Programme Associate-Governance & Poverty Reduction (Open only to nationals of Guyana)

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative and direct supervision of a Programme Analyst, (Governance and Poverty) the Programme Associate ensures effective delivery of the CO programme by entering and managing data and supporting programme implementation consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the operations, programme, strategic management and projects’ staff in the CO, Panama Regional Hub and UNDP HQ as required for resolving complex issues and exchange of information. Collaboration is also required with project partners in government, civil society and donor institutions.  The Programme Associate will also work with UN agencies and participate in UN Country Team initiatives.  
The Programme Associate discharges duties in office and in field throughout Guyana including hinterland areas, and may receive training in relevant areas.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Support to formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the Country Programme
• Support to management of the CO programme
• Administrative support to the Programme Unit
• Support to resource mobilization
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

1.Supports formulation of programme strategies in the implementation of the Country Programme focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Collection, analysis and presentation of background and related information for preparation of UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Framework, Country Programme Document, programme/project implementation strategies, effective application of Results Based Management tools and establishment of management targets.
• Presentation of background information for formulation of country programme, draft project documents, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements.

 
2.Provides effective support to management of the CO programme focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Creation of a project in Atlas, preparation of required budget revisions, revision of project award and project status, determination of unutilized funds, operational and financial closure of a project.
• Provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects.
• Presentation of information for audit of Nationally implemented (NIM) projects, supports implementation of audit recommendations.
• Supporting robust cross-unit collaboration.
• Backstopping work of other units, as requested.

3.Provides administrative support to the Programme Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Review of NIM project Financial Reports; preparation of non-Purchase Order (PO) vouchers for development projects.
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas.
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.
• Creation of requisitions in Atlas for development projects, register of goods receipt in Atlas.
• Making budget check for requisitions, POs and vouchers.

4. Supports resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Collection of information on donors and international development partners, preparation of donor’s profile.
• Track and reporting on mobilized resources. Review of contributions agreement, managing contributions in Atlas.

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

• Prepare and contribute to the preparation of knowledge products, including background and working papers, technical reports and studies, briefings and presentations.
• Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme.
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Functional Competencies:       

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda
Support the preparation of information for advocacy

• Identifies relevant information for advocacy for a variety of audiences.

Results-Based Programme Development and Management
Contributing to results through provision of information

• Provides information and documentation on specific stages of projects/programme implementation
• Provides background information to identify opportunities for project development and helps drafting proposals.

Building Strategic Partnerships
Maintaining information and databases

• Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives
• Maintains databases of donor information
• Tracks and reports on mobilized resources
• Innovation and Marketing New Approaches.

Implementing processes and uses products

• Documents and tracks innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches
• Responds positively to new approaches.

Resource Mobilization
Providing information for resource mobilization strategies

• Maintains information/databases on potential and actual donors
• Maintains database of project files
• Provides data and information needed for preparation of project documents.

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Basic research and analysis

• Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
• Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools, and utilizes these regularly in work assignments

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals
Research and analysis

• Identifies relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’s goals for a variety of audiences

Client Orientation
Maintains effective client relationships

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
• Responds to client needs promptly.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity  
• Demonstrate UN values and principles
• Ability to communicate in the team, including the ability to receive feedback and self-reflect for self-improvement
• Initiative-taking and proactive research and outreach  
• Ability to work collaboratively with supervisors, colleagues and external partners in fostering cooperation and synergy, resolving problems, and preventing and managing conflict
• Ability to address complexity, uncertainty and adversity
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others.
• Attention to detail in reviewing and producing accurate and quality data and information
   

Education:    

• Secondary education, with demonstrable knowledge of and interest in development, and preferably with specialized certification/education in Accounting and Finance.
• University Degree in Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or Environmental Sciences would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:    

• Six (6) years of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience is required at the national or international level.
• Three (3) years’ experience of relevant will suffice if in possession of a Bachelor’s degree.
• Two (2) years of field experience in Guyana is desirable.
•  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages
• Experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:    

• Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory
• Second UN language is desirable.

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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