Tittel: Senior Programme Officer
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Sted: Bankok
Arbeidsgiver: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Ref.kode: 30972
Søknadsfrist: 06-12-2013
The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote regional cooperation for inclusive economic and social development in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership, through its analytical, normative and technical cooperation, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.
This position is located in the Programme Planning and Monitoring Section, in the Programme Planning and Partnerships Division. The incumbent is under the direct supervision and reports to the Chief of the Division
Within the delegated authority, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions:
1. Coordinates the planning and monitoring of ESCAP’s Strategic Framework and Programme of Work; directs the preparation of guidelines and directives for the substantive divisions; identifies relevant mandates and priorities.
2. Oversees the reporting to intergovernmental bodies and donors on programme performance and project implementation.
3. Ensures implementation of quality assurance processes for project planning, implementation and monitoring progress and leads the development of project management guidelines, with a focus on ensuring the application across all projects of results-based management approaches.
4. Oversees and coordinates the provision of relevant professional development opportunities to ESCAP staff in areas relevant to programme planning and monitoring.
5. Takes the lead to develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects, etc.; directs programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
6. Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.
7. Undertakes survey initiatives; guides design of data collection instruments; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
8. Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
9. Directs substantive support to intergovernmental, consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
10. Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, etc., makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
11. Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and ensures preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
12. Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization.
13. Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; Guides, evaluates and mentors staff.
14. May perform other duties as required.
PROFESSIONALISM:
Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to socio-economic development in relation to government, the private sector, civil society and international organizations.
- Knowledge of relevant institutional mandates, policies, guidelines and institutions of the UN system.
- Ability to draft well-designed programmes and/or project proposals.
- Ability to facilitate effectively and present topics related to programme management.
- Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks.
- Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction.
- Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals.
- Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment.
- Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
COMMUNICATION:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING:
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
VISION:
Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
MANAGING PERFORMANCE:
Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, sociology or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience:
A minimum of ten years (or twelve years for candidate with a first level university degree) of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, evaluation and policy development or related field required.
Experience in log frame development and analysis highly desirable. Working experience in developing countries desirable.
Relevant IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and web-based applications, required.
Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method:
Qualified applicants will be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.
Special Notice:
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Staff of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy and are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
United Nations Considerations:
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee:
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
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