Programme Coordinator on SDG Implementation

In China, UNDP works with the people and Government of China, and other partners to pursue equitable and sustainable human development both at home and overseas. We help China develop and implement policies, institutional capabilities and partnerships to achieve the sustainable development goals domestically, and to connect China’s experience to advance other developing countries for sustainable growth worldwide. We provide development advisory services and implement projects through innovation and applying our international experience and network.

Sustainable Development Unit, UNDP China Office works closely with Chinese government and leading national institutions on policy recommendations and implementation for poverty-related issues, social services and governance, environmental concerns, community-based disaster risk reduction and education. The Unit has been supporting China’s move towards multi-dimensional development planning to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributed to designing a new system measuring development progress as SDGs are the most ambitious collective development endeavor attempted, requiring the world to equally ensure social governance, economic inclusion, and environmental protection by 2030.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the programme specialist of SDG Financing, the Programme Coordinator is responsible for management of UNDP programme in the resilient livelihood and SDG financing portfolio, with focus on poverty reduction, sustainable livelihood and SDG financing related projects and research initiatives. The Programme Coordinator also helps analyze political, social, economic and legal trends and lead formulation and management of programme activities, conduct relevant research and providing policy advisory services within his/her portfolio. The Programme Coordinator focuses on the areas of resilient livelihood and SDG financing, and other areas as assigned by supervisor.  The job involves developing close constructive relations with the Government of China, research institutes and think tanks, the private sector as well as civil society organizations while liaising with other UN agencies. 

Summary of Key Functions:

• Formulation and management of the CO programme in areas of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, with specific focus on resilient livelihood and SDG financing programme and research projects, including but not limited to innovative finance for poverty, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic transformation, etc.

• Top quality policy research in areas of poverty, financing and SDGs

1. Ensures effective management of the CO programme and working creatively under the new development context within the areas of resilient livelihood and SDG financing and other thematic/sectoral areas assigned, focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of the country programme achieving the following results:

• Planning, implementing and monitoring the programme and its various components under the supervision of Programme Specialist;
• Analyzing the development context and identifying new programme/research areas with partnership and resource.
• Coordinating the work of partners to ensure that outputs are delivered on time, within the approved budget and with high quality standards, and ensuring collaboration of various institutions engaged under the programme on data and information sharing;
• Fostering partnerships with national and international counterparts, NGOs and other groups to ensure effective coordination and communication;
• Assisting in various programme related activities which may include (but not limited to) planning for meetings, local and national consultations, trips and other project related activities, as assigned by the authorities;
• Drafting Annual Work Plans, Project Implementation Reports (PIRs), Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs)- both, narrative and financial- as per the format provided by UNDP;
• Drafting letters, concept notes, Terms of Reference etc. to support the project and providing inputs to relevant documentation such as project summaries, briefing notes, speeches, and donor profiles.
• Assisting in poverty and inclusive financing related research and report compiling, facilitating international communications and cooperation, organizing launch and roadshows of research and policy products, and promoting the best practices.
• Monitoring and evaluating financial and substantive components of projects, identifying operational and financial problems, and providing assistance for M&E and financial activities of projects;
• Apart from the above, the Programme Coordinator will also be required to execute duties assigned under the Sustainable Development Financing Master Project, other projects or tasks assigned by Programme Specialist.

2.Conducts high quality policy research in SDG finance, and resilient livelihood areas. Facilitating knowledge creation and management at UNDP and sharing with partners.

• Developing high quality knowledge products for the livelihood and SDG financing portfolio;
• Providing technical and policy advices on financing, and SDGs issues to partners as requested;
• Increasing UNDP’s visibility in policy consultancy and knowledge transfer through seminars, roundtable discussions, and advocacy;
• Supporting the development of project website information, success stories, videos and other communication materials;
• Supporting the UN theme group of poverty and other taskforces when needed. Bringing in creative and innovative dimensions in programme, research, resource and partnership in the SDG implementation and financing.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
• In-depth knowledge on development issues
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
• Strong IT skills

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with government, academics, think tanks and private sector
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Promotes learning environment within and outside the team

Education:

Master’s Degree in economics, development studies, finance, social sciences or equivalent areas.

Experience:

Minimum 2 years of postgraduate relevant experience at the national or international level in providing project management. Proven research experience in poverty, inclusive finance, sustainable finance, sustainable livelihood, and sustainable development of China, hands-on experience in designing development projects, and good understanding of Chinese policies and approaches to poverty, equity and other sustainable development issues, ability to work closely with Chinese officials, governmental and non-governmental institutions, civil society organizations, research institutes, and the private sector. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Chinese.