Programme Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, normative support, technical assistance, and capacity building to address the development priorities and changing needs of the region. The organization operates in multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific, focusing on enhancing economic and social development.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer position is situated within the Information Technology Section (ITS) of the Division of Administration at ESCAP. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of ITS and will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating digital transformation programmes and projects. This role requires a proactive approach to monitor and analyze technology solutions, ensuring that the organization effectively addresses its digital transformation needs. The officer will engage in technology consulting, collaborating with clients to develop tailored digital solutions that facilitate process changes. Additionally, the role involves extensive research and analysis, coordinating IT business solution development, and generating survey initiatives to gather data that informs decision-making. The Programme Officer will also be tasked with managing unit budget funding and preparing relevant documentation, while providing strategic advice on data management and digital transformation strategies to ESCAP management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Officer include:

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating assigned digital transformation programmes/projects, ensuring effective monitoring and analysis of technology solutions.
• Performing technology consulting in collaboration with clients to develop digital transformation solutions.
• Conducting research and analysis, presenting information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinating IT business solution development, including issue analysis and preparation of evaluations or research activities.
• Designing data collection tools, generating survey initiatives, and interpreting responses to identify problems and prepare conclusions.
• Coordinating activities related to unit budget funding and preparing necessary documents and reports.
• Developing strategies and programmes related to data management and providing strategic advice to management regarding business model transformation through digital technologies.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a comprehensive understanding of programme and project management theories, concepts, and methodologies, particularly in cost recovery frameworks and data analytics. Candidates must possess knowledge of financial data collection and analysis techniques, research methodologies, and master data management concepts in ERP systems. The ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct independent research, and manage conflicting priorities is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, creativity, and technological awareness, actively seeking to improve programmes and services while applying technology effectively to tasks.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in software engineering, computer science, business administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a relevant first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in IT business solutions, digital transformation, data analytics, or related areas is required. Candidates must have proven experience in business analysis, process improvement, and leading business process automation projects, particularly using AI-powered low-code automation platforms such as MS Power Platform. Experience in implementing data management solutions as part of a data strategy execution, including end-user engagement and requirements gathering in an international organization, is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position available for three months. If selected, an internal candidate will be on temporary assignment, while an external candidate will initially receive a temporary appointment. Any extension of the appointment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and the continued availability of the position. ESCAP is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality, encouraging women candidates to apply. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs.