Programme Associate - 2 positions (Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants)

Tiered Approach

• In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
• Tier 0 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1 : Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated : All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
• Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

Duties And Responsibilities

• 1 .) Ensure effective management and implementation of programme strategies and policies and adapt processes and procedures:
• Operationalize corporate policies and CPD commitments: Coordinate the roll‑out of updated procedures in the CO, ensure work plans, IRRF indicators and UNSDCF/CPD linkages are reflected in Quantum, and keep unit checklists/templates current with policy changes.
• Strengthen process efficiency and compliance: Maintain and improve programme implementation workflows (e.g., partner agreements, risk registers, gender and safeguards screens), track adherence to SOPs, and recommend practical adjustments to close gaps identified during reviews or audits.
• Enable informed programme decision‑making: Compile evidence, analytics and lessons learned to inform portfolio adaptations; prepare guidance notes and briefings for project teams and management on policy updates and their implications for delivery.
• 2.) Provide effective support to management of the Country Office programme:
• Support formulation of programme and projects, work plans, initiation of a project, entering project into ERP, and preparation of required budget revisions.
• 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, and preparation of reports. Implement 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 support to the Programme unit by maintaining internal expenditure system and performing quality assurance review of financial 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:
• Develop and maintain strategic partnership intelligence: Collect and analyze information on potential partners in the private sector, academia, and non-profit organizations; prepare profiles and maintain a dynamic partnership database to support engagement planning and outreach.
• Facilitate private sector engagement for co-financing and innovation: Coordinate with programme teams to identify opportunities for joint initiatives with Saudi corporations and business associations; draft concept notes and organize partnership dialogues to leverage corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability agendas.
• Strengthen collaboration with academia and civil society: Map universities, research centers, and non-profit entities aligned with UNDP priorities; support the design of knowledge-sharing platforms and partnership agreements to advance SDG-focused projects and policy research.
• 4.) 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: May supervise Programme and/or Project Assistant/s within the team.

Core

Business Management Customer Satisfaction And 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

• Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks

Results-Based Management

• Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results.

Business Development Knowledge Generation

• Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.

Procurement Contract Management

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