JOB DESCRIPTION

Background and Organizational Context:

UNDP Iraq has recently created a new Country Programme Document (CPD) (2025 – 2029) that will serve to strengthen UNDP´s role as a learning organization ‘fit-for-purpose’ to deliver on Agenda 2030. The CPD is well-aligned with the Government of Iraq´s (GOI’s) National Development Plan and other GOI strategies and action plans, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025 – 2029.

In approaching the new CPD 2025 – 2029, UNDP Iraq is systematically changing how its institutional and programmatic activities are portrayed and financed. Placing emphasis on programme alignment, coordination, and creation of synergies, the CPD is designed to provide the foundation for the whole public policy life cycle that is expected to allow for engagement in new areas of joint work and resource mobilization.

This new approach requires a new structure that will position UNDP in the new country context, as well as engaging skills that will allow for substantive value added through (a) providing thought leadership and innovation, (b) mobilizing strategic resources, (c) ensuring projects are implemented in a smooth, efficient and transparent manner, and (d) engaging on the most pressing and transformational development challenges in Iraq.

The UNDP Iraq CO envisions a new programme office structure adapted to current and future needs of the country, underpinning its advisory and programmatic offer while at the same time delivering solid implementation support. It also promotes a more collaborative approach to work across the office and with external partners.

To achieve this, the UNDP Iraq Country Office must focus on aligning projects, programmes and policy workstreams to UNDP corporate strategy, national priorities, and related frameworks. As such, the Country Office is adopting a new business model in Iraq around a wholistic approach to development portfolio programming. This approach requires excellent programme management and an organizational structure that reinforces the entire programming life cycle including planning, implementation, oversight, monitoring and evaluation, communications, and efficient operations.

The design of UNDP’s new programme portfolio approach is intended to support progress towards sustainable development and sustainable Governance.

Work in these pillars focus on economic transformation, sustainable energy, social protection, environment and climate change, and Programme issues such as anti-corruption, local government, justice and security sector reform, Programme and reconciliation. The pillar and portfolios are based upon the UN’s core principles of human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, and is guided by the UNDP Strategic Plan (2022 – 2025).

In this context, the Programme Pillar portfolio within the programme team provides thought leadership on cross-cutting development issues in Iraq, and globally, to ensure that UNDP’s mandate of convening development partners in support of the national development agenda, informed by a commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, is amplified by internal knowledge, research, and stand-out policy advice.

Position Purpose:

Under the overall guidance of the Programme Analyst, the Programme Associate provides leadership in execution of services in the CO Programme Unit as related to the programme portfolio, and supports the design, planning and management of the country programme. The Programme Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Associate may supervise and lead the support staff of the Programme Unit when delegated to do so. The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and project teams in the CO, UNDP staff in HQs and Regional Hubs, UN Agencies, government partners, and internal specialists to exchange information and resolve programme/complex finance-related issues.

UNDP personnel are expected to embrace innovative thinking and work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams that actively connect knowledge and skills around issues to ensure higher programmatic coherence and drive transformative change.

The incumbent is expected to display innovation, problem solving, trouble shooting, active initiative, and a strong client orientation that encourages and rewards excellence in programme delivery and implementation. S/he might be required to undertake emerging tasks and additional duties as requested by senior management.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.) Support formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the Country Programme Documents (CPDs) related to the programme thematic areas

• Provide background information for preparation of CPDs and establishment of Baselines, Milestones and Targets (BMT).
• Provide information/evidence to guide future programming and identify implementation arrangements.

2.) Provide effective support to management of the Country Office programme as regards the Programme portfolio

• Create project in ERP, prepare required budget revisions, revise project status, determine unutilized funds, and ensure operational and financial closure of a project.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to implementing partners on implementation of projects, and track use of financial resources. Contribute to managing digital technology solutions in programme implementation towards scalability and sustainability in line with UNDP’s digital standards.
• Contribute to the effective management of data in programme implementation, across the data lifecycle. Follow up on programme and project performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation of reports, and implementation of corporate results-based management mechanisms and tools.
• Identify programme related bottlenecks and propose solutions.
• Make preparations for external and internal programme/project audits, and support implementation of audit recommendations.
• Provide administrative support to the Programme unit by maintaining internal expenditure system and performing quality assurance review of technical reports and payments that includes following up with other units and taking timely corrective actions.

3.) Support implementation of Country Office partnerships and resource mobilization strategies.

• Analyze information on donors and prepare donor profiles.
• Track and report on mobilized resources.
• Review contributions agreements and manage contributions in ERP.

4.) Provides administrative support to the Programme Unit focusing on achievement of the following results

• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Quantum.
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.

5.) Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Country Office.

In assigned programme areas:

• Organize and deliver programme related training for relevant programme and operations personnel.
• Compile lessons learned and best practices.
• Provide sound contributions and support to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and digital knowledge platforms.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None

Competencies:

Expected Demonstration of Competencies:

Core:

Achieve Results

LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively

LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously

LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility

LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination
LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner

LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion

LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Thematic Area
Name
Definition

Business Management
Customer Satisfaction/Client Management

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers” needs.

 

• Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.
• Look for ways to add value beyond clients” immediate requests.
• Ability to anticipate client”s upcoming needs and concerns.Business Management
  Project Management
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

 

Business Management
Risk Management

• Identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks

Business Management

Results-based Management
Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.

Business Development
Knowledge Generation

• Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Procurement

Contract Management

• Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.

Finance

Budget Management

• Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.

Keywords:

Programme development

Results-based management

Financial reporting and tracking

Resource mobilization

Required Skills and Experience:

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• A university degree (bachelor´s degree) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Minimum of 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible administrative/management or programme experience is required at the national and/or international level.
• Experience in programme thematic areas (governance, climate or economic inclusion) is highly desirable.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
• Prior experience working with UN /international agencies working in Programme related programmes would be an asset.
• Prior experience working with quality assurance dashboards would be desirable.
• Experience in managing projects will be desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Arabic are required.
• Fluency in Kurdish is desired.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

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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