Background

UNDP CO in Eswatini is well-positioned as a key development partner in knowledge and policy advice as well as supporting access to development financing. The UNDP Country Programme Document (CP)D (2021-2025) is focused on addressing issues of poverty, inequality and strengthening resilience, using an integrated programming approach framed around two pillars namely, Inclusive growth and sustainable development (poverty-environment nexus) and Efficient and Participatory Governance. The CPD is fully aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNDCF) for the Kingdom of Eswatini covering the same period, which is itself in alignment with the National Development Plan 2023/24-2027/28 document.

Under the direct supervision of the Sustainable Development Specialist and overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative, the Programme Associate – Inclusive Growth will ensure effective delivery of projects by supporting programme implementation of UNDP supported initiatives in Eswatini. The Programme Associate -Inclusive Growth will work in close collaboration with the operations and programme staff in the UNDP Country Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides effective support to management of the Inclusive Growth Programme focusing on the achievement of the following results: 

• Support annual work planning of the participating entities and reporting processes in line with the agreed monitoring and evaluation framework;
• Monitor project timelines and deliverables to ensure adherence to agreed deadlines;
• Support regular fund disbursement to partners;
• Support implementation of project activities such as undertaking project review and contributing to financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of projects, identification of operational and financial problems and development of solutions;
• Creation of a project in Quantum, preparation of required budget revisions, revision of project award and project status, determination of un-utilized funds, operational and financial closure of the project at its end;
• Supports implementation of audit recommendations.

Provides administrative support to the Programme Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Review of projects Financial Reports; preparation of non-PO vouchers for project;
• Maintenance of the internal expenditure control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed; transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Quantum;
• Timely corrective actions on un-posted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers;
• Creation of requisitions in Quantum Platform and register of goods receipt in Quantum;
• Making budget check for requisitions, purchase orders and vouchers.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Sustainable Development/Inclusive Growth area focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support periodic and annual reporting for the progress of the project activities;
• Assist in project related activities, including planning for meetings, local and national consultations, trips and other project related activities;
• Document and share records of meetings, decisions, actions, etc;
• Handle all logistical matters to organize the inception workshop, consultation workshops and any meetings as required;
• Regularly update the procurement plan and contacts list;
• Support the synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices from the project;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and relevant communities of practice.

Supports resource mobilization and strategic partnerships focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support resource mobilization efforts for the Inclusive Growth program through preparation of supporting documentation as necessary;
• Analysis of information on donors and development partners, preparation of partner profile, in support of resource mobilization landscaping and formulation of strategies;
• Systematic follow up on available resources and reporting modalities;
• Review of contributions agreement, managing contributions in Quantum;
• Support in the development of strategic partnerships with UN agencies, IFIs, Government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society in governance thematic areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donor priorities.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will report directly to the Sustainable Development Specialist.

Competencies

Core

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Working with Evidence and Data:

• Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making.

Digital Awareness and Literacy:

• Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.

Customer Satisfaction/Client Management:

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.
• Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

Communication:

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.

Budget Management:

• Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required, OR
• University degree in Economics/Business Management/Finance/Project Management/Social Sciences, or a related field will be given due consideration but not a requirement.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible administrative or project experience is required;
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages;
• Technical skills to write and review reports;
• Teamwork and team-building skills;
• At least 3 years’ experience in business management, project coordination and/or implementation;
• Over 2 years demonstrated expertise in programme/project management for results;
• Negotiation, organization and coordination skills/experience for developing and maintaining partnerships;
• Good presentation, reporting and facilitation skills/experience.

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in English and Siswati is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.