Programme Associate [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants], Tirana

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist, the Programme Associate provides leadership in execution of services in the CO Programme Unit, supports the design, planning and management of the country programme by managing data and facilitating programme implementation. The Programme Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the remaining support staff and personnel of the Programme Unit, as well as with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and UNDP HQs staff for resolving complex programme-related issues and information delivery.

The Programme Associate will administer and implement programme strategies, adapting processes and procedures, support the management of the CO Programme, provide support to the Programme Unit, support in the creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy, and facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

This position has an impact on the overall CO efficiency in programme and success in implementation of programme strategies. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates management’s decision making.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides effective support to the formulation and management of the country programme focusing on the achievement of results.

• Assist in collection and presentation of thoroughly researched information for formulation of country programme.
• Assist in preparation and presentation of information and reports for identification of areas for support and interventions.
• Assist in establishment of the mechanisms to track the use of RBM tools and maintenance of the RBM database.
• Continuous monitoring of management targets (BSC).
• Support in monitoring performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones, preparation of reports.
• Contributing to office efforts in achieving its annual targets set in the Country Office Strategic Note.

2. Provides effective support to the Programme Unit focusing on the achievement of results.

• Support Programme Specialist / Officer with programme coordination of assigned portfolio in relevant thematic/sectoral area, ensuring conformity to results, outputs, objectives, and workplans.
• Assist in collecting background information for preparation of draft project documents, workplans, budgets, and implementation arrangements.
• Online creation of a project, preparation of required budget revisions, revision of project award and project status, determination of unutilized funds, and operational and financial closure of projects.
• Proper Control of the supporting documents for payments, review of projects Financial Reports, clearance of advances related FACE forms, and preparation of non-PO vouchers for development projects.
• Contribute to the maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, and transactions are correctly recorded and posted.
• Creation of requisitions for development projects and register of goods receipt. Making budget check for requisitions, POs, and vouchers.
• Assist in the analysis of the programme, identification of operational and financial problems, and contribution to the identification of solutions.
• Contribute to the preparation for and support towards the undertaking of DIM and NIM audits, and support for the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Assist the Programme unit by providing guidance to the implementing partners on routine implementation of projects.
• Supporting the coordination of the work of the Project Managers on donor reporting; financial reports; quality assurance, risks management, monitoring, and any other project management issues, while ensuring that quality and deadlines are met.
• Drafting correspondence related to the programme, follow up on it, and respond to queries on programme matters.
• Supporting and facilitating the implementation of the programme on operational related issues and ensuring that UNDP rules and regulations are fully followed.

3. Provides support in the creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy focusing on the achievement of results.

• Support the preparation of various analysis of information on donors, donor’s profile report and database.
• Assist the review of contribution agreements and managing contributions in Quantum.
• Assist on tracking and reporting on mobilized resources.

4. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on the achievement of results.

• Ensuring information sharing within the programmatic portfolio.
• Assist in preparation of synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme; provide support in the dissemination and sharing of relevant data and lessons learned within the CO and regionally. Keep pulse on emerging best practices nationally, regionally, and internationally that relate to the work of the assigned project.
• Assist with the organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme.
• Sound Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist, the Programme Associate provides leadership in execution of services in the CO Programme Unit, supports the design, planning and management of the country programme by managing data and facilitating programme implementation.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements .
• Learn Continuously LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• Adapt with Agility LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
• Act with Determination LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Business Development

• Knowledge Generation
  
  • Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Business Management

• Risk Management
  
  • Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.
• Working with Evidence and Data
  
  • Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making.
• Results-based Management
  
  • Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.

Procurement

• Contract Management
  
  • Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.

Finance

• Budget Management
  
  • Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary Education is required.
• University Degree (Bachelor´s degree) in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political or Social Sciences will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years (with Secondary Education) or 4 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience is required.
• Experience in providing administrative or financial support to the implementation of a programme or project;
• Experience in the usage of computers and software packages and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Experience in handling web-based management systems.

Desired skills:

• Experience working for or with the UN;
• Experience in working with an international organization, development agencies, bilateral donors;
• Experience in development assistance or related work for an NGO, national or local government.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Albanian

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

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