UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.
Location: United States of America (New York)
Closing date: 19 Mar 2008
Job Description

Background:

Programme Support and Operations is one of the three clusters in the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR). It is designed to provide both strategic programme and operations support to strengthen UNDP’s ability to support country offices in an integrated manner. It is BCPR’s first point of entry to Regional Bureaux and country offices and, as such, ensures that countries in crisis/conflict/disaster and post-conflict/disaster recovery situations have the capacity to develop and implement programme activities that integrate recovery into on-going development efforts. The Programme Support and Operations cluster is also responsible for bringing together the different BCPR clusters to deliver a coherent and efficient programme and operations support to country offices.
Description of Responsibilities :

This position will initially be located in New York and will be relocated to the Regional Service Center in Cairo, Egypt in the future. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator and Regional Team Leader for Arab States, the incumbent is held accountable of the following key functions:

1. Planning and Programme Support
Provide technical input to and contribute to the development of regional strategies in the assigned region relating tin BCPR work;
Identify hot spots and track recovery processes in countries included in portfolio;
Provide technical assistance for project development where requested;
Provide timely, accurate and efficient reporting to donor countries;
Give guidance and support to BCPR’s technical units for integrated planning and programming in CPR countries;
Advise COs in the region of CPR programmatic services and support them to participate and contribute to the development of BCPRs overall program strategy;
Monitor and advise on BCPR’s program resources, including TRAC 113 and CPR-Trust Fund. This includes helping COs prepare allocation requests, coordinating technical reviews and inputs from within BCPR; presenting CO requests to the allocation committee, providing feedback to the allocation committee as to the CO’s needs and capacities to launch new programs and absorb new and/or old allocations, and tracking resource use over the project cycle;
Provide programmatic support to the CPR focus country offices by liaising with RBx, and BCPR units in New York and Geneva;
Provide support and advice in order to mainstream Conflict and Post Conflict (CPC) strategies and activities into the work of UNDP COs;
Support resource mobilization activities in support of UNDP's work in Crisis Prevention and Recovery;
Support the reform process of CPR programming policies to ensure greater standardization of operational tools and procedures;
Contribute to the preparation of, and participate as a resource person in regional knowledge events, workshops, and meetings
Conduct regular meetings and coordinate with the technical units on program management to identify and address the key issues in a timely and systematic;
Provide technical advice on and support the development and effective deployment of BCPRs knowledge management and policy products;

2. Resource Management
Assist in BCPR Resources Management for the region;
Use Atlas for tracking income and expenditure for BCPR managed activities;
Help in allocating and monitoring BCPR’s programs and administrative resources in a transparent and efficient manner;
Provide guidance and support to COs on financial and administrative matters;
Provide support to Country Office on DEX related matters including strengthening CO capacity for DEX execution in the region, identifying delivery issues and defining solutions.
Perform other duties as and when required.
The actions and recommendations of the post have impact on the overall smooth functioning of Programme Operations Support to country offices during crisis and post-conflict situations. It has key impact on the performance of support services, process and teams. It affects overall execution of programme or services in functional areas in the region, and the reputation and success of teams.

Competencies :

Corporate Competencies
Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Excellent analytical and organizational skills
Functional Competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
Good knowledge on UNDP programme and operational issues
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly required skills
Knowledge of UNDP/UN policies and programme in crisis and post-crisis situations
Development and Operational Effectiveness
Excellent computer/information system skills, including resource management system
Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and effect staff behavioral/ attitude change
Management and Leaderships
Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback
Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment
Excellent interpersonal skills
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
Builds strong relationships with internal and external clients
Demonstrates capacity to communicate effectively; resource management; capacity to plan and organize programme effectively;
Resourcefulness, initiative and maturity judgment

Qualifications :

Advanced university degree in international development/ relations/political science or other development-related fields.
At least 5 years of professional experience in programme management or related areas; field experience in a country in special development circumstances preferable; DEX experience is an asset.
Fluency in English, both verbally and in writing, and working knowledge of at least one other official UN language is essential.
Vacancies Contact
http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?job_id=3954