Programme Specialist, ART Initiative Programme - Global Water Solidarity (GWS): P3

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the GWS Coordinator, the Programme Specialist is responsible for supporting day-to-day management, coordination and monitoring of GWS project/platform implementation, as well as providing technical support in programme development, resource mobilization and knowledge management. The Programme Specialist supports partnerships building, resource mobilization and knowledge management strategy, tools and procedures and coordinates their implementation, supports donor intelligence, supports the strengthening of the GWS position within the UNDP and UN family and the development of strategic partnerships with government, donors, private sector and CSO. Guided by the GWS Coordinator, the Programme Specialist supports and coordinates the work of a team of experts, international and national consultants. The Programme Specialist collaborates closely and interacts daily with a network of counterparts within UNDP operations, programme and management teams, as well as UN Agencies, IFIs, Government officials, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors, private sector and civil society.

Summary of key functions:

Project management;

Contribution of inputs for the formulation and implementation of GWS strategies related to RM and partnerships building;

Coordination of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Specific results are expected in the areas of:

Ensures effective management of the GWS platform (35%) focusing on quality control of the full cycle of programming from formulation to implementation achieving the following results:

Follow up on and coordinate the work of GWS partners undertaking up to 10 GWS feasibility studies annually;

Develop budgeting/planning tools including annual work plans, results frameworks, reporting frameworks, project cooperation agreements, workflow timelines and other related-documents;

Undertake the project budgeting, implementation and monitoring of activities, tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations using the ATLAS system and other relevant UNDP tools;

Oversee and provide quality control in tracking expenses and assuring budget discipline throughout the full spectrum of project implementation;

Directly oversee and ensure high quality standards for all reports to be regularly submitted to partners on GWS planned activities, outputs and outcomes, as well as reports to donors and UNDP management, as needed.

Closely monitor the impact of the GWS platform work, analyzing the dynamic project environment and suggest as well as execute timely project adjustment, as needed.

Facilitate the undertaking of review/evaluations and follow-up on recommendations by proposing actions and/or project adjustments as needed,

Manage partnerships arrangements and contracting with participating UN organizations and NGO implementing partners;

Actively engage and coordinate with other water related programmes and projects implemented by UNDP, as well as UN organizations, NGOs and other agencies o ensure complementarity, minimize overlaps and/or duplication and identify synergies and areas of complementarity or cooperation;

Liaise with external counterparts and implementing partners as well as UNDP field-based colleagues to ensure effective and efficient project management, implementation and monitoring;

Supervise and mentor the assigned interns and consultants to ensure timely delivery of draft briefing notes, presentations and other documents/reports;

Lead efforts to conceptualize and design new initiatives and activities as outlined within the GWS mandate;

Provide technical support throughout project development and complete related assignments as may be required.

Contributes inputs and supports the implementation of GWS strategies related to RM and partnerships building (30%) focusing on achievement of the following results:

Conducts external and internal analysis for assessing GWS opportunities for resource mobilization;

Scans country opportunities, based on partner-specific intelligence and the competitive landscapes, identifies where the GWS competency strengths overlap with partner/client needs;

Analyzes key development and sectoral policies currently being discussed and implemented globally and key donors willing to support polities;

Develops GWS specific donor and fund-raising strategy and suggests approaches analyzing potential partners, needs and priorities, perception of UNDP by its current and potential future partners, and project of UNDP added value and potential role;

Negotiates drafts and revises agreements with donors and other partners. monitors the overall implementation of agreements and ensures compliance with agreement and relevant reporting;

Assesses the level of GWS engagement with each donor type and level of contact and particular areas of interest, suggests strategy to better position GWS vis-à-vis the donor;

Identifies emerging sources of funding, assesses potential for the future and proposes strategic engagement for GWS;

Assesses partners and competitive landscape, their priorities and characteristics;

Draft project documents and amendments, as well as concept notes and other documentation in support of resource mobilization efforts.

Coordinates knowledge building and knowledge sharing (35%) as required by the organization, focusing on the following results:

Identifies, formulates lessons learned and recommends actions to enhance broader GWS knowledge management efforts;

Coordinates GWS knowledge network and community of practice;

Supervises research, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources;

Leads  policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies,

Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;

Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.;

Undertakes outreach activities, conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;

In consultation with the Geneva Representation Office (RO) Communication team drafts, promotes and disseminate GWS advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the World Water Week and GWS annual forum;

On behalf of the GWS Coordinator and guided by the Geneva RO Communication team manages the content for the GWS website ensuring consistency and content quality;

Manages all GWS publication activities on behalf of the GWS Coordinator, liaising wit Geneva RO Communication team on content management, publishing informs and design; liaise with printers and other suppliers to ensure production and publications dissemination delivered in a timely fashion and within the budgetary provisions;

Contributes to the advocacy and promotion of the GWS mandate, mission and purpose.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrated commitment to UNDP mission, vision and values;

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;

Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Technical Competencies:

Ability to advise on decentralised cooperation and local development, including the implementation of the Paris/Accra declaration at local level;

Sound Knowledge of Governance and MDG related concepts;

Ability to guide the design and implementation of multi-sectoral programmes and projects at different scales;

Ability to work with multiple stakeholders across a wide range of disciplines.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;

Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;

Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients and partners, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;

Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;

Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;

Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;

Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;

Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Economics and/or International Law.

Experience:

At least 5 years of experience working in the field of development;

Solid knowledge and experience working with governance and local development in water and sanitation area;

Knowledge of the role, mechanism and function of decentralized cooperation and previous experience in working with them;

Solid knowledge and experience of the GWS decentralized mechanisms and methodology is mandatory;

Proven experience in resource mobilization;

Proven relationship and network building capacities and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships;

Experience in the policy development processes associated with decentralized cooperation and sustainable local development issues;

Demonstrated  leadership, facilitation and coordination skills;

Working experience in an international organization is an advantage as is knowledge of UNDP policies, procedures and practices;

Full computer literacy.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English (oral and written);

Working knowledge in French will be an asset.

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.