Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Debt Management and Financial Analysis System (DMFAS) Programme of the Debt and Development Finance Branch (DDFB), in the Division of Globalisation and Development Strategies (DGDS) of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in Geneva, Switzerland. The DMFAS Programme is a technical cooperation programme that provides technical assistance to developing countries to assist them in strengthening their capacity to manage public debt. The Programme Management Officer reports to the Chief of DMFAS. The focus of this job is the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, operations and other activities in an assigned functional area.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Programme Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Researches, analyses and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies, and keeps updated on substantive developments in relevant thematic areas, including economic, financial and political changes affecting client institutions.
• Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyses and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Maintains records on all aspects of assigned programmes, projects and user institutions, including through programme and project monitoring and evaluation systems and other institutional reporting tools.
• Develops and maintains an understanding of relevant programme-specific systems, tools or platforms (e.g. DMFAS), in order to support effective programme execution.
• Collects and analyses data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other duties as required. Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyse 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. Able to analyse and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• 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. Education Advanced university degree (masters degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in business administration, management, economics, or related field, combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. Job – Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience in dealing with debt management issues and in public debt management systems is desirable. Experience in technical cooperation projects within the United Nations Common system is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Russian or Arabic or Spanish is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking French UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Russian UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Arabic UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Spanish UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice
• This position is temporarily available for six months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an…