Programme Management Officer, P3

Posting Title:

Programme Management Officer, P3

Job Code Title:

Programme Management Officer

Department/ Office

Economic Commission for Africa

Duty Station

ADDIS ABABA

Posting Period

2 June 2014-1 August 2014

Job Opening number

14-PGM-ECA-35341-R-ADDIS ABABA(G)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

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.

UNECA is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Operational Quality Section (OQS) of the Strategic Planning and Operational Quality Division (SPOQD) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Division, the incumbent will report directly to the Chief of the Section.

Responsibilities

Contributes to the preparation of an UNECA Quality Assurance (QA) framework, including a Quality Assurance policy, methodological and procedural guidance and QA Plan, aimed at enhancing the quality of UNECA's Policy Research and Knowledge Delivery in response to programmatic focal areas as they relate to the efficient and effective implementation of the Commission's work programme;

Contributes to maintain information exchange on relevant QA issues and best practices and the design and planning of tailored training programmes and joint initiatives to ensure that QA management in UNECA is strengthened in general and that UNECA's capacity for self-evaluations is enhanced, in particular through systematic needs-assessment for capacity development;

Contributes to OQS oversight in the implementation of QA review policy and guidelines in accordance with UN and international standards and best practices, including methodological and procedural guidance on QA standards, checklist and formats;

Provide, through the Section Chief, administrative and technical backstopping to the work of the established QA panels; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.

Assist with the coordination of internal and external QA assessments of UNECA Policy Research and Knowledge Delivery interventions, review and help resolve bottlenecks to effective implementation of recommendations, including advice the Chief of OQS on the interpretation of QA report recommendations and help find innovative solutions to QA issues therein;

Undertake analysis of programme performance at the subprogramme and programme levels to assure the quality of outputs delivered, including assessing the process, partnership and cost effectiveness against set objectives and expected accomplishments;

Review of submissions from Panels' QA findings and assist in coordinating the implementation of such submissions.

Contribute to the development and maintenance of an effective tracking system of the recommendation cases that have been reviewed and assist in the transfer of information about the evaluated matters;

Participate in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.

Undertake survey initiatives; design data collection tools; review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issue and prepare conclusions.

Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area and programme planning, management, evaluation and operational quality within the United Nations. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning& 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.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area. Experience in quality assurance of development programmes/projects will be an asset.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

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