Background
ย Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย 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 โleave no one behindโ 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.
ย 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.
UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.ย
With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of Indiaโs national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.
UNDP Indiaโs Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios: ย
โข ย ย ย Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.
โข ย ย ย Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized.
โข ย ย ย Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.
South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the three pillars of the Country Programme Document (CPD). The programme is supported by a framework of partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.
You are invited to join a team of development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.
Office/Unit/Project Description ย
The UNDP Country Office in India established the Programme Management and Support Unit (PMSU) to provide effective and efficient management advisory support services to senior management, programme and operations teams and to align the oversight capacities and capabilities to the CPD to ensure a systematic approach to 6 key areas: people, knowledge, risk management, funding, operational excellence, and impact measurement. The PMSU acts as a quality assurance unit aiming to make the CO more accountable in terms of programme performance and management of results and programme financial resources.
The PMSU is responsible for developing and mainstreaming practical tools and approaches to promote effective and efficient programme planning, implementation, review, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge management. The Unit also monitors and analyzes the programme financial resources for effective planning and utilisation according to the COโs overall programme focus and priorities. The Unit will play a key role in ensuring the compliance of the CO with corporate policies, rules and regulations and the alignment of the Country Programme to the Strategic Plan and changes introduced at the corporate level. ย These tasks will in turn, facilitate the officeโs ability to respond to the fast changing development needs, while maintaining high standards of operation based on corporate policies and procedures in an accountable manner.
The PMSU will report directly to the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and will work closely with the Operations Manager.
Position Purpose
The Programme Specialist, Head of Programme Management and Support (PMSU) Uni t will lead a dedicated team in the CO to provide centralized performance oversight and compliance on all programmatic and financial aspects to advise and support the Senior Management in performing their functions across all the countries and programmes. The Programme Specialist (MPO) is part of the country office governance structure ensuring management performance and oversight actions in line with the accountability framework and internal controls. He/She ensures support to the Deputy Resident Representative in oversight of the CO performance and in ensuring that objectives are met, development results are well designed and effectively monitored, and resources entrusted to UNDP are efficiently managed.
To succeed in this role, the Programme Specialist (PMSU) needs to have an extensive management background, a broad programme and project management knowledge base, results-based management aptitude, and strong programme support credentials, including advanced project and risk management as analytical skills. S/he should have strong teambuilding, interpersonal and communication skills, be client-oriented, and can look at issues from different angles and find creative solutions. S/he is expected to consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
The Programme Specialist (PMSU) will deliver several key areas of responsibility, focusing on development and institutional effectiveness. The Programme Specialist (PMSU) will supervise a team focusing on CO performance, development effectiveness, compliance, quality, gender mainstreaming and risk management across programmes and operations.
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.
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People Managementย
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicatedย site.ย
Cross-Functional & Technical competenciesย Thematic Area Name Definition Business Direction & Strategy Strategic Thinking
Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDPโs objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.
Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP
Business Direction & Strategy Effective Decision Making Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with oneโs authority area of expertise and resources 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 on improved performance and demonstrable results 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 Business Management Portfolio Management Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization 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 Finance Anti-fraud and anti-bribery and corruption Anti-bribery and corruption: Understand the policy and best practice relating to anti-bribery and corruption controls and ensures these are implemented and widely understood within the organization. Anti-fraud: Understands the fraud risks faced by public bodies and can effectively analyse data to support fraud identification and fraud risk management; understands the fraud risks faced by public bodies and is able to conduct fraud risk assessment and response plan.ย Competencies
ย Core ย Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impactย Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problemsย Learn Continuously LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agilityย LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demandsย Act with Determinationย 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 ย Required Skills and Experience
ย Education Advanced university degree (Master'sย degree or equivalent)ย inย BusinessAdministration, Project Management, International Development,ย Public Administration,ย orย a related field is required, or ย A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the above-mentionned field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying ย experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professionalย Certifications in Programme/Project management is advantageous. ย Experience, Knowledge, and Skills Aย minimum of five (5)ย years (with Masterยดs degree) or seven (7) years (with Bachelorยดs degree)ย ofย relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, resource mobilization, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation of development projects and establishing inter-relationships among international organization and national governments. Previous UN or development field experience is desired.ย Experienceย in overseeing, consulting, or reviewing procedures for programme/project implementation, risk management, safeguarding, and anti-fraud anti-corruption within the UN system or in the private sector is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience in programme/project management and or result-based management, ย and or risk management, and or programme finance and or operations management.ย Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the UNDP programmeย and project management policies and procedures is desired. Demonstrated experience and knowledge of ERP platforms such as Oracle Cloud is desired. Fluency in English and Hindi is required. Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period. ย Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)
ย Disclaimer
ย Applicant information about UNDP rosters
ย Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
ย Non-discrimination
ย 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.ย ย
ย 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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