Programme Associate (EEEI)

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>

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

UNDP invests in improving access to rights and services through strengthening effective, inclusive and accountable governing institutions, promoting a transparent, gender-sensitive and digitalized public administration with innovative solutions.  UNDP focuses on the advancement rule of law and access to justice and facilitates people’s meaningful participation – in particular, women and youth - in decision-making to promote equality and social cohesion at local level.

As the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP serves as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System.  UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy.

Under the broader framework of the SDGs and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UNDP Guyana continues to deliver on its key strategic priorities within its Country Programme.  For the period 2022-2026, significantly impacting (i) Economic Resilience and shared prosperity, (ii) Safety and Security, (iii) Natural Resource Management and Resilience to Climate Change, (iv) Equality and Well-being.

 This strategic approach by UNDP to Guyana’s to national development priorities aims to advance human development based on economic, social and gender inequalities; supporting effective governance and social protection; and enabling sustainable low-carbon trajectories (including climate change adaptation,) all supported by digital transformation and strengthened data.

Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative and direct supervision of the Programme Analyst, (Energy, Environment and Extractive Industries), the Programme Associate ensures effective delivery of the Country Office (CO) programme by entering and managing data and supporting programme implementation consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. She/he works in close collaboration with the operations, programme, strategic management and projects’ staff in the CO, Panama Regional Hub, UNDP HQ and GSSC (in relation to clustering services) 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 United Systems (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 will receive training in relevant areas.
 

   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. 
 

   Creation of projects in Quantum, preparation of required budget revisions, revisions of project award and project status, determination of unutilized funds, operational and financial closure of a projects.
   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.

   Review of NIM project Financial Reports; ensure proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for NIM projects; submit requests for payments of Purchase Order (PO), non-PO vouchers and journal 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 Quantum.
   Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. 
   Creation of requisitions in Quantum for development projects, register of goods receipt in Quantum
   Making budget check for requisitions, POs and vouchers. 

   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 Quantum.
 

   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 learned and best practices in programme.
   Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
   Support in forging partnerships with research and training institutions, universities, and experts.
   Other relevant duties as requested.

 

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:
   LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline 
Think Innovatively:
   LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements  
Learn Continuously
   LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback 
Adapt with Agility 
   LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible  
Act with Determination    

LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident 
Engage and Partner
   LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships 
Enable Diversity and Inclusion
   LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination  

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 
  Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, priorities and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.  Business Management Risk Management  Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.  Business Management Results Based Management Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.  Finance Financial planning and budgeting Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP's long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing and reporting.  Partnertship Management Resource mobilization Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements. Business Management Communication 

Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. 

Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Business Management

Digital Awareness

and Literacy  Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skilfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed. 
Required Skills and Experience
  Education:

•    Secondary education is required or
•    Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, Political Sciences, or Social Sciences will be given due consideration

•    Minimum Six (6) years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor´s degree) of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience is required at the national or international level.

•    Two (2) years of field experience in Guyana is desirable.

•    Specialized certification/education in Accounting and Finance if in possession of Secondary degree 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.

•    Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.

•    Working knowledge of other UN language is desirable