Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, analysis, and capacity-building assistance to address development priorities and changing needs. The Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM), a regional institution of ESCAP, focuses on sustainable agricultural mechanization to achieve internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals in Asia and the Pacific. CSAM facilitates policy dialogue, information exchange, cooperation among stakeholders, and capacity building in the region.

Job Overview:
The Programme Manager position at CSAM involves overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of key programmes/projects related to sustainable agricultural mechanization. The incumbent will serve as Programme Manager for significant initiatives at regional and subregional levels, utilizing south-south cooperation modalities. Responsibilities include monitoring and analyzing programme/project development, identifying issues, proposing corrective actions, and liaising with relevant parties. The role also entails conducting research, assisting in policy development, designing data collection tools, and preparing various written outputs such as reports and background papers. The Programme Manager will provide substantive support to meetings and conferences, conduct outreach activities, and coordinate budget-related activities. The position requires a proactive approach to data analysis and visualization to support decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, serving as Programme Manager for key programmes at regional/subregional levels. Responsibilities include monitoring and analyzing programme/project development, reviewing documents and reports, identifying problems and proposing corrective actions, and liaising with relevant parties. The role involves conducting consulting assignments, facilitating workshops, and assisting clients in developing action plans. The Programme Manager will research, analyze, and present information from diverse sources, assist in policy development, undertake survey initiatives, design data collection tools, and prepare written outputs such as reports and studies. The position also includes providing support for meetings, conducting training workshops, leading field missions, coordinating budget activities, and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, international relations, or a related field. A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Relevant training in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to the sector, as well as the ability to identify and analyze issues and participate in their resolution.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, international relations, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management and administration is required. At least three years of work experience in managing climate change resilience, capacity building, or south-south cooperation programmes in the Asia-Pacific region is essential. Experience within the United Nations Common System or international organizations is desirable, providing a strong foundation for understanding the operational context of the role.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for details on language proficiency levels.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position available for 3.5 months. If selected, an internal candidate will be on temporary assignment to the post, while an external candidate will initially be offered a temporary appointment. Any extension of the appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and continued availability of the post. The position encourages diversity and gender equality, with a strong emphasis on promoting women candidates. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.