Programme Associate/Governance (For Rwandan nationals only)

In November 2006, the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Panel on System-Wide Coherence produced a set of far-reaching recommendations for UN reform aimed at improving the coherence and effectiveness of the UN System at country level. The report highlights that the UN System is not currently equipped to respond to the challenges set by the Millennium Development Goals due mainly to fragmentation, duplication, and lack of focus. In January 2007, Rwanda was selected as one of eight pilot countries where the ‘One UN’ models will be tried out. Around the same time, the UNCT in Rwanda started elaborating its second Common Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for 2008-2012, thus providing the necessary programmatic coherence for the implementation of the ‘One Programme’ model in Rwanda. UNDP has been designated: The lead UN agency for UNDAF Result One related to Good Governance The Administrative Agent of the One UN Fund Chair of the UN Operations Management Team (UNOMT) responsible for leading the harmonization and simplification of policies and procedures among UN agencies. In late 2009, UNDP embarked on a CO repositioning exercise with a view to aligning the CO capacities with the new Country Programme priorities, and to meeting the expectations placed upon UNDP within the context of the One UN (Delivering as One “DaO”) and the Paris Declaration. The CO’s new Vision Statement is for UNDP Rwanda to provide “quality advisory services, and contributes to the development of national capacities in order to achieve Rwanda’s development goals”. To achieve this, the CO developed the following Mission Statement: “UNDP Rwanda, through the UN Delivering as One process, will contribute to providing effective and efficient support to the Government of Rwanda in achieving the Millennium Development Goals as well as in the areas of Governance”. Accordingly, a new CO structure has been established and new functions redesigned to focus on the delivery of upstream advisory services and cost-efficient development support services in Rwanda. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Unit for Governance and Peace Consolidation, the Programme Associate provides substantive and effective support to the planning, design and management of the country programme by managing data and facilitating programme implementation, and provides leadership in execution of services in the Governance Team. The Programme Associate promotes a result and client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Programme Associate leads the programme support staff in the Unit, coordinates activities of the project teams and other Programme Units, and works in close collaboration with the Operations team, programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP programme implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions: Ensures Support to formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the Country Programme Action Plan, focusing on achievement of the following results: Support to the Head of Unit and the Governance team and project managers in the formulation of programme/project strategies and implementation of the Country Programme Action Plan Collection, analysis and presentation of background information for preparation of CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP, effective application of RBM tools and establishment of management targets (BSC). Presentation of background information for formulation of country programme, draft project documents, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements Support to presentation of information/ reports for identification of areas for support and interventions. Provides effective support to substantive and financial management of the governance programme focusing on the achievement of the following results: Assist the Unit team and projects in the creation of a project in Atlas, preparation of required budget revisions, revision of project award and project status, determination of unutilized funds, operational and financial close of a project. Provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects. Presentation of information for audit of projects, supports implementation of audit recommendations Inputs into preparation for conduct of audit of NEX projects, implementation of audit recommendations. Diligent execution of Atlas role assigned. Provides administrative support to the Programme Unit focusing on achievement of the following results: Review of projects Financial Reports; vendors’ approval in Atlas; preparation of non-PO vouchers for development projects. Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of NEX projects Financial Reports. Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas. Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Creation of requisitions in Atlas for development projects, register of goods receipt in Atlas. Making budget check for requisitions, POs and vouchers. Assist the projects in implementation of project activities Provides support in creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on achievement of the following results: Analysis of information on donors, preparation of donor’s profile and database, establishment of contacts with donor counterparts. Track and reporting on mobilized resources and ensure timely preparation of reports. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results: Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme. Maintenance and updating of the Team’s portfolio for e-documentation and knowledge management systems, as well as the office intranet and website. Extraction of lessons learnt and best practices in programme implementation. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice

Competencies

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 highly desirable. Experience: Minimum of 6 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: Fluency (both verbal and written) in English and French, and the national language of the duty station.

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.