UNDP Programme Associate Job Vacancy in Kigali, Rwanda

Type of Contract : TA Local
Post Level : GS-7
Languages Required : English French
Duration of Initial Contract : 364 days

Background
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Unit for Governance and Peace Consolidation, the Programme Associate provides substantive and effective support to the planning, design and management of the country programme by managing data and facilitating programme implementation, and provides leadership in execution of services in the Governance Team. The Programme Associate promotes a result and client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Associate leads the programme support staff in the Unit, coordinates activities of the project teams and other Programme Units, and works in close collaboration with the Operations team, 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.

Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:
* Administration and implementation of programme strategies, adapts processes and procedures.
* Support to the substantive and financial management of the governance programme.
* Administrative support to the Governance Unit.
* Support in creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy.
* Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensures administration and implementation of CO and UN programme strategies under ‘Delivery as One’, and adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:
* Presentation of thoroughly researched information for preparation of CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP, effective application of RBM tools and establishment of management targets (BSC). Establishment of the mechanisms to track use of RBM tools and maintenance of RBM database.
* Presentation of information/ reports for identification of areas for support and interventions.
* Effective Support of CO’s efforts under DaO and contribution to the UN Governance Them Group.
* Implementation of the CO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies, preparation of reports.

Provides effective support to substantive and financial management of the governance programme focusing on the achievement of the following results:
* Presentation of thoroughly researched information for formulation of country programme, review and drafting of UN Joint Programme and/or UNDP project documents, work plans, budgets, implementation arrangements.
* Close management, monitoring and follow-up on all UN joint programmes for which UNDP is the Management Agent.
* Initiation of a project, entering project into Atlas, preparation of required budget revisions.
* Provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects, tracking use of financial resources.
* Follow up on performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation of reports, including drafting of reports to donors.
* Analysis of the situation in programme, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions.
* Inputs into preparation for conduct of audit of NEX projects, implementation of audit recommendations.
* Diligent execution of Atlas role assigned.

Provides administrative support to the Programme Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:
* Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of NEX projects Financial Reports.
* 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.

Provides support in creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:
* Analysis of information on donors, preparation of donor’s profile and database, establishment of contacts with donor counterparts.
* Track and reporting on mobilized resources and ensure timely preparation of reports.

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.
* Maintenance and updating of the Team’s portfolio for e-documentation and knowledge management systems, as well as the office intranet and website.
* Extraction of lessons learnt and best practices in programme implementation.
* Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
* Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
* Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning
* Shares knowledge and experience.
* Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness
* Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting.
* Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems.
* Good knowledge of Results Management Guide and Toolkit.

Leadership and Self-Management
* Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
* Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
* Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
* Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Secondary Education, preferably with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political or Social Sciences would be highly desirable.

Experience:
* Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience is required at the national or international level. 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:
* Fluency (both verbal and written) in English and French, and the national language of the duty station.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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Closing Date: Friday, 07 September 2012