Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an organization established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda, aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women globally. It was formed by merging four distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. UN Women operates in various countries, including Afghanistan, where it has been active for two decades. The organization is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between genders in development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women Afghanistan has five key program priorities: Integrated Programming and Localization, Women's movement building, Policy and Research, Economic Resilience and Women's Empowerment, and Coordination, Access and Humanitarian Response. The organization operates through its main office in Kabul and five sub-offices in Balkh, Bamyan, Herat, Kandahar, and Nangarhar, adapting its programming to the rapidly evolving political, economic, and humanitarian context.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist position at UN Women involves providing technical and program management support for the development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of projects under the Integrated Programming Unit (IPU). The role requires coordination of project planning and implementation across various program areas and sub-offices, ensuring adherence to results-based management principles. The Programme Specialist will also be responsible for monitoring program performance, resource utilization, and identifying implementation risks while recommending corrective actions. The position demands strong partnership building and integrated proposal development skills, as well as mentoring national program personnel to enhance project delivery. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure coherent and accountable program delivery, contributing to the overall mission of supporting Afghan women and girls through effective programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide Advisory Support and Technical Programme Guidance for the Integrated Programme Unit: Lead and coordinate project management and program implementation, ensuring effective partner management and adherence to results-based management principles. Monitor project implementation and resource utilization, ensuring alignment with the Integrated Programme Unit’s workplan. Provide technical advice on project planning and quality assurance at sub-office levels. Facilitate effective communication and coordination across the unit and with other ACO units.
• Oversee Capacity Building for the Integrated Programme Unit: Assess capacity needs of projects and develop capacity building plans in coordination with sub-offices. Design and deliver training programs to enhance project implementation capacities. Provide targeted support for high-visibility projects and ensure quality assurance for all project documents.
• Lead Monitoring and Reporting Function for the Unit: Establish program monitoring standards and undertake regular monitoring and analysis of project implementation. Manage the monitoring of results frameworks and performance indicators, prepare progress reports, and ensure readiness for audits.
• Manage Knowledge Building Efforts: Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned, document capacity building efforts, and draft knowledge management products. Provide training for national personnel on program oversight functions and support mentorship initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Political Science, Development, Public Administration, or Gender. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) is an added advantage. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to manage complex projects and build relationships with stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Political Science, Development, Public Administration, or Gender. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is also desirable.

Experience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in project and programme development, strategic planning, coordination support, or change management is required. Candidates should have a proven track record of drafting high-quality proposals and reports for senior officials, with international development experience focused on project management and gender equality. Technical knowledge of gender equality programming in areas such as EVAW, GIHA, and livelihoods is essential. Familiarity with office software and web-based management systems is also required, along with experience in dealing with bilateral and multilateral funding sources.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working in a challenging and rapidly evolving context. UN Women emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and competencies. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Candidates must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification.