Programme Associate

UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience to sustain development results. UNDP has been present in Malawi since 1964.

Working closely with the Government of Malawi, civil society and the private sector, UNDP' s work aims to contribute to economic growth, sustainable environmental management, and democratic governance and accountability in Malawi.

UNDP’s Country Programme Document is closely aligned to the Malawi Agenda 2063 and supports Malawi’s aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

UNDP ‘s programme is designed to address the interlinked issues of poverty, inequality and vulnerability to shocks and is managed within two portfolios:

Responsive Institutions and Citizen Engagement which works towards strengthening effective, accountable and inclusive governance that promotes civic engagement, respect for human rights, rule of law, peace and democracy. It also works towards strengthening data generation and analysis.

Resilience and Sustainable Growth which focusses on enhancing economic innovation, inclusive business, job creation, and renewable energy access. It also works towards helping Malawi adapt to climate change and build resilience to disasters.

The Assignment is part of UNDP Malawi’s Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP), that aims to contribute to Government’s efforts to accelerate the country’s transition to a productive, competitive and resilient nation. The development of this programme is consistent with SDG 8 to: “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all” and SDG 9 to: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

The PSDP deploys a suite of instruments including the Malawi Innovation Challenge Fund (MICF), the Growth Accelerator, Impact Investment Fund, Business Incubation and the newly created Green Economic Transition facility as part of the continuum of the entrepreneurial journey, from early to growth stage enterprises.

The programme will cover the period 2020-2024, with a new programme under development, to meet milestones contributing to positioning Malawi as a productive, competitive and resilient nation. Largely, the programme will use a combination of different instruments over this period to support the private sector inclusive of Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises to access financial support, technical advisory services, business development services and business incubation services for increased productive capacities, innovation, business growth and acceleration, and job creation. The programme will also work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to address some of the challenges related to the business enabling environment.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Coordinator (Inclusive/Green Business or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV PSD Programme Associate will:

Provide effective support to management to UNDP private sector engagement:

- Support in the day-to-day implementation of the project.
- Ensure project documents i.e., workplans, procurement plans, minutes etc are shared with relevant units and maintained in accordance with project management principles.
- Preparation of requisitions, procurement plans, monitoring plan and procurement cases for the programme.
- Support the country office with supplier management.
- Contribute to the effective management of data in programme implementation.
- Prepare for external and internal programme/project audits, and support implementation of audit recommendations.
- performing payments that include following up with other units and taking timely corrective actions.
- Ensure and maintain an accurate filing system of financial reports, payment vouchers, and other project correspondences.
- Support with setting up meetings for the regular reporting (monthly, quarterly and annual) on the implementation of the activities related to the reporting period and prepare meeting minutes.
- Perform duties in accordance with UN and Government policies and procedures.
- Process and manage transactions in the UNALL and QUANTUM platforms.
- Establish and maintain an organized filing system on the shared drive.

Support to knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation:

- Assist with logistical and administrative arrangements for project management and quality assurance meetings such as Steering Committee Meetings, Review meetings, Field Visits, Workshops, Missions, Symposiums etc.
- Support with logistical and administrative tasks for PSD internal and external engagements and draft write-ups on spot checks, PSD interest research areas etc.
- Draft meeting minutes, agendas, prepare meeting packs etc.
- Maintain a filing system, in hard and soft copy, for all programme documents including quarterly reports, financial reports including payment vouchers and delivery reports, and project asset inventory.
- Support concept development and research initiatives.

Supports organization of events, missions, and advocacy campaigns:

- Following guidance from the Portfolio Analysts, lead in the organization and logistics for incoming missions from UN/UNDP Headquarters, regional office and other partners.
- Support with arrangements for joint monitoring visits to projects sites.
- Following guidance from the Portfolio Analysts and Managers, and in close consultation with UNDP communications and operations units, lead in the organization of high level external and internal events, and advocacy functions.
- Support to follow-up as required.
- Prepare the necessary transactions in UNALL and QUANTUM platforms.