Programme Management Specialist (PMS) Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly as part of the UN reform agenda. Its mission is to advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women globally. The organization merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates in numerous countries, addressing issues such as discrimination against women and girls, and supporting their empowerment in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Specialist (PMS) Consultant will provide strategic and technical support to the Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) Team at UN Women, particularly in the context of Afghanistan's complex humanitarian crisis. The consultant will focus on enhancing program quality and compliance with corporate standards, ensuring effective financial oversight, partner management, and strategic planning. The role involves working closely with the EVAW Team to streamline workflows and integrate functions into a new structure, thereby reinforcing adherence to UN Women’s operational and reporting requirements. The consultant will also be responsible for providing expert advice on financial management, partner agreements, and capacity development for the EVAW team and its partners, ensuring that Afghan women and girls receive the necessary support to address gender-based violence and promote their empowerment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Providing financial management oversight and coordination support to the EVAW Programme, ensuring compliance with donor agreements and alignment with approved workplans.
• Leading the preparation and review of budget revisions and expenditure tracking in Quantum, ensuring accuracy and timely reconciliation of financial data.
• Conducting reviews of partner agreements and ensuring compliance with corporate requirements through the Partner Agreement Management System (PGAMS).
• Offering technical advice and support to programme partners on operational and programmatic management, ensuring effective monitoring of partner performance and risk mitigation.
• Supporting the selection of programme partners by ensuring alignment with UN Women policies and providing analytical feedback on proposals.
• Facilitating capacity development and knowledge sharing through training sessions and the documentation of lessons learned.
• Maintaining and updating programme management trackers and analysis tools to ensure effective monitoring and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in public administration, business, economics, social sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification such as PMP, PRINCE-2, or MSP is desirable. Candidates should have strong planning, financial monitoring, and compliance skills, as well as excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. Knowledge of HR and procurement processes is also beneficial, along with the ability to work in complex, high-risk environments.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as public administration, business, economics, or social sciences. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. A project/programme management certification is also desirable, indicating a formal recognition of the candidate's skills in managing projects effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, particularly in managing programme partners. Experience in training and coaching staff, as well as in the design and implementation of capacity development approaches, is essential. Familiarity with ERP systems and experience in humanitarian settings are desirable. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong data management skills and a solid understanding of financial planning and budgeting.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UN Women. Knowledge of Dari or Pashto is considered desirable, as it would enhance communication and engagement with local partners and stakeholders in Afghanistan.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is primarily home-based, with the possibility of up to 2-3 trips to Kabul for coordination and training purposes. The consultancy will last for six months, from December 2025 to May 2026, with a maximum of 22 working days per month, totaling 132 working days. The role requires participation in various meetings and the documentation of key decisions and follow-up actions. UN Women emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.