Programme Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women globally. It operates under the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, focusing on eliminating discrimination against women and girls. UN Women works with governments and civil society organizations to implement innovative approaches aimed at achieving gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization has a presence in multiple countries, including Iraq, where it operates through its Country Office in Baghdad and has field presence in Erbil.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Specialist is a pivotal role within UN Women Iraq-Country Office, responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of programs. This position requires a strategic approach to program management, ensuring alignment with UN Women’s goals and objectives. The specialist will provide technical support to the Country Office program, manage monitoring and reporting processes, and guide the program team in budget and people management. The role also involves building partnerships and developing resource mobilization strategies, as well as managing knowledge building efforts to enhance program effectiveness. The incumbent will work closely with the Representative and other stakeholders to ensure that the programs are effectively designed and implemented, contributing to the overall mission of UN Women.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the programmatic development for the Country Office based on the Strategic Note, providing overall advisory support and guiding the development of the CO program.
• Provide technical support to the implementation of the Country Office program, ensuring compliance with UN Women goals and results-based indicators.
• Manage the monitoring and reporting for the Country Office, establishing standards and coordinating the preparation of progress reports.
• Oversee and guide people and budget management for the program team, leading a team of 5 personnel and ensuring effective communication across the office.
• Build partnerships and develop resource mobilization strategies, analyzing donor information and identifying opportunities for cooperation.
• Manage knowledge building efforts by synthesizing best practices and lessons learned.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

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 considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate strong program formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills, along with the ability to develop operational plans and budgets.

Educational Background:
The educational background required 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 with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is a plus, indicating a formal recognition of expertise in managing projects and programs effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in program management is required, including aspects such as design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, donor reporting, and capacity building. Experience in gender-related areas is desirable, as well as experience in setting priorities, budgets, and work plans. Candidates should also have experience in leading teams effectively, demonstrating the ability to manage personnel and foster a collaborative work environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves leading a team of 5 personnel. The role requires a commitment to UN Women’s values and competencies, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that recruitment and employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence. Candidates should be prepared for rigorous reference and background checks as part of the selection process.