Programme Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates in multiple countries, working towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect and equality in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Specialist will play a crucial role in overseeing and enhancing the Programme Partner Management oversight, specifically focusing on the Partner and Grants Agreement Management System (PGAMS), Risk-based Capacity Assessment (RBCA), and Assurance Module. This position requires close collaboration with various units within UN Women, including HQ and regional offices, to ensure effective implementation of strategic goals. The specialist will be responsible for coordinating enhancements to PGAMS, conducting user acceptance testing, and providing support and guidance on the use of the system. Additionally, the role involves analyzing key performance indicators, managing knowledge building efforts, and ensuring compliance with UN Women’s standards and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate enhancements to the Partner Grants and Agreement Management System (PGAMS) and the online Risk-based Capacity Assessment and Assurance Module.
• Sign-off on detailed scope, requirements, and wireframes with the PGAMS Offshore Development Team, providing clarifications and conducting user acceptance testing.
• Consult with Regional PGAMS Focal Points regarding new requirements and enhancements.
• Review data and linkages with stakeholders for technical enhancements.
• Update documentation, including user guides and FAQs, and provide user support for PGAMS and related modules.
• Address outstanding UNBOA recommendations on Programme Partner Management Lifecycle.
• Finalize business requirements for PGAMS modules and design reports and dashboards.
• Conduct annual assurance planning and validation against the Assurance Module.
• Coordinate the annual assurance exercise with UN Women Offices and independent auditors. 1
• Implement automated reporting templates for Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and analyze oversight indicators. 1
• Manage knowledge building efforts by synthesizing best practices and lessons learned related to Programme Partner management.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political/Development Studies, or a relevant discipline.
• A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Project/programme management certification (e.g., PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) is an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate business processes into clear requirements.
• Sound understanding of risk-based capacity assessment and audit processes.
• Ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders and deliver results on time.
• Experience in developing guidance and training materials for corporate systems.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Social Sciences, International Relations, or Political/Development Studies. Alternatively, 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 is considered an added advantage.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in programme or partner management, business process management, or corporate systems, including oversight, assurance, or compliance functions. Experience with programme partner and grant management processes across the full lifecycle is essential, along with knowledge of UN Women or UN-system procedures. Experience in writing business requirements and conducting user acceptance testing for corporate systems is desirable, as is experience coordinating audits or assurance work with independent auditors.

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 and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is home-based and requires candidates to hold a valid work permit for their home location throughout the duration of their assignment. UN Women emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.