Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 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.
UNDP Sierra Leone developed its Country Programme Document, CPD 2025-2030, align with UNSDCF outcomes, which reflects its comparative advantage to contributing to the achievement of the Sierra Leone Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030 aimed at ensuring structural transformation of the country.
It is in the framework that the CPD 2025-2030 has two strategic priorities namely, pillar 1 is related to Sustainable Development and Resilience, while pillar 2 is related to Inclusive Governance, Peace and Prosperity. The country office is committed to using the Systems thinking and Portfolio approach as the CPD rollout strategy to design and dynamically manage its portfolio for impactful development results.
The Programme Unit works to support the achievement of UNDP strategic objectives to create a world where people and planet thrive together, and to help the Country Office act with both ambition and scale to address urgent problems facing the country as well as global climate deteriorating conditions. Programme staff assist the Country Office in formulating and implementing programme strategies that go beyond solving immediate development challenges to create future smart and integrated systemic changes in resilience and capacity building within the country.
Position Purpose
Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) and direct supervision of the Sustainable Development and Resilience Team Lead, the Programme Specialist manages the assigned projects. The Programme Specialist leads strategic planning and identifies new programme areas within his/her practice area while ensuring consistency with UNSDCF/CPD priorities and provide creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities.
The Programme Specialist supervises the project staff and coordinates their activities in close consultation with the Programme Team Lead. The Programme Specialist works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations teams in the CO, programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP staff in HQs and Regional Hubs, technical advisors/experts, external specialists, government officials and partners, donors, and civil society to ensure successful implementation of the UNDP programme.
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) As a member of the Programme Management Team, ensures the strategic direction of UNDP programme within the Practice Area focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Contribute to analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the country and collaborative preparation/revision of CCA, UNSDCF, CPAP, CPD, AWP and other documents;
- Identification of strategic programme areas of cooperation;
- Contribute to preparation of UNSDCF/ CPD in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies, through active participation in the concerning Outcome Group and technical Working Groups. Identification of possibilities for joint programming;
- Analysis and presentation of UNDP policies and their implementation in the CO;
- CO business processes mapping and establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Results Management, control of the workflows.
2) Ensures effective management of the Practice Area programme and supervision of the Practice Area team focusing on quality control of the full cycle of programming from formulation to implementation achieving the following results:
- Effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets (BSC) and monitoring achievement of results;
- Design and formulation of CO programme within the practice area of responsibility, translating UNDP priorities into local interventions. Coordination of practice area programme implementation with the executing agencies;
- Strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the practice area programme, tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
- Effective monitoring, measuring the impact of the Practice Area programme and evaluation. Constant monitoring and analysis of the programme environment, timely readjustment of programme;
- Follow up on audit recommendations. All exceptions are timely reported;
- Aggregate reports are regularly prepared on activities, outputs and outcomes. Preparation of donor reports.
3) Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships and supports the resource mobilization within the Practice Area focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Implementation of the CO partnerships and resources mobilization strategies to achieve programme outcomes;
- Supporting coordination of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society etc.;
- Identification and proposal of programmatic areas of cooperation, based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities;
- Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for cost-sharing.
4) Ensures provision of top quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management within the Practice Area focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals;
- Coordination of development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners;
- Establishment of advocacy networks at national level and linked to international networks. Relevant, high-impact advocacy campaigns are implemented with key partners;
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
- Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core Competencies
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact;
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems;
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences;
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands;
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results;
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration;
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.
Functional/Technical competencies
Business Management
- Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.
Business Management
- Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Business Management
- Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment.
Business Management
- Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results.
Business Management
- Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.
Business Direction & Strategy
- System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness
- Effectiveness: Project Quality Assurance.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field is required.
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in a relevant field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Strong educational background in areas related with environment/agronomy/natural resources management is highly desirable.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects and establishing inter-relationships among international organization and national governments is required;
- Proven track record of leading and managing projects related to natural resource conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, or ecosystem management;
- Ability to engage stakeholders at various levels, including local communities, governments, private sector partners, and international organizations;
- Strong networking skills and the ability to build relationships with international agencies, government representatives, NGOs, and local communities;
- Experience in Sustainable Growth, Resilience, Environment/Natural Resources Management, including knowledge of energy and environmental sustainability practices, is an asset;
- Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
Language(s):
- Fluency in English is required.
- Fluency in Krio which is the national language of the duty station is required for local staff.
- Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Disclaimer
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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements