Programme Associate

Mexico City

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Mexico City
Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
- Administrative support
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: 2023-05-23

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

This job description is a direct response to UNDP’s improved business model in Mexico. It reflects a new office structure that has recently been put in place to support the vision expressed in an emerging portfolio of Country Office (CO) programmes and to facilitate a more collaborative approach to work across the office and with external partners. This structure is also designed to provide the foundation for a new emphasis on sub-national level work, support higher delivery rates, and to transform UNDP into a learning organization and ‘fit-for-purpose’ to deliver on Agenda 2030 which in turn will support national staﬀ and institutional capacity development.

By supporting Mexico’s State Governments to integrate the 2030 approach into their planning and budgeting processes, and the whole public policy cycle, UNDP advances inclusion and equality in the country. Also, as an engagement strategy, this is expected to allow new areas of joint work to be identified. Also, the CO has been tailoring localized integral solutions to specific sustainable development issues and is crafting methodologies and toolboxes to get those solutions ready to be deployed and escalated in other geographical areas.

The diversification and localized solutions strategy initially increase the number of initiatives to be managed by the CO, many of which handle small budgets to be allocated in a wide set of activities. This combination requires excellent programme management and oversight of operational processes and an organizational structure ready to deliver and scale results.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the G7 Programme Associate and in close coordination with Programme Analyst in the Programme Unit , this position supports the design, planning and management of the Programme Unit and facilitates programme implementation.

The Programme Associate interacts with the counterparts and project teams promoting a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Programme Associate also works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and UNDP HQs staff for resolving programme-related issues and delivering information.

S/he works in close collaboration with programme and operations colleagues as well as the quality assurance and reporting team as well as operations team. S/he liaises with programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP programme implementation.

Incumbent is expected to display initiative, a positive approach and a strong client orientation. As such, s/he might be required to undertake other emerging tasks and additional duties as required by direct supervisor or senior management.

III. Duties and Responsibilities

1) Supports formulation of Sustainability Portfolio programme strategies and implementation of the Country Programme Action Plan, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Collection, analysis and presentation of background portfolio-related information for preparation of CCA, UNSDCF, CPD, CPAP, effective application of RBM tools and establishment of management targets (BSC).
Presentation of background information for formulation of portfolio-related information for the country programme, draft project documents, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements.

2) Provides effective support to management of the CO sustainability 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 close of a project.
Provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects.
Presentation of information for audit of projects, supports implementation of audit recommendations on matters related to the portfolio.

3) Provides administrative support to the Sustainability Programme team focusing on achievement of the following results:

Review of NIM projects Financial Reports; preparation of non-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:

Analysis of information on donors, 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:

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.

IV. Competencies and Selection Criteria	Description of Competency at Level Required (For more comprehensive descriptions please see the competency inventory)

Core
Innovation Ability to make new and useful ideas work	Level 3: Adapts deliverables to meet client needs
Leadership Ability to persuade others to follow	Level 3: Proactively seeks and recognizes contributions of others
People Management Ability to improve performance and satisfaction	Level 3: Appropriately involves team in different stages of work and decision-making
Communication Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform	Level 3: Expresses information and views with adaptive reasoning and appreciation for complexity and variation
Delivery Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement	Level 3: Takes responsibility for addressing critical situations and delivering core value
Technical/Functional
Primary
Trends and emerging areas analytics Ability to scan the horizon and identify approaches and initiatives to bring into policy and programme design	Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work
Results-Based Management Ability to manage programmes and projects with a strategy aimed at improved performance and demonstrable results	Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work
Partnerships Ability to engage with other agencies, donors, and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships	Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work
Project Management Ability to plan, organize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals t Management	Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work
Knowledge Management Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge	Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work
Secondary
Resource Mobilization Ability to identify and organize programmes and projects to implement solutions and generate resources (definition is unclear and not well linked to the stated competency)	Level 3: Apply & Adapt (Recognized contributor with demonstrated ability)

V. Recruitment Qualifications
Education:	Secondary Education, preferably with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences and Social Sciences would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:	6 years of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience. 3 years of relevant experience will suffice if in possession of a Bachelor’s degree. 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:	Proficiency in Spanish. Working knowledge of English.

Disclaimer

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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