Programme Analyst (Nationals Only)

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 as a Global Organization: UNDP works to support achievement of its strategic objectives to create a world where people and planet thrive together, and to help the Country Offices act with both ambition and scale to address urgent climate and other environmental challenges of global, regional and national level.

UNDP in Iran: In I.R. Iran, UNDP has been working since 1966 to contribute to fulfil the country’s development aspirations – as a partner of the Government of Iran. UNDP has also been engaging closely with other development partners, such as academic institutions and the private sector, by providing knowledge products, policy and technical assistance, and innovative development solutions, for more than 50 years. Connecting to UNDP Global network of expertise and South-South cooperation are an integral part of our work. UNDP is committed to helping Iran achieve the National Development Goals (NDP) and the Global Goals (SDG) as articulated in the Country Programme Document. Against this backdrop, UNDP fulfills its development mandate by developing and implementing projects, mobilizing resources in the following three areas: Environmentally Sustainable Development, Health and Development, and Resilient Economy (socio-economic). UNDP also delivers on its ‘integrator’ role, engaging with the UN Resident Coordinator Office, sister UN agencies and other – public and private – partners. UNDP, given its broad mandate and capacity, adopts a broad, ‘system-view’ perspective in the analysis and in the design of innovative and sustainable solutions to a broader range of development challenges under the purview of the entire UN development system in Iran.

UNDP takes forward the existing portfolio and builds on it to take different ongoing initiatives to scale.

The Programme Analyst works under the overall guidance of the Programme Officer (NOB) and Deputy Resident Representative (DRR). S/he also works in close collaboration with the Programme Associate within the unit. The Programme Analyst provides quality technical advice and quality assurance of the assigned programme/projects in his or her work area.

Position Purpose

Under the guidance and direct supervision of Programme Officer (NoB), the Programme Analyst analyzes political, social and economic trends and participates in the formulation, quality assurance and oversight of programme activities within assigned portfolio and thematic area.

Depending on the workload distribution with the Programme Officer, the Programme Analyst may supervise and lead programme support staff. The Programme Analyst 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, external specialists, and government partners 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 and integration. This in turn requires the incumbent to be flexible and adaptable and possess other soft skills required to quickly changing operating environment.

Duties And Responsibilities

Contribute to the formulation and implementation of programme strategies and policies:

• Provide inputs to thorough analysis of the environment, political, social and economic situation in the country; provides collaborative inputs to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) as well as to the preparation/revision of the Country Programme Document (CPD), Integrated Work Plan (IWP) and other strategic documents.
• Provide inputs in operationalizing UNSDCF/ CPD in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies.
• Identify, in close collaboration with national partners, strategic programme areas of cooperation based on national priorities.
• Ensure implementation of relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the effectiveness CO business processes in line with the Programme and Operational policies and procedures.
• Analyze and synthesize proposals in assigned programme areas.

Participate in effective management of the CO programme within the assigned thematic/sector areas focusing on quality assurance and risk management:

• Provide input to design and formulation of CO programmes, translate UNDP priorities into local interventions, and oversee programme implementation with the implementing partners within the assigned programme areas. Ensure that design and formulation of programme considers existing and emerging risks and opportunities.
• Oversee planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the assigned programme areas; and track use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. Ensure existing solutions, including the digital technology solutions in programme implementation are managed towards scalability and sustainability in line with UNDP’s standards.
• Ensure effective application of results-based management tools and track achievement of strategic results.
• Ensure the effective use of data in programme implementation, across the data lifecycle; and support effective monitoring, evaluation and learning on programme impact.
• Provide inputs to trends analysis for future informed and anticipatory programming.
• Support preparation for audits and the implementation of management responses.
• Lead/provide substantive inputs for reporting, including donor and corporate reports.
• Support development of programme/outcome level work plans, monitoring plans, human resources, and procurement plans
• Support the rollout of new initiatives and programmes including through presentation of the project for appraisal, finalize contribution agreements, and determine required revisions and course correction, as relevant.

Support Creation Of Strategic Partnerships And Resource Mobilization

• Support development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, international financial institutions (IFIs), government institutions, donors, private sector (if applicable to CO), and civil society in assigned programme/ thematic areas.
• Provide input in identifying strategic areas of cooperation, including via joint programming.
• Analyze and research information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identify opportunities for initiation of new projects, and support resource mobilization efforts.
• Contribute to development of portfolios and strengthening pipeline including through the design of Programme/Project documents, concept notes, proposals and cross-sectoral coordination in assigned areas to bring resources for projects.

Support Provision of top-quality advisory services to the Government and facilitate knowledge building, and transfer:

• Identify policy-driven issues; and identify and compile best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals.
• Support establishment and strengthening of national and international advocacy networks. Implement relevant, high -impact advocacy with key partners.
• Support development of policies and institutions to address country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
• Provide sound contribution to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and other knowledge platforms.
• Organize training for the operations/ projects staff on programme related matters in assigned programme areas.

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 support staff

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results: LEVEL 2

• Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work

Think Innovatively:LEVEL 2

• Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking

Learn Continuously:LEVEL 2

• Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning

Adapt with Agility:LEVEL 2

• Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process

Act with Determination:LEVEL 2

• Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously

Engage and Partner:LEVEL 2

• Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:LEVEL 2

• Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making

People Management: UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site .

Cross-Functional & Technical

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, priorities 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 – Risk Management

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

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 Development – Knowledge Generation

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

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness – Effectiveness:

• Project Quality Assurance

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environment, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field is required or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• Up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or minimum 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in providing management advisory services and hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development portfolios and projects within assigned thematic area.
• Proven programme/project management experience with sound knowledge of all aspects of the project cycle (design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation) focusing on climate change/action, sustainable natural resource management, economic empowerment, and/or crises response is a distinct advantage.
• Programme/project management experience in international development organizations, international NGOs, or private sector is a strong asset.
• Past experience of engaging with the national/sub-national state entities at the policy/decision making level is a distinct advantage.
• Experience in providing advisory services in relevant subject areas is a distinct advantage.
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Persian (Farsi) 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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