finance and Budget Section (FBS) on relevant financial issues, and reporting to the Manager or FBS on project and activity expenditures, as may be required or requested.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Staff in related programmes and offices of the Institute;
• Counterparts working in other international organisations, including those in the UN system;
• Representatives and officials in national governments, the public and private sectors, academia, research institutions and NGOs;
• In the execution of the above tasks, the incumbent supervises Individual Contractors, Consultants, and Trainees. 

Results Expected:

• Training needs assessments and related analyses are conducted and incorporated into programme design, ensuring that emerging trends, methodological innovations, and stakeholder priorities inform programme delivery.
• Substantive support to the development, implementation and evaluation of training curricula, learning content, and capacity-building activities is provided effectively, meeting programme objectives and integrating best practices in adult learning and social development.
• Substantive support to SDP’s Masters Programmes Portfolio is delivered effectively, ensuring partner needs are addressed timely, and activities align with UNITAR’s Quality Assurance and M&E frameworks.
• Effective contribution to the partnership enhancement, generating synergies and maximising the impact of the Social Development Programme while ensuring adherence to UNITAR and UN standards for quality and accountability.
• Programme operations are effectively supported, including administrative and financial arrangements, collaboration across UNITAR units, and supervision of team members to maintain a cohesive, well-functioning team environment.

Competencies:

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to international affairs; practical experience in programme/project management and administration and implementation; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given;. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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 and 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.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet partners/donors needs; Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"; Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Commitment to continuous learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; Shows willingness to learn from others; Seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; Treats all people with dignity and respect; Treats men and women equally; Shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; Examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; Does not discriminate against any individual or groups.

Minimum requirements

Education: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in International Affairs, International Relations, Diplomacy, Business or a related field. First level university degree in combination with two years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of Advanced university degree.

Experience: 

• A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs and project management within an international organisation is required for candidates with Advanced university degree. For candidates holding a first level university degree, a minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs and project management within an international organisation is required. 
• Experience in project or strategic planning and coordination, as well as design and implementation of training or knowledge initiatives is desirable
• Experience with multi-sector stakeholder management is highly desirable;
• Experience with the UN or other international organisations is an asset.

Language: Fluency in English. French is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Special Notice:

UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 12 months.

UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.

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 or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, 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.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.

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 Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications 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.

No Fee:

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

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