Back Programme Analyst

In September 2009, the UN Secretary-General designated H.M. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands as his Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).  As UNSGSA and Honorary Patron of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), Queen Máxima raises awareness and advocates specific policies, investments and actions with governments, regulators, private companies, international institutions and diverse additional stakeholders, all with view of how inclusive financial systems can help to reduce poverty, equalize opportunity and accelerate progress toward numerous development goals.   She does so through country visits, speeches, meetings, convening of stakeholders and other outreach.  This requires careful, comprehensive and rigorous analysis of local conditions, policies, available services and public priorities, as well as the needs of households, enterprises and communities.

The UNSGSA’s work is done in partnership and with wide consultation among the many stakeholders working to advance financial inclusion—and those affected by it. She collaborates closely with an advisory Reference Group of leading international organizations in financial inclusion to share expertise and suggest strategic opportunities that she can advance through advocacy and partnerships. Reference Group members include: Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Better Than Cash Alliance, Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), Flourish Ventures, International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Monetary Fund (IMF), UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and The World Bank. The UNSGSA also consults   and/or cooperates with the UN Rome based agencies and the wider UN system, the UN secretariat, UN country teams, multilateral organizations, private financial institutions, companies, donors, civil society organizations and the media.

Members of the Reference Group and many other in-country and global partners play an important role in converting advocacy into action.

The UNSGSA also engages with financial standard setting bodies (SSBs) so that their work takes into account the advancement of Financial Inclusion around the world.

The Project Analyst will report to the Director of the office.  

A small team works closely with Queen Máxima and her secretariat in The Hague to coordinate and advance her UN and G20 activities. The Office of the UNSGSA is housed at BERA/UNDP in New York and receives financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

​Partner Engagement: Monitor and support partner activities in the field of financial inclusion and keep the Office of the UNSGSA informed and up-to date on relevant developments

• Support the Office of the UNSGSA’s efforts to shape and develop strategies to engage with UN entities, UNDP country teams, intergovernmental organizations and other partners;
• Support the Office’s development of strategies and management of ongoing relationships with key financial inclusion communities;
• Support the monitoring of the implementation of the SDG’s and communicate relevant updates/issues to the Office of the UNSGSA and, where appropriate, identifying opportunities;
• Follow-up on collaboration between the Office of the UNSGSA and the Group of Friends, UN entities, UNDP country teams and intergovernmental partners and ensure required actions are implemented by the Office of the UNSGSA;
• Under the guidance of the Director, Office of the UNSGSA, prepare and ensure information flow between the Office of the UNSGSA and its partners, paying particular attention to the quality control of the information provided;
• Coordinate inputs in briefing notes from all relevant partners for executive level meetings with intergovernmental bodies, financial inclusion stakeholders; 
• Prepare take aways and notes from formal meetings with partners such as the Reference Group.

Provide support in managing and strengthening a close relationship between the Office of the UNSGSA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (the grantor/donor)

• In close collaboration with the Director, Office of the UNSGSA, support the enhancement and strengthening of the relationship between the Office of the UNSGSA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through partnership on initiatives/events, periodic conference calls on the activities of the UNSGSA, and periodic grant activity reports;
• Under the guidance of the Director, Office of the UNSGSA assist and support the achievement of performance indicators agreed with the grantor/donor in line with set timeframes and within the scope of approved budget and work plan;
• Draft periodic reports on operational activities of the Office of the UNSGSA based on the agreed reporting schedule;
• Create and maintain appropriate spreadsheets and documentation to track/support grant expenses, ensuring that proper records are maintained.·
• Under the guidance of the Director, Office of the UNSGSA, liaise with grantor/donor on grant implementation, reporting, information sharing and further work planning;
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of progress reports and financial reports to grantor/donor as well as smooth interphase with UNDP’s systems such as ATLAS.

Support and ensure quality control of preparation of briefs, background papers, analysis of reports and other substantive information

• Under the guidance of the Programme Specialists, draft timely and high-quality background papers, briefing notes, talking points, analysis, and other substantive information for the Director, Office of the UNSGSA on relevant issues, including informed analysis of the issues at hand and, if required, identify potential challenges and opportunities for the Office of the UNSGSA; 
• Proof read and check for accuracy briefing notes, talking points, background papers, speeches, letters and other communications and other substantive materials shared with the UNSGSA ensuring timely submission to the UNSGSA’s Secretariat in The Hague;
• Draft high level correspondence for signature by the Director, Office of the UNSGSA;
• Manage the production and distribution of the UNSGSA Annual Report by preparing terms of reference for the designer, managing the selection process for the designer and printer, preparing and maintaining a production schedule in consultation with the Director, Office of the UNSGSA and the Communications Specialist, Office of the UNSGSA, UNSGSA Secretariat in The Hague.

Office operations and management:

• Provide substantive and administrative support to high level meetings, conferences and events organized by the Office of the UNSGSA by proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparation of background documents, briefs and other relevant materials (save the date, invitations, take aways);
• Provide substantive and administrative support to the preparation of UNSGSA country visits, collaborating closely with partners, UNDP country offices and headquarters bureaux, the UNSGSA’s secretariat in The Hague;
• Ensure Office’s sound financial management, budget preparation and oversight, human resources administration and other operational matters; 
• Draft terms of reference for consultancies with the Office of the UNSGSA, coordinate the recruitment process of consultants, manage consultant/vendor contracts and payments ensuring accuracy of forms and proper record-keeping;
• Manage and oversee the Executive Administrative Assistant and interns; 
• Participate in mission travel as required.

CORE:

Innovation - Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

Level 4: Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefully.

Leadership - Ability to persuade others to follow.

Level 4: Generates commitment, excitement and excellence in others.

People Management - Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.

Level 4: Models independent thinking and action.

Communication - Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.

Level 4: Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis.

Delivery - Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement.

Level 4: Meets goals and quality criteria for delivery of products or services.

TECHNICAL/FUNCTIONAL:

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise.

Intergovernmental engagement

Knowledge of intergovernmental bodies and other partners (mandates, operations, ways of working etc).

Multi-stakeholder and partner engagement

Knowledge of relevant multilaterals agencies and relevant partners in the area of financial inclusion (mandates, operations, ways of working etc…)

Representation

Ability to productively share UNDP knowledge and activities (at UN and other venues).

Briefs and written communication

Ability to prepare quality briefs and substantive background materials. Ability to communicate relevant information for a variety of audiences.

Partnerships/Relationship Management

Ability to engage with other agencies, donors, and development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships.

Risk Management

Ability to identify and prioritize risks, and organize action around mitigating them.

Knowledge management and sharing

Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge.

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s) in international relations, public administration or other social sciences related field.

Experiences:

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience in project/programme management, administration, development related areas, multi-stakeholder engagement, international or multilateral organizations, UN operational activities for development, or other relevant settings, preferably in functions requiring drafting briefing notes, letters, and email communication;
• Working experience with intergovernmental and interagency processes and fora at the United Nations. Experience in using the UNDP financial and project management software desirable;
• Working knowledge of the international development field and experience liaising with partners in inter-governmental processes is desirable;
• Experience with UN and diplomatic protocol around high level events, meetings and correspondence;
• Capacity to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines even in imperfect conditions and thrive as part of a small and fast moving team;
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with an ability to sum up key points concisely;
• Success working independently and as a member of a team, and with partners in other time zones and from diverse and multi-cultural contexts;
• Sense of humor and grace under pressure.

Language Requirements:

• Excellent command of, and drafting skills in English is essential;
• Working knowledge of other UN languages is desirable particularly Spanish and/or French.

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

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.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension