Programme Management Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) is a pan-African institution created in 1962 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. It began its operations on 21st November 1963 with the primary purpose of accompanying and supporting newly independent African countries in their quest to build their human resource capacities as a necessary prerequisite for sustaining independence and promoting socioeconomic development. Its main activities, derived from its mandate, are organized around a portfolio of capacity development and training programmes as well as a set of policy research and dialogue initiatives. It also offers on-demand advisory services to governments and public institutions and serves as a forum for the exploration of alternative thinking on African development. This position is located in the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) based in Dakar, Senegal.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Director of the assigned office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Management Officer will:

1. Act as the programme/project focal point of the Office • Develops, implements and evaluates programmes/projects. • Monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation at all stages, including the analysis of implementation difficulties and initiating remedial action. • Provides periodic progress reports on the programmes/projects’ implementation, including fund utilization. • Review, prepare and provide inputs to relevant documents and reports related to programmes/projects. • Identifies resource needs and participate in the development of resource mobilization strategy. • Liaise with relevant offices of the Commission; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Leads and participates in planning accountability missions and provides guidance to consultants, government officials and draft mission summaries and reports. • Coordinate activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, contracts such as Letter of Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding, reports &financial statements) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, progress reports).

2. Provide substantive/technical support to the Office • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. • Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. • Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Organizes & prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Provide logistical and other types of support in the running of the meetings/workshops/conferences etc. of the Office.

• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following: • Establish and maintain relationships with various ECA offices as well as counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies, Representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations, consultants

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

As an active UNECA team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNECA and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Strategic programme plan, Annual Business Plan and monitoring and evaluation reports prepared; o Identification of significant programmes/projects and related issues with innovative approaches o Periodic programme reports to the Accountability and Programme Performance Review Meetings o Budgets, and financial reports of projects and activities of the division prepared o Project proposals for funding prepared o Well prepared background papers, reports, studies, and inputs to divisional outputs o Meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences organised and serviced • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to IDEP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to IDEP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and IDEP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards IDEP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

administration or project/programme management;

• Experience in Programmes/projects design, management and reporting using results framework is desirable; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness;

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with missions to the region. Dakar is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory; vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs. According to official estimates from ANSD/RGPHAE 2023, the Dakar metropolitan area population reaches over 3,9 million. The total population of Senegal is 18,032,473 inhabitants (ANSD 2023). Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall. The currency used in Senegal is called Franc CFA (XOF). On 1st January 2024, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 602,577 XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the leading international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is vast. Renting unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD is possible. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private concessions, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Local taxis can easily arrange Transportation in town. A valid passport is required to enter Senegal. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required to have an entry visa. Citizens of other countries may be required for an entry or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas before travel.