Programme Officer

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.

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.

The Programme Officer leads the substantive development and oversight of Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) projects in 6-10 countries eligible for PBF funding. The Programme Officer is part of a Programming Team of approximately 12 Programme Officers. The Programme Officer will line manage one Programme Officer (P3) and have secondary line management responsibilities for several country-based PBF Coordinators.

• Develops and analyses country-developed peacebuilding priority plans and projects on the basis of conflict analysis and prioritization exercises, in consultation with UN, donor, Government and civil society partners, including through in-country missions, and provide technical assistance to support implementation. 
• Oversees and supports the preparation of countries’ requests to the UN Secretary-General for eligibility to the PBF. Supports preparation of PBF Annual Strategic Reports by Resident Coordinators in countries in her/his portfolio to inform annual prioritization exercises.
• Monitors and analyses programme implementation, ensure coherency with PBF strategy; including engagement with UN entities across all pillars to inform and ensure integrated in-country peacebuilding support.

• Liaises closely with the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO) as the Administrative Agent for PBF to ensure efficient and accountable implementation and aid transparency through up to date information on the MPTFO Gateway. 
• Foresees and identifies problems, proposes and initiates corrective actions and ensures resolution including the following:

1. Liaises with in-country programme focal points to anticipate implementation blockages and consider corrective or risk-mitigating actions
2. Reviews bi-annual project reports to oversee and score project implementation, extract results and lessons learned, and follows up on any implementation challenges; and
3. Accompanies project monitoring and evaluation exercises

• Backstop colleagues to cover absences, including acting as the second reporting officer for approximately three PBF Coordinators in fully eligible recipient countries
• Initiate and perform consulting, monitoring and training assignments by assisting UN Country Team and their partners to i) undertake peacebuilding analysis (political, conflict analysis), ii) develop country eligibility requests, iii) design results-based programmes and projects to access Peacebuilding Fund resources, iv) design monitoring and evaluation systems consistent with PBF policies, v) support Joint Steering Committees or their equivalents, and vi) monitor and advise on implementation. 
• Organize and prepare written inputs including: i) summaries of country results, ii) country, programme and project-related briefings for meetings and events, iii) inputs into PBF reporting and website, iv) analysis and summaries of areas of thematic responsibility (Priority Area or Outcome), and v) talking points and briefings. Prepares and presents projects for consideration of the PBF Project Appraisal Committee, and for final approval by the Assistant-Secretary General for Peacebuilding Support.

• Research and analyze data, public information and reports pertaining to assigned countries, particularly concerning the evolution of social and political conditions, the preparation of key development plans, assessments of peacebuilding programmes and opportunities, international relations and the provision of aid (financial tracking). 
• Identifies and articulates lessons learned on peacebuilding interventions in her/his portfolio and shares those with the team, in-country focal points and partners to promote cross-learning.
• Generate data collection tools, undertake research and propose policy developments in at least one of the Priority and/or Outcome areas of the Peacebuilding Fund, across the full PBF country portfolio. Source and acquire technical assistance and organize policy-development events as required. 
• Establishes and maintains regular consultations with other PBSO branches and relevant UN departments, agencies and funds. 
• Represents PBF in Integrated Missions Task Force/Working Groups (IMTF/WGs), using these forums for consultation and reporting. Establish relations with key nongovernmental organizations working in the assigned countries and/or thematic areas.
• Leads and contributes to the formulation of PBF guidelines, procedures and thematic guidance notes to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of PBF operations.
• Perform other duties as required

• Ability to make new and useful ideas work Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

• Ability to persuade others to follow Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers

• Ability to improve performance and satisfactionLevel 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

• Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

• Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

• Knowledge of post-conflict settings, appropriate humanitarian, post-conflict and development programmes and theories Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

• Knowledge of programming practice and procedures of UN, bilateral or Non-governmental Organizations in post conflict, humanitarian, peacekeeping and/or peacebuilding settingsLevel 5:Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

• Ability to engage with other agencies, donors, and other stakeholders and forge productive working relationships Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

• Ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; and ability to plan, direct, develop and integrate multiple projects/activities with both attention to detail and the broader context. Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

• Ability to conduct data collection, research and analysis and advocate relevant change to PBF practices and policies. Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

• Knowledge of gender issues and the ability to incorporate gender perspectives in strategic or practical situations Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

• Advanced university degree in international relations, administration or social sciences is required. 
• A first level university degree with relevant combination of academic qualifications and two additional years of experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. 
• Experience with the UN, national government or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), or other relevant organization is required. 
• Evidence of a track record in post-conflict programme management and experience in handling complex organizational issues is required. 
• Experience in post-conflict situations and/or peacebuilding operations within or associated with the UN system is desirable.
• Experience in liaising with government agencies, UN funds and programmes, donors and other stakeholders, and training in M&E and results-based programming is desirable.

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable. 

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  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.

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