Programme Specialist

Background

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

As all countries around the globe are seeking new ways to address complex and interconnected challenges such as shocks from crises, economic stagnation, inequality and poverty, providing access to clean and affordable energy, protect the environment, or mitigating and adapting to climate change, UNDP aims to develop integrated responses to these issues. 

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition to multi-lateral and bi-lateral partnerships, UNDP provides countries with specialized integrated technical services for eligibility assessment, programme/project formulation and implementation, capacity development, policy advice, technical assistance, training and technology transfer, mobilization of co-financing, implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, performance-based payments and knowledge management services.  

The UNDP Country Office (CO) in Brazil is a key development partner of the Brazilian government and supports national and sub-national public and private sector institutions and civil society to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive society by strengthening democratic institutions, improvement of governance effectiveness, reduction of poverty and inequalities and addressing climate change and biodiversity issues.

In aligning the organizational resources behind its strategy, the Country Office (CO) functional structure comprises three main areas, the management support functions, Programme team and Operations Team. To meet specific country needs and demands, the CO in Brazil has designed a programme portfolio that includes three mutually reinforcing work streams structured around three teams: 

• Inclusive Socio-economic Development: poverty reduction, social policies, livelihoods, public-private                  partnerships, inclusive markets and growth. 
• Sustainable Environmental Development: nature-based solutions for development, climate change, energy efficiency management of chemical substances, among others. 
• Governance and Justice for Development: public security, justice, transparency, anti-corruption, human rights, capacity building and democratic governance. 

  The Environmentally Sustainable Development team is clustered into the larger Programme Team and works in an integrated manner with the Governance and Inclusive Socio-Economic Development teams in anchoring UNDP’s programme portfolio in Environmentally and Sustainable Developed areas by providing thought leadership and enabling innovation and cross-cutting development solutions that are amplified by UNDP knowledge, research, and stand-out policy advice.

  Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative for Programme (ARRP), the Programme Specialist is responsible for the management of the Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit; provides analyses on environmental and climate changes policies and on their social and economic impacts; leads formulation, management and evaluation of programme activities within his/her portfolio; and provides policy advice services.

  The Programme Specialist also supervises and leads programme support staff, as well as coordinates activities of projects’ staff.

  The Programme Specialist works in close collaboration with the operations team, programme staff, colleagues from 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.

  Duties and Responsibilities

  Under the guidance of the ARR(P), the Programme Specialist serves as advisor to Senior Management and a coordinator of a major programme portfolio in the CO of Brazil Programme. Responsibilities include leading the Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit in strategic planning, identifying new projects and creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities, coordinating/supervising staff and project personnel, leading policy advice and knowledge management, and monitoring of programme implementation to ensure consistency with CPD priorities. 

  The Programme Specialist heads and supervises the Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit and works in close collaboration with the Senior Management, other Units from Programme, Operations and other areas in the CO, Programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP staff in HQs and Regional Hubs, technical advisors and experts, external specialists, government officials and partners, donors and civil society to successfully implement the UNDP programme. 

  UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

  Key Duties and Accountabilities 1.As a member of the Country Office management team, ensure the formulation and implementation of UNDP programme strategies and policies within one or more thematic areas. 
  • Contribute thorough analysis of the political, social, environmental and economic situation in the country; and contribute collaborative inputs to the UN Common Country Assessment and Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNCCA and UNSDCF) as well as to the preparation/revision of the Country Programme Document (CPD), Integrated Work Plan (IWP) and other strategic documents. 
  • Ensure that programme strategy formulation considers societal digital technology risks and opportunities and other future signals. 
  • Operationalize UNSDCF/ CPD in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies. 
  • Collaborate with the establishment of relevant programme Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the effectiveness of CO business processes. Oversee workflows and ensure cross collaboration in the Programme Unit.
  • Review and sign-off on proposals at programme level. 
  • Analyze, present, and implement UNDP policies in the CO. 2. Effectively manage the Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit and supervise the Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit team focusing on quality assurance and risk management of the full cycle of programming from formulation to implementation.  
    • Design and formulation of CO programme within the area of responsibility, translating UNDP’s priorities into local interventions. 
    • Oversee projects implementation with the implementing partners. 
    • Provide strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit as well as tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. 
    • Ensure digital technology solutions in programme implementation are managed towards scalability and sustainability in line with UNDP’s digital standards. 
    • Ensure the effective use of data in projects implementation, across the data lifecycle, and ensure effective monitoring, evaluation and learning on projects’ impact. 
    • Constantly monitor trends analysis for future informed and anticipatory programming; track achievement of strategic results, and effectively apply results-based management tools. 
    • Follow up on audit recommendations and ensure the implementation of management responses. 
    • Ensure aggregate reports are regularly prepared on activities, outputs and outcomes, including preparation of donor and corporate reports. 
    • Provide guidance and orientation to the Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit team building a collaborative and trustful work environment, building capacity, promoting motivation to growth and creative thinking, managing performance and ensuring accountability. 3. Establish and maintain strategic Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit partnerships and support resource mobilization efforts to achieve programme outcomes. 
      • Implement CO partnerships and resource mobilization strategies. 
      • Develop partnerships with the UN Agencies, international financial institutions (IFIs), government institutions, donors, private sector, and civil society in assigned programme/thematic areas. 
      • Analyze and research information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, and ensure due cost recovery. 
      • Lead development of the Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit pipeline and portfolio that includes designing Project documents, concept notes, proposals and cross-sectoral coordination to bring resources for projects. 4. Ensure provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management.
        • Identify and synthesize best practices, lessons learned, and policy-driven issues directly linked to Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit. 
        • Establish/strengthen national and international advocacy networks. Implement relevant, high - impact advocacy with key partners. 
        • Coordinate and ensure integrated support in development of policies and institutions to address country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners. 
        • Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and digital knowledge platforms.
        • Organize and deliver training for the operations/ projects staff on programme related matters. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.  Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:  Supervision and performance management of Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit

          Expected Demonstration of Competencies Core :  Achieve Results LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact Think Innovatively LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems Learn Continuously LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility  LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands Act with Determination  LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

          People Management 

          📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

          ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

          UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

          Cross-Functional & Technical competencies  Thematic Area Name Definition Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking

          • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system Partnership Management Strategic Engagement
            • Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives  Business Development Knowledge Facilitation
              • Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally Business Management Client Satisfaction/Management
                • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Business Management Results-Based Management
                  • Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results Business Management Project Management 
                    • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Business Management Portfolio Management 
                      • Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization as programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment

                        Required Skills and Experience Education

                        • Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Social Sciences, Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, Project management or related field is required, or 
                        • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.   Experience, Knowledge, and Skills
                          • Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development portfolios and projects in relevant thematic areas; and establishing inter-relationships among international organizations and national governments. 
                          • Solid knowledge and experience with environmental and climate change issues is required.
                          • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.
                          • Programme and Project management will be considered an asset.
                          • Experience with indigenous and traditional populations is an asset.
                          • Work experience in the UN/UNDP, other international organizations, or similar entities will be an advantage.
                          • Experience with international environmental funds policies such as GEF and GCF and operations will be an advantage.
                          • Ability to mobilize support from a wide range of partners (public, private, civil society and academia) is an asset.

                            Language requirements

                            • Fluency in English is required.
                            • Fluency in Portuguese is required.
                            • Knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

                              Equal opportunity

                              As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

                              UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

                              Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

                              UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

                              Probation

                              For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

                              Right to select multiple candidates

                              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.

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