Programme Specialist – Team Leader Inclusive Growth Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization focuses on building resilience, promoting inclusive growth, and fostering sustainable development. UNDP has a significant presence in Lao PDR, where it has been actively involved in supporting the country’s socio-economic development and its transition from Least Developed Country status, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist – Team Leader for the Inclusive Growth Unit is a pivotal role within the UNDP Lao Country Office, responsible for managing the Inclusive Growth portfolio. This position involves analyzing political, social, and economic trends to inform strategic planning and program formulation. The incumbent will lead the coordination and implementation of project activities, ensuring alignment with UNDP’s Country Programme priorities. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, technical advisors, and civil society, to effectively implement the UNDP programme and achieve its intended targets. The Programme Specialist will also be responsible for identifying new programming areas and providing policy advice to senior management and national partners, thereby contributing to the overall mission of UNDP in promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development in Lao PDR.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensuring the strategic direction of the UNDP programme on inclusive growth by conducting thorough analyses of the political, social, and economic situation in Lao PDR, and preparing/revising key documents such as the Common Country Analysis (CCA), UN Partnership Framework (UNPF), and Country Programme Document (CPD).
• Managing the CO programme on poverty and supervising the Inclusive Growth team, focusing on quality control throughout the programming cycle from formulation to implementation. This includes effective application of Results-Based Management (RBM) tools, establishing management targets, and monitoring the achievement of results.
• Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships and supporting resource mobilization efforts to achieve programme outcomes, including creating and coordinating partnerships with UN agencies, government institutions, and donors.
• Providing top-quality advisory services and facilitating knowledge building and management by identifying sources of information related to policy-driven issues, synthesizing best practices, and coordinating the development of policies that address national problems and needs.
• Engaging in advocacy efforts at the national level and contributing to knowledge networks and communities of practice, while organizing training for project staff on programme management.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Programme Specialist position should possess a Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree in the same fields is also acceptable, but candidates with a Master’s degree will be preferred. The candidate should have a strong background in management advisory services, with hands-on experience in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects, particularly in the areas of Inclusive Growth, livelihoods, economic policy, or planning and financing. Additionally, experience in establishing inter-relationships among international organizations and national governments is essential, along with familiarity with UN or NGO operations in the development sector.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master’s Degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or International Relations. A Bachelor’s degree in these areas is acceptable but candidates with a Master’s degree will have an advantage. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding complex socio-economic issues and the ability to engage in policy formulation and program management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for candidates with a Master’s degree or 7 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. This experience should be at the national or international level, focusing on management advisory services, project design, monitoring, and evaluation in the context of development projects related to Inclusive Growth and economic policy. Candidates should also have experience in managing teams and complex projects, as well as undertaking socio-economic analysis and preparing policy briefs.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Lao is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the UNDP's operational needs.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and is part of a full-time commitment to the UNDP Country Office. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The role may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, technical advisors, and civil society organizations. UNDP emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. Selected candidates will undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the organization's standards and principles.