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 in Cyprus provides a diverse package of programmatic services to a range of partners which contribute to building a conducive environment for the peace process. In collaboration with the European Union and other partners, UNDP has earned a reputation as an independent, trusted and experienced partner in the area of peacebuilding, working with Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots on confidence-building measures, encouraging dialogue and cooperation, and supporting the development of environmental, economic and social infrastructure of the island. In particular, the implementation of the confidence-building measures contributes to the building of trust between the two communities while demonstrating to the public at large that the two communities can work together on critical issues that are of importance to all inhabitants of Cyprus.
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.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
The Programme Support Unit works to support achievement of UNDP strategic objectives to create a world where people and planet thrive together, and to help the Office act with both ambition and scale to address urgent problems as well as global climate deteriorating conditions. Programme staff assist the 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.
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of the Programme Support Unit, the Programme Associate supports the execution of services in the Programme Unit and supports the design, planning and management of the programme strategy. The Programme Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Supports formulation and implementation of the programme strategies and policies focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Collection, analysis and presentation of background information for preparation of projects, effective application of RBM tools and establishment of management targets;
- Presentation of background information for formulation of regional programme, draft project documents, work plans, budgets, proposals and detailed procurement plans on implementation arrangements to ensure their compliances with UNDP’s and donor’s requirement.
Provides effective support to management of the project monitoring and evaluation processes focusing on the achievement of the following results:
- Creation of a project in Atlas/Quantum platform, preparation of required budget revisions, revision of project award and project status, determination of unutilized funds, operational and financial close of a project;
- Provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects according to UNDP’s and donor’s rules;
- Preparation of relevant information and financial analysis to periodic and ad-hoc financial reporting to donors and COs, as needed;
- Monitors project commitment and expenditures through a variety of reporting and compares with approved budget; prepares adjustments and project finance documents as necessary;
- Maintain electronic and, where necessary, hard-copy files of all project and associated information;
- Presentation of information for audit of the project, supports implementation of audit recommendations.
Ensure the effective implementation of evaluation policies and strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Support the planning, management and oversight of project and activity evaluations and other types of evaluations conducted in the project implementation unit; ensure implementation of evaluation recommendations and provide guidance in preparation of timely management response.
- Identify and formulate lessons learned from evaluations and studies to be integrated into broader project knowledge management.
- Ensure that data and findings from monitoring and evaluations are used for improving project implementation and design and contributing to improving its priorities and results; and
- Support the development of evaluation tools and processes, as well as innovative approaches in evaluation that meet the requirements of the project and UNDP.
Supports resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Analysis of information on donors, preparation of donor’s profile;
- Preparation of Revenue Recognition by recording revenue in the Revenue Management system based on a category of agreed financial contribution agreements and performs revenue transfer processes to respective COs or other executing agencies in Asia and the Pacific region;
- Track and reporting on mobilized resources in cooperation with Programme Support Unit on financial and other operational matters. Review of contributions agreement, managing contributions in Atlas and supports authorization process for project relevant documents.
Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme with ability to train others;
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Competencies
Core Competencies
- 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
- Project Management
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Understands changes in regulatory, legal and ethical frameworks and standards for financial reporting in the public sector.
- Ability to extract, evaluate financial data, derive relevant findings and present them in a meaningful and coherent manner to facilitate effective decision making and performance monitoring. Understands the benefits of integrated reporting, including non-financial resources such as human, social and intellectual capital, and environmental and governance performance
- Budget management
- Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets
- Travel policy and procedures
- Knowledge of travel policy and procedures; ability to interpret travel policy, the Staff Rules, administrative
- Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings)
- Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.
- Assets management
- Administration & Operations Assets management
- Knowledge of policy & procedures on PP&E;
- Ability to prepare financial statements on PP&E;
- Maintain Asset Management Module in ATLAS, Asset Dashboard; develop supporting tools for assets certification and further enhancements for AM module; design and run training programs, etc. on assets management and assets recording; run AP-AM interface; perform AP-AM-GL reconciliation; perform analytical review of AM reports and asset information to ensure completeness and accuracy of asset information
- Onboarding of personnel
- Knowledge of policy and procedures on administrative on-boarding, including issuance of office ID, email address creation, office space, telephone extension, Argus profile set up, issuance of office ICT equipment
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary education is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, economics, finance, political science, international development, international relations, social sciences or other relevant field will be given due consideration, but it’s not a requirement.
Experience:
- Minimum 7 years (with Secondary education) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in regional/international programme management, administration and financial management, or another related field.
Required Skills:
- Prior experience related to project management, administration and financial management in the development context.
Desired Skills:
- Additional years of relevant progressive experience is considered as an asset.
- Experience/familiarity with multi-cultural working environment is an asset.
- Previous experience working on peacebuilding/confidence building projects will be considered an asset.
- Previous working experience with UNDP is an asset.
- Knowledge of UNDP rules and regulations context will be considered an advantage.
- PRINCE 2 is considered an considered an asset.
- Certification/training on Monitoring and Evaluation is considered an asset.
- A specialized certification in business or public administration, finance or related areas will be an asset.
Languages:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Fluency in Turkish and/or Greek is required.
Institutional Arrangement
- The Programme Associate will be based at the UNDP local office in Nicosia. He/She will be working under the supervision of the Head of the Programme Support Unit.
- Nationals or others legally authorized to work in Cyprus are eligible (country of citizenship or place of permanent residence).
- Women candidates are encouraged to apply.
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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This position is no longer open.
