Senior Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) is a part of the United Nations, established to provide advisory, advocacy, coordination, and monitoring services in support of Africa's development. The OSAA aims to enhance the effectiveness of the UN's support for Africa, particularly in relation to the African Union's Agenda 206

• The office operates with a mission to ensure that Africa's development priorities are integrated into the UN's global agenda. More information about the OSAA can be found at www.un.org/osaa.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Management Officer will play a pivotal role in the Strategic Management Unit of OSAA, leading the strategic coordination and management of three key functions: programme planning, monitoring and evaluation; data and analytics; and strategic communications. This position requires a strong focus on ensuring timely and quality delivery of the Unit's outputs, aligning them with the broader objectives of knowledge production, advocacy, and policy influencing. The incumbent will support the Under-Secretary-General in maintaining coherence across Programme 9, which is focused on supporting the African Union's Agenda 206

• The role demands a high level of interaction with various stakeholders, including senior officials and external partners, to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Management Officer will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects, particularly those related to the integrated workplan of the Strategic Management Unit. This includes establishing common frameworks and guidance, directing subordinates in programme/project development, and ensuring the integration of functional workplans. The officer will also assess the implications of planned actions for gender mainstreaming, coordinate policy development, and provide senior advisory support on various institutional matters. Additionally, the role involves overseeing data-based research, managing outreach activities, supervising the preparation of written and digital outputs, and leading field missions. The officer will also coordinate budget and funding activities, serve as a spokesperson, and ensure effective utilization and development of staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, computational social science, economics, policy analysis, data management, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree or non-degree programmes in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of programme management and strategic planning within an international context.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business administration, management, computational social science, economics, policy analysis, or data management is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying work experience may be accepted. Completion of programmes in data analytics or related fields is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience advising senior management on strategic direction or policy matters, managing teams, and coordinating strategic planning or organizational change processes within an international or intergovernmental organization. Experience in programme, policy, or analytical work related to Africa’s development, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, is essential. Proficiency in data analysis and quality assurance of data products is also required, with experience in tools such as Microsoft Excel or Power BI being necessary. Experience in applying artificial intelligence tools to policy or analytical work is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their language skills as part of the application process.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on funding availability. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.