Programme Analyst, IPSA 9

Background and Organizational Context

General Assembly Resolution 2186 (XXI) decided to “bring into operations the United Nations Capital Development Fund as an organ of the General Assembly which shall function as an autonomous organization of the United Nations. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDF’s vision is to help mobilize and catalyze an increase of capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States to address the most pressing development challenges facing vulnerable communities in these countries and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity. 

UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031. 

As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG aligned projects in partnership with private sector, UNOs, International and Local Finance Institutions, Development Finance Institutions as well as Foundations and Philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investments flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful, but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on six priority areas, including: 

• Sub-national and local infrastructure financing 
• Women owned enterprise financing 
• Nature and climate financing 
• Energy and decarbonization finance 
• Sustainable food systems financing 
• Inclusive digital finance 

Following a recent restructuring, UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by the Executive Board of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and performs the function of the Executive Board of UNCDF. 

“The Local Climate Adaptive Living  Facility (LoCAL) of UNCDF is a “financing mechanism for subnational and local climate action based on Performance-based Climate-resilience Grants (PBCRG) that promote effective locally led adaptation at scale by integrating adaptation into subnational development plans". LoCAL supports countries’ and government systems, in establishing and deploying the LoCAL approach using the performance-based climate-resilient grant systems to increase access and effective use of various sources of climate finance, domestic and international, to implement locally led climate response in participating countries; and support the establishment and sustained use by member countries and partners of the performance-based climate resilience grant systems, by adherence to global standards ISO14093:2022 for locally led adaptation.”

More information about the project: https://www.uncdf.org/local/homepage 

Duties and Responsibilities

UNCDF is seeking a Programme Analyst to support the implementation and monitoring of the Performance-based climate Resilience grant (PBCRG) mechanism in target countries across Asia Pacific, including being responsible for the effective monitoring, evaluation and knowledge management, in line with corporate standards.

Summary of key functions:

1. Programme Management 
2. Monitoring and Evaluation 
3. Knowledge Management and Learning 
4. Quantum Knowledge

1.)          Ensure Effective Programme Management

• Contribute to the development and implementation of assigned LoCAL country programs in Asia Pacific and conduct monitoring and evaluation of respective workplans, in close collaboration with UNCDF Country Teams, the LoCAL Regional and Global Focal Points and the Global Project Secretariat;
• Contribute to the provision of technical assistance to assigned LoCAL country programs (ex. writing terms of reference, memoranda of understanding, letter of agreement, recruitment and management of consultants);
• Contribute to strengthening the quality of monitoring and evaluation systems of program developments and implementation (including preparation and monitoring of the annual work plan, participation in field missions, contribution to the preparation of annual reports), identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions, and identify and track follow-up actions;
• Liaise with relevant parties and maintain close working relationship with key stakeholders at various levels by building linkages and networks;
• Implement the LoCAL methodology for private climate finance access for climate smart/resilient investments and development of the investment pipeline;
• Collect intelligence on technical and financial partners, identify opportunities for collaboration with key actors and  the development of partnerships for LoCAL globally and in assigned countries;
• Coordinate the organisation of events, meetings, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.

2.)         Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Participate in the development and implementation of procedures and methodologies for the effective monitoring and evaluation of the LoCAL in Asia Pacific, and implement LoCAL’s M&E annual plans, based on LoCAL’s Theory of Change (ToC) and associated Results and Resources Framework (RRF);
• Contribute to strengthening LoCAL’s M&E system by providing inputs on LoCAL ToC and RRF, assessing relevance and pertinence of KPIs and M&E system and data collection/analysis tools, identifying and proposing improvements.
• Ensure the implementation of the LoCAL Board decision of establishing LoCAL as a standard and recognized country-based mechanism local climate finance in Least Developed Countries ( LDCs), including substantive support to the promotion and adherence of country programs to ISO14093.
• Monitor and evaluate progress towards agreed annual work plans in assigned countries, expected outputs, including selecting and monitoring progress in meeting indicators, and ensure timely and complete reporting from LoCAL country teams in Asia Pacific in accordance with approved reporting formats;
• Ensure an effective deployment and use of corporate Management Information System (MIS), conduct a review of existing MIS and procedures in place, identify bottlenecks and provide inputs on potential improvements and upgrading, as well as ensure information are constantly updated and available to country teams, the Global Team / LoCAL Secretariat and relevant stakeholders;
• Coordinate and provide substantive inputs on the results-based management planning and reporting process, provide advice/information/guidance to the Project Secretariat on programme strategies, and coordinate reporting exercises quarterly, half-yearly and annually, in close collaboration with LRP country teams, the Global Team / Secretariat and relevant stakeholders;
• Provide ad-hoc assistance to assigned LoCAL country teams across the available components of the programme to ensure effective implementation of M&E/MIS/KPIs, including assistance with the deployment of the Assessing Climate Change Adaptation Framework (ACCAF) in LoCAL countries;
• Coordinate evaluations (internal and external), including drafting Terms of Reference, liaising with regional/country offices and partners, and independent experts;
• Review and provide inputs on evaluation reports for quality control purposes according to international standards and in line with UNCDF’s Evaluation Policy and the UNEG Norms & Standards.

3.)         Facilitate Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Identify key knowledge constraints and organize learning, knowledge exchange, training, workshops, etc. to build awareness and capacities of LoCAL country teams in themes related to the implementation of LoCAL’s ToC, RRF and ACCAF;
• Participate in meetings, workshops and other discussion fora to establish a dialogue on evaluation results paying close attention to the different information needs of different audiences for evaluation;
• Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc;
• Contribute to the implementation of the LoCAL’s Communication and Visibility Plan, in collaboration with Global, Regional and Country Teams, partners and technical consultants;
• Identify, collecting and disseminating best practices and lesson learned from the Programme in areas of specialty.
• Contribute to the preparation of knowledge products (e.g. reports, technical briefs, articles, etc).

4.)          Management of programme monitoring and quality assurance through the Quantum ERP system.

• Perform data monitoring and analysis as per Project’s Results Framework having ensured triangulation of qualitative, quantitative and impact-level data and preparing relevant reports and ensure the data/information management in quantum RMB module
• Support the global portfolio in ensuring timely and quality contributions to the Quantum project management module, more specifically the Results-Oriented Annual Reporting, the Transparency Dashboard and the Project Quality Assurance system;
• Monitor the overall progress of the project and ensure tracking performance through the collection of appropriate and credible data and other evidence on the achievement of results, including update and maintain Quantum Project and Programme Management module.
• Prepare and maintain a database to track progress on the project’s indicators and targets and ensure information is reported to cooperate reporting exercise including quantum RMB management.

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 overall guidance of the Global Programme Manager (LoCAL Resilience Programme), and direct supervision of the Programme Management Specialist, based in Bangkok, the Programme Analyst ensures effective delivery of the Programme’s activities in assigned Asia Pacific countries, and in close collaboration with the LoCAL global Facility and UNCDF colleagues across the regions/countries. 

Competencies

Core

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  

Thematic Area Name   Definition

Business Direction and Strategy - Strategic Thinking

Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNCDF’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

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.

Cross-functional – Communication

• Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through 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.

2030 Agenda: Planet – Climate

• Climate change adaptation policy and planning: National Adaptation Plans.

 2030 Agenda: Planet - Climate 

• Climate Strategies and Policy: Inclusiveness.

Partnership management - Multi-stakeholder engagement and funding

• Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships, and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platforms.

Business Direction & Strategy - System Thinking 

•  Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Education requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Environment, Climate Change, Business Administration, Economics or related field is required. OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelors) in the above areas with additional two years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience 

• A minimum of two (2) years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in the field of climate change (preferably on adaptation), environmental management or similar. 
• Experience in programme/project development and management, with a focus on planning, coordination, and M&E as well as with RBM in development projects implemented by national and/or international institutions, NGOs, UN bodies, and/or Government is required.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Experience in the design and/or implementation of environment/development programmes with a focus on local level action is highly desirable
• Experience in the design and implementation of M&E plans and tools. Knowledge and experience in setting up M&E systems for climate change adaptation programs/projects is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with theory and practice of environmental and social science research methods from university studies or from applied experience is desirable.
• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government agencies and donors is Desirable.
• Hands-on experience in report writing and in preparing pieces of work for communications and partnership building purposes is desirable.
• Demonstrable networking capabilities and ability to associate him/herself with a range of actors with a view to building relations and facilitating links is desirable.
• Work experience of and/or in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), particularly in Asia Pacific is preferred.
• Experience with a UN organization/agency is desirable.
• Experience in the use of Quantum is an asset.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. 

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

a)           Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

b)           A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.

c)           Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

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

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination 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.

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