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National Programme Manager

New Delhi

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: New Delhi
  • Grade: Mid level - NPSA-10, National Personnel Services Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: 2025-01-01

Background
 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
 
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
 
UNDP’s Country Programme Document (2023-2027) intended outcome 2 states that “By 2027, people will benefit from and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth through higher productivity, competitiveness and diversification in economic activities that create decent work, livelihoods, and income particularly for youth and women”.

The Sustainable and Inclusive Growth portfolio is aligned to outcome 2 of the UNDP country plan. The focus of the portfolio is enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized communities across the country. Under the portfolio, there are several projects being implemented Across different thematic areas such as Skills, Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods, Women Entrepreneurship and Youth Innovation, Accessible and Inclusive Social and Risks protection Mechanism, Care Economy with focus on

  • Socio-economic empowerment and resilience building of marginalized and vulnerable populations through bridging the information gap, building managerial, financial, and digital capacities and improving access to opportunities.
  • Support unlocking the full impact of public supports schemes– Agri Insurance & Credit, Social protection, Forest Rights and Entitlements, Skill India, NULM with improved Institutional Capacity, Service Delivery and Enhanced Coverage
  • Confront the significant barriers and stigma faced by women and girls, enhance agency and promote inclusive workplace.
  • Promotes responsible business behaviour as well as greater industry participation specifically SMEs in the skilling ecosystem.
    The overall objective of the proposed engagement is to work closely with the Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Unit and extend expert input and support on skilling and employment aspects of the programme implementation. This will include providing research, proposal writing, collating, and verifying data, developing communication collaterals, leading online/offline events.

In this regard, UNDP would like to engage a National Programme Manager with multi-disciplinary experience and the ability to provide high quality outputs with a focus on resource mobilization and effective project management. 

Direct Reporting To: Head of Poverty, Sustainable Inclusive Growth, NOC

Direct Repartee: Six

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Programme Manager, Sustainable Inclusive Growth, will be responsible for developing, designing and steering the implementation of various projects under the portfolio and will work in close collaboration with project implementation teams and other programme portfolios to ensure a collaborative and harmonized joint UNDP programme. S/He will also lead the resource mobilisation for the portfolio and will formulate strategies and programmatic response to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for vulnerable and marginalised populations.

Effective project management (planning, development, and implementation) of all projects within the portfolio

  • Steer implementation of Sustainable and Inclusive Growth project activities and take lead in coordination and management of relevant projects.
  • Ensure effective implementation of project progress, financial management and achievement of results, in accordance with UNDP policies, UN rules and regulations and applicable donor requirements, including identification of operational and financial problems, development of solutions, follow-up on audit recommendations.
  • Undertake effective application of Result Based Management (RBM) tools in project management and gender disaggregated impact monitoring.
  • Liaise with all relevant stakeholders including the Government, private sector and other partners to ensure smooth implementation of project activities, and to build and strengthen existing relationships.
  • Performance of the functions of a project supervisor, including goal setting and reviews of supervisees and participation in recruitment processes.

Partnership development and resource mobilization

  • Undertake analysis and research on the country’s political, social, and economic environment for the formulation and design of new projects and proposals and funding opportunities with a focus on private sector and Government departments.
  • Collaborate closely with the partnerships team and other UNDP verticals as well as with other UN agencies to lead resource mobilization for the portfolio.
  • Identify new project ideas in line with UNDP and the Inclusive Growth unit’s priorities and develop project proposals, documents, and concept notes to facilitate resource mobilization efforts in consultation with UNDP country office.
  • Lead consultations on project formulation and agreements.
  • Coordinate with donor agencies on the project thematic focus and follow up as required.
  • Prepare substantive inputs to key strategic and policy documents which direct and guide UNDP’s support interventions on livelihoods and inclusion.
  • Coordinate closely with technical advisors at the Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH), government, private sector, CSOs and other institutions to ensure an effective formulation process leading to the approval of projects.

Team supervision and guidance

  • Support project team in preparation, review, and implementation of detailed project reports of plans.
  • Lead and coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, study tours and related activities relevant to the implementation of the projects;
  • Identify priorities and capacity development needs in the design of work plans and establish a timely and participatory work planning process.

Knowledge generation and management

  • Lead or support preparation of reports on programme activities, outputs, and outcomes as well as donor reports, as required.
  • Write and communicate on best practices and lessons learned linked to programme and policy goals.
  • Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
  • Oversee quality assurance of all communications and knowledge products produced by the Inclusive Growth portfolio.
  • Represent UNDP in meetings and fora on livelihoods and inclusion.
  • Contribute to the UN’s work in India, and actively participate in the UNCT Results Group on Poverty and Inclusion. Share knowledge and best practices with other programme units and support them, as needed, in programme formulation and implementation. 
Competencies
 
Core competencies:
  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management competencies: 

  • UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated Link.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
 

Business Direction and Strategy Competencies    

  • Strategic Thinking. Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP's objectives, based on systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions. Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward
    look like for UNDP.    
  • Effective Decision Making. Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources.    
  • UNDP Representation. Ability to represent UNDP and productively share UNDP knowledge and activities, advocate for UNDP, its values, mission and work with various constituencies.       

Business Management Competencies    

  • Results-based Management. Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.    
  • Partnerships Management. Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.    
  • Risk Management. Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.    
  • Communication. Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both thro ugh written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.    
Required Skills and Experience
 
Education:
  • Advanced University Degree (Masters) in Public Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or closely related fields, OR
  • First Level University degree in Public Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or closely related fields
Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years (post Master’s) OR 7 years (post Bachelor’s) of relevant experience at the national and international level in programme/project management in international development organizations, bilateral
    development agencies and/or international NGOs.
  • Proven ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
  • Proven programme management experience with sound knowledge of all aspects of the project cycle (design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation).
  • Excellent interpersonal, communications and writing skills.
  • Good analytical skills.
  • Demonstrates/safeguards ethics and integrity.
  • Experience of working with UNDP or another UN agency would be an asset.
  • Additional years of relevant professional experience highly desirable.
  • Builds and promotes effective teams using mentoring and conflict resolution skills.
  • Works as a team member
  • Facilitates and encourages open communication in the team, communicating effectively.
  • Demonstrates corporate knowledge and sound judgment.
  • Ability to work independently and under pressure.
  • Schedules activities to ensure optimum use of time and resources; monitors performance against development and other objectives and corrects deviations from the course.
  • Self-development, initiative-taking
  • Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking.
  • Approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
  • Willingness to travel.

Required languages:

  • Fluency in English and Hindi is essential.
Disclaimer

 

 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters

 
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

 
Non-discrimination

 
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

 
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