Technical Programme Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Global Disability Fund (UN GDF) Multi-Partner Trust Fund is hosted by UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS). The Fund supports the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) through various country programmes and partnerships with governments, UN entities, and organizations of persons with disabilities. The Fund operates under a Strategic Operational Framework for 2025–2030 and currently supports over 40 programmes annually, working closely with UN Country Teams to promote disability-inclusive development. The GDF also provides technical support, knowledge resources, and expertise to strengthen disability inclusion in policies and programmes, ensuring that all processes align with UNDP corporate systems and procedures.

Job Overview:
The Technical Programme Support Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Technical Hub Coordinator. The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate capacity-building and technical support to country programmes, focusing on three priority thematic areas: Urban Development, Climate Change, and Health Equity. The Specialist will ensure quality assurance of programme processes and provide technical guidance to validate outputs related to knowledge generation and capacity-building activities. Regular reporting to the Technical Hub Coordinator on emerging technical and capacity gaps at the programme level is also expected, along with proposing targeted solutions to address these gaps. The role requires collaboration across units, functions, teams, and projects to enhance horizontal collaboration and accommodate changing business needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to programme design and implementation by supporting UN Country Teams and partners in designing and implementing UN GDF programmes, ensuring alignment with CRPD principles and UN GDF standards. This includes providing technical inputs during programme design and inception phases, participating in regular programme check-ins, identifying technical gaps, and liaising with UN GDF member entities to strengthen coherence across programmes.
• Strengthen partner capacity and coordinate capacity-building initiatives by coordinating activities for programme partners, UN entities, and organizations of persons with disabilities. This involves conducting induction trainings, developing training materials, identifying capacity gaps, and organizing thematic webinars and training sessions.
• Monitor programme implementation and ensure quality assurance by supporting the monitoring of programme implementation, promoting compliance with UN GDF standards, and providing guidance on participatory processes.
• Promote learning, knowledge development, and cross-country exchange by supporting the development of knowledge products, organizing cross-country learning exchanges, and contributing to UN GDF reporting and knowledge products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Social Policy, Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Urban Development, Development Studies, Human Rights Law, Disability Studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the mentioned areas combined with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in international development cooperation, particularly in supporting the implementation of the CRPD across different contexts. Experience in programme design, development, and implementation related to the rights of persons with disabilities is required, along with proven experience in capacity development and technical support related to human rights and disability inclusion. Experience with civil society organizations, particularly organizations of persons with disabilities, is also essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the same areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, will also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social policies and development issues related to disability inclusion.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a master’s degree, or 7 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. This experience should be progressively responsible and include work in international development cooperation, particularly in relation to the CRPD. Candidates should demonstrate experience in programme design, implementation, and capacity development, as well as familiarity with gender-transformative and intersectional approaches in development programming.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset and is desired for enhancing communication and collaboration within the UN system.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment, and candidates should be aware that continuation beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon successful completion of a probationary period. UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. The organization values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply, ensuring an inclusive workplace where all personnel can thrive.