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PROGRAMME ASSOCIATE

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Senior Procurement Advisor, the Programme Associate provides leadership in execution of varied and inter-related activities in large programmes, ensuring high quality and accuracy of work. The Programme Associate promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with Country Offices where UNDP in Principal Recipient for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), the GFATM Support Team, other UN agencies staff and other contractual partners to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities


Ensures administration and implementation of programme strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Presentation of thoroughly researched information for briefing notes for senior management.
  • Presentation of information/reports for identification of areas for support and intervention
  • Implementation of PSO relationships with external partners (UNICEF, commercial partners)
Provides effective support to management of the work plan of the Special Advisory Team focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Presentation of thoroughly researched information for formulation of support missions, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements.
  • Support the programme of capacity development of country offices where UNDP is Principal Recipient for the GFATM
  • Follow up on performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation of reports.
  • Analysis of the situation in programme, identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions.
Provides support to the ongoing risk monitoring and assessment programmes in Country Offices focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Ensuring detailed procurement risk mapping of GFATM grant implemented by UNDP
  • Monitoring the procurement and supply chain capacity of Country Offices on a regular basis by updating the information of the risk assessment tool.
Provides support in creation of strategic partnerships focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Analysis of information on partners, preparation of partners’ profile and database, establishment of contacts with potential new partners.
  • Track and reporting on new partnerships.
Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO and PSO/SAT focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Organization of training events for Country Officer staff involved in GFATM programme and support the development of knowledge tools in procurement and supply chain management, in close collaboration with colleagues in Copenhagen, Geneva, Dakar and New York.
  • Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme.
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice (including MPN Procure, Global Fund Net and Teamworks)
The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency in GFATM procurement and supply chain, and strengthens implementation of procurement and supply chain management strategies. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision making of the management.

Competencies

Scope of the assignment:
Detailed Review of the Current Employment Situation in Azerbaijan:
  • Treatise on the economy, demographic situation and social conditions that will provide the context for the employment discourse of this study. Good use of tables and charts are expected out of statistics from national and international sources. These should not just provide the overall national view but bring out the regional details, imbalances, etc.
  • Review of the essential national legislation, strategies, policies and programs that impact employment in Azerbaijan. The main directions of those should be articulated, and the implementation record since their start-up should be discussed in order to draw the lessons learned vis-à-vis employment generation and decent work atmosphere. A description of how well the laws and regulations are enforced—and whether this is an important aspect of their effectiveness.
  • Review of the national governance mechanism related to employment: the Government structures, labor unions and workers’ organizations, private sector institutions as well as think tanks.
  • Review of the programs and projects by international financial institutions and the donor community that relate to job creation and retention.
  • Review of relevant peer countries who face similar problems as Azerbaijan; the key pressure points they are facing; and their experience in making critical decisions that affected their performance (positively or adversely).

Detailed Discussion on the Expansion of Decent Work in Azerbaijan

  • Particular factors that impede employment generation, curtail job retention, limit income possibilities, impair occupational health, reduce gender equality, and diminish workers’ capacity for association and collective bargaining.
  • A comparative analysis of the legislative gaps between the international labor standards that Azerbaijan has ratified and the existing national legislation.
  • A discussion of the lessons learned regarding decent work in other countries for possible application in Azerbaijan. In that context, the experiences of other resource-rich countries should be particularly relevant.
  • A discussion on enhancing the employability of the segments of the labor force that struggle today (youth, women, etc). This could involve continued education and training, and social enterprise. For the new entrants to the market the measures could include vocational education, support for internships, and temporary support for employment of youth when their productivity is not yet reaching the level that would justify the going wage.

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
  • Shares knowledge and experience
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting.
  • Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems
  • Good knowledge of Results Management Guide and Toolkit
Leadership and Self-Management
  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Secondary Education, preferably with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance. University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political or Social Sciences would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
  • 7 years of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience is required at the national or international level.
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English essential, fluency in French an additional asset.

NOTE:

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by UNDP.


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.