Programme Specialist, Operations and Programme Administration

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Position Title: Programme Specialist, Operations and Programme Administration
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, and its mission is to ensure that every individual has access to the necessary resources and support to achieve their reproductive goals. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling the unmet need for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is committed to addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and is focused on building forward better in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, Operations and Programme Administration plays a crucial role in the Programme Division by managing operations and finance related to core funds while coordinating with non-core fund activities. This position supports the PD Branches and the Division on global initiatives and donor-funded projects. Under the supervision of the P5 Programme Management Adviser, the Programme Specialist oversees the Division’s General Support staff and ensures the successful delivery of commitments by providing operational and financial support. The role requires excellent project management skills, broad operational knowledge, and a solid understanding of UNFPA’s thematic areas, which include sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and population dynamics. The incumbent is expected to standardize working practices and foster collaboration across thematic teams, ensuring that the Division meets its obligations under UNFPA policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist's duties and responsibilities include supervising General Service staff, developing and implementing standard operating procedures across PD branches, ensuring the integrity of financial systems, reviewing budget requirements, overseeing travel and logistics administration, and monitoring results achievement in collaboration with programme teams. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring high-quality procurement and support services, monitoring financial reports for unusual activities, and promoting effective knowledge management practices within the Division. Additionally, the Programme Specialist provides support to non-core funded programmes, prepares documentation for the Resource Management Committee, coordinates budget and funding activities, and engages with other UNFPA units for coordinated programme management. The role also involves developing new funding proposals and supporting programme leads in project workplans, including scope, schedule, and budget.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in coordinating and managing international development projects, including at least two years in an international context. They should have demonstrated knowledge of results-based management, operations, financial management, and reporting. Proven ability to lead the formulation, administration, management, and monitoring of projects is essential. Candidates should also have solid knowledge of financial and human resources management, contracts, procurement, information and communication technology, and general administration. Excellent communication skills and familiarity with the UN’s operational environment are required, while knowledge of population and sustainable development issues is desirable. Programme management experience within the UN system is also a plus.

Educational Background:
A post-graduate university degree in public administration, social science, public health, population studies, programme management, communications, or a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage operations and programme administration within the UNFPA framework.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international development project management. This experience should include managing staff and operational systems, with at least two years spent in an international context. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of results-based management and possess the ability to lead and monitor projects effectively. Familiarity with the UN's operational environment and experience in programme management within the UN system are highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French, is highly desirable and can enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role. Proficiency in multiple languages is beneficial in a diverse and multicultural work environment such as the UN.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.