Under the guidance and supervision of the Programme Specialist, the Programme Associate directly supports all the technical and strategic functions related programme design, resource mobilization and policy advice guided by the UNDP’s Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures. The Programme Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations and is situated within the Programmes Unit of the UNDP Jamaica Multi-Country Office (MCO).
The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the operations, programme, and project teams within the MCO, Regional Bureau and UNDP HQs to resolve complex programmatic matters, exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.
Duties and Responsibilities
Effective formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the country offices Resource Mobilisation Strategy focusing on the achievement of the following results:
Provide support for the collection, analysis and presentation of background information for preparation of Common Country Assessment, Multi-country Sustainable Development Framework, Country Programme Document, Country Programme Action Plan, effective application of Results Based Management tools and establishment of management targets.
Assist in the presentation of background information for formulation of country programme, draft project documents, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements.
Support research and presentation of information to facilitate gender mainstreaming in the CO’s programmes and projects.
Undertake support assistance in research and consultation as required to support the formulation of new programmes/project including joint programming with UN agencies
Assist in the implementation of programme quality assurance and oversight processes for project development and implementation based on donor requirements.
Support in the identification and implementation of South-South Cooperation activities related to the country programme
Implementation support of MCO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies to achieve programme outcomes;
Support towards the identification and proposal of programmatic areas of cooperation, based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities
Ensures the administration and implementation of UNDP portfolio of projects focusing on the following:
Support the implementation of project activities including the monitoring of progress against the project results framework and the approved annual workplans.
Support the sourcing of personnel, goods and services including drafting terms of reference and work specifications and follow up of all contractors’ work throughout the project design and development phases.
Support in the management and monitoring of project risks identified and submission of new risks to the project board for consideration and decision on possible actions if required; maintenance of the project risks log.
Prepare the annual workplans and revisions for projects and update the Atlas Project Management Module as necessary.
Supports effective application of Results Based Management tools, establishment of management targets and monitoring achievement of result
Provides administrative support to the Integrated Programme Unit focusing on the following:
Plan and coordinate events, including conferences, seminars, workshops, consultations, meetings, press briefings and other programme activities.
Ensure timely support of logistical services for the programme, including organizing missions, travel arrangements, DSA Payments, hotel bookings, etc.
Contribute to the implementation of the MCO’s communication plan including professional, clear and timely communication with partners and stakeholders, as required to ensure seamless implementation of logistical and events planning tasks and activities.
Preparation of briefs for meetings of senior management with Government counterparts and minutes of meetings as appropriate
Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and partnerships in the CO focusing on achievement of the following:
Support the UNDP CO in building strategic partnerships related to the country programme, specifically with UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bilateral & multi-lateral donors, private sector and civil society.
Support the establishment of strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange with internal and external stakeholders.
Support the preparation and dissemination of reports, newsletters and quarterly reports on programme implementation and interventions.
Contribute to the synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Support the CO in building the capacity of internal and external stakeholders in relevant programme areas.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Secondary Education is required. University Degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, or related field would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.
Fluency in English (both written and oral). Knowledge of other official UN languages desirable.
Experience:
3 years of progressively responsible programme development experience at the national or international level is required.
At least 3 years of relevant project/programme coordination/support/management experience is required.
At least 2 years of relevant experience in supporting research related to the development of project concepts and documents is required.
At least 3 years’ experience working with ministries, national or local institutions is an asset.
Experience in the use of computers and office software packages
