- Manage the overall Spotlight Initiative work plan development and implementation according to the regional programme document; Ensure timely implementation;
- Lead the implementation of a results-based management and accountability approach to programme management;
- Lead programme oversight and quality assurance;
- Lead the development of annual programme delivery targets;
- Liaise with the Programme Technical Specialist in the Spotlight Technical Unit, regional counterparts, participating UN agencies (RUNOs – Recipient UN Organizations), EU Delegation, CSOs and other partners to ensure the Programme results are achieved and resources are managed;
- Organize and prepare Steering Committee meetings;
- Compile, prepare and present work-plans, periodic consolidated narrative progress reports and expenditures status reports;
- Establish systems for project planning, implementation and monitoring, in collaboration with partners and with the advice of Data & Monitoring Officer of the Office of UN Resident Coordinator;
- Record and maintain documents on relevant Programme activities, issues, and risks.
- Manage implementation of technical advice and guidance for assuring technical coherence and integrity of the entire programme based on the guidance of UN Women;
- Provide technical assistance to local partners supporting programme implementation;
- Develop and implement technical tools, and initiatives;
- Provide a forum for exchanging experiences; consolidate lessons learned and key outcomes of workshops, webinars and other meetings/events;
- Analyze emerging needs;
- Follow up on technical issues and challenges emerging;
- Identify capacity building needs of partners and lead the coordination of technical assistance, mentoring, training and capacity development initiatives to partners;
- Lead collective preparation of a coherent programme reports for submission to the donors, in close collaboration with the participating agencies (RUNO) as required below under #4.
- Coordinate relationships with regional partners – in particular the members of CSO Regional Reference Group – to support implementation and expansion of the Spotlight Initiative, raise potential problems and provide solutions;
- Provide guidance to partners on establishment of performance indicators, and monitoring achievement of results;
- Identify capacity building needs and support partners through technical assistance, mentoring, training, cross-partner learning, and capacity development initiatives.
- Gather and compile all information necessary for monitoring and reporting on programmes and projects from the planning to the evaluation stages, with the advice of Data & Monitoring Officer of the Office of UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan;
- Monitor the implementation of activities and the expenditure of funds by partners; conduct regular monitoring visits;
- Consolidate and write annual and quarterly reports; review and coordinate the submission of implementing partner financial and narrative reports;
- Provide inputs from Spotlight Initiative programme activities and results to Programme reporting.
- Supervise and manage a team of professional and administrative personnel, review performance and mentor/ coach personnel;
- Prepare budget revisions, and expenditure tracking and reporting;
- Oversee and monitor the allocation and disbursement of funds to participating partners.
- Provide technical support to the development of partnerships and resource mobilization strategies;
- Identify potential programmatic areas of cooperation, country needs and donors’ priorities and develop the relevant partnerships;
- Maintain excellent relations with donors and coordinate joint meetings with the agencies as required.
- Ensure documentation of the programme implementation process and products produced are in accordance with standards established for the Spotlight Initiative;
- Represent the UN in meetings and policy dialogues on issues related to Spotlight Initiative as necessary;
- Oversee the development of advocacy and communication strategies and lead their implementation, with the support of the Spotlight Communications & Monitoring Officer;
- Oversee the implementation of the Visibility Plan, with the support of the Spotlight Communications & Monitoring Officer;
- Identify best practices and lessons learned to guide programme improvement and strategy planning;
- Contribute to the exchange of information and knowledge products internally and externally of the programme;
- Organize major events, trainings, workshops and knowledge products.
- Timely and quality implementation of Spotlight Initiative activities against set workplans, timelines and budgets, in line with the Strategic Note;
- Quality and timely reporting;
- Strong relations with partners and stakeholders;
- Regular and timely monitoring of activities;
- Timely and quality implementation of advocacy events in line with work plan;
- Enhanced best practices and lessons learned documented and circulated.
- Respect for Diversity;
- Integrity;
- Professionalism;
- Demonstrating commitment to the UN System.
- Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Equality Issues and /or SGBV issues;
- Accountability;
- Creative Problem Solving;
- Communicating for Impact;
- Inclusive Collaboration;
- Stakeholder Engagement;
- Leading by Example;
- Working in Teams;
- Thinking Analytically and strategically.
- Strong programme formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills;
- Strong budget and finance skills;
- Strong knowledge of Results Based Management;
- Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports in order to inform management and strategic decision-making;
- Engaging internal/external partners and stakeholders;
- Leading, developing and empowering people/creating a culture of performance;
- Strong analytical skills;
- Good knowledge of UN programme management systems.
- Master’s degree or equivalent in public administration, law, human rights, gender equality, management, social sciences or other related areas is required;
- A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage.
- At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in managing complex and multi-component programme interventions with national partners, preferably related to thematic area;
- Experience in managing, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating development programmes and projects;
- Previous experience working in the UN system is an asset.
- Fluency in English and Russian is required;
- Knowledge of languages of Central Asian countries is an asset.
Important applicant information
All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.
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.
Workforce diversity
UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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Contract Duration: 12 months (with possible extension)