Senior Programme Management Officer

Senior Programme Management Officer

UN Commissions

April 11, 2025May 24, 2025Addis AbabaEthiopia
UN Commissions About
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character, the United Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more. The UN also provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees. By enabling dialogue between its members, and by hosting negotiations, the Organization has become a mechanism for governments to find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in African countries. ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206
  • The organization operates with a focus on five strategic directions: enhancing its role as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position in global governance. ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the continent's challenges and opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Management Officer (SPMO) plays a critical role in supporting the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support (DES/PS) in the strategic management and coordination of operational activities within the Programme Support pillar of ECA. The SPMO is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the pillar's programme of work, ensuring effective collaboration among internal and external stakeholders, and leading initiatives that advance the organization's objectives. This position requires a strong understanding of project management, policy development, and the ability to foster integrated resource planning and utilization. The SPMO will also be involved in research, programme evaluation, and the preparation of various written outputs, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the ECA's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPMO's duties include coordinating the Programme Support pillar's programme of work, developing strategies and implementation plans, analyzing and strengthening linkages between workstreams, ensuring coherence among sub-regional offices, and advancing priority initiatives as assigned by the DES/PS. The SPMO will direct research and programme evaluations, coordinate policy development, supervise the preparation of written outputs, manage outreach activities, and lead field missions. Additionally, the SPMO will ensure gender mainstreaming in all activities, oversee budget and funding operations, and support the Deputy Executive Secretary in monitoring work plans. The role also involves mentoring staff and ensuring effective utilization of resources.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s) with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership, strategic planning, and change management skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and manage complex projects.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s) in the specified fields with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management or administration is required. Candidates should have experience in developing and implementing change management strategies in demanding environments, as well as strategic planning and management at the regional or sub-regional level in an international development context. Experience in promoting policy coherence among large teams and prior work in the United Nations or similar organizations is desirable. Supervisory experience and exposure to UN reforms are also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is desirable, and proficiency in another official UN language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and requires staff to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow the application instructions carefully.
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