Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Joint SDG Fund is an initiative that supports countries in accelerating their progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It operates through joint programmes that provide transformative solutions implemented by governments and national stakeholders, supported by the UN Country Team led by Resident Coordinators. The Fund is strategically directed by a group chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General and managed by an Operational Steering Committee comprising representatives from various UN entities. The Fund is hosted by the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) and aims to align with broader UN Development System reforms. It incentivizes coherent UN action and focuses on key SDG transitions such as digital, food systems, social protection, energy, education, and climate action. The Secretariat team is expected to work across various units and functions to enhance collaboration and achieve strategic goals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the coordination of thematic priorities and SDG transitions within the Joint SDG Fund. This position involves integrating these priorities into the broader programmatic approach of the Fund, promoting policy innovation, and ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable populations are addressed. The Programme Specialist will also be responsible for supporting the Fund's learning and knowledge management processes, liaising with global, regional, and country partners to strengthen alignment with human rights, gender equality, and the Leave No One Behind principles. The role requires a proactive approach to managing the Fund's portfolio, ensuring effective monitoring and reporting on programmatic results, and facilitating partnerships that enhance the impact of joint programming efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Provide strategic and quality support for joint programmes focused on SDG localization and financing, including monitoring and capturing lessons learned. 2) Facilitate the application of results-based management tools and programmatic risk management, tracking and reporting on programmatic results. 3) Support partnerships and technical assistance from the UN system and external partners in joint programming design and implementation. 4) Develop guidance for joint programmes to align with UN Development System Reform and SDG acceleration. 5) Support training on design, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation policies for the Joint SDG Fund. 6) Advance the maturation of seed funding joint programmes into high-impact initiatives. 7) Lead coordination of partnerships, learning, and knowledge management, organizing strategic workshops and conferences. 8) Strengthen inter-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement for joint programmes. 9) Produce strategic analyses and updates for communication with donors and partners. 10) Facilitate knowledge sharing on innovative financing and SDG localization solutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven capacity in supporting the design and implementation of UN joint programmes at various levels. A track record of partnerships with UN entities, donors, and development partners is essential. Experience with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its local implementation is required, along with skills in developing and maintaining partnerships and coordinating networks. Strong writing skills and the ability to synthesize information and visualize data are necessary for programmatic updates and reports.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in International Development, Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, or related Environmental and/or Social Sciences is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the aforementioned fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in portfolio or programme management within the UN system or other international organizations is required for candidates with a master's degree. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have at least 7 years of relevant experience. Experience in supporting SDG localization efforts and programme formulation/implementation is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the UN System and inter-agency collaboration.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while fluency in Spanish is considered an asset. A working knowledge of another UN official language is also advantageous.

Additional Notes:
The Programme Specialist position is home-based and reports directly to the Team Leader, Impact and Efficiency at the Joint SDG Fund Secretariat. The role is part of a collaborative effort to enhance the effectiveness of the Fund's initiatives and requires a commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. The organization reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions in the future. UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.