Programme Management Specialist, IPSA-10
Location: Home-Based
Agency: United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
Grade: IPSA-10
Contract Duration: 1 Year (with possibility of extension)
Application Deadline: 29 August 2025, 05:59 AM (UTC)
Background
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), an autonomous UN organization, plays a pivotal role in supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by deploying innovative financial instruments to mobilize capital for sustainable development. UNCDF’s mission is to scale impact investments that promote inclusive and resilient economies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs (2022–2031).
UNCDF leverages grants, loans, and guarantees to crowd-in finance and target the most vulnerable communities. Operating across regional hubs in Dakar, Nairobi, and Bangkok, and under the leadership of an Executive Secretary based in New York.
Among its flagship initiatives are:
- DFS4Res (Digital Finance Solutions for Resilience): Launched in 2021 to scale digital financial services across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
- SME Trade Finance Facility (STFF): A European Union-funded initiative launched in 2024 to address SME trade finance gaps in ACP countries.
- FinWise Programme: Focused on financing MSMEs in East and Southern Africa, with over USD 34 million raised to date.
Position Overview
UNCDF seeks a Programme Management Specialist to lead programme coordination, operations, financial oversight, and strategic planning for DFS4Res, STFF, and FinWise. The incumbent will operate under the supervision of the Programme Manager (DFS4Res/STFF) and the East and Southern Africa Regional Digital Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Implementation & Oversight
- Support design, planning, and implementation of programme strategies in line with UNCDF and UNDP regulations.
- Draft project documents and donor agreements, ensuring compliance and securing approvals.
- Prepare and review work plans, assess resource requirements, and align indicators with programme goals.
- Oversee reporting strategies, draft donor reports, and ensure adherence to corporate and donor reporting schedules.
Operational Support
- Guide procurement and recruitment processes, including TOR development, candidate selection, and contract issuance.
- Provide quality assurance on Responsible Party agreements and due diligence processes.
- Maintain liaison with Project Management Support Unit (PMSU) and Operations Effectiveness and Assurance Unit.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Track programme performance and consolidate country-level data to inform strategic decisions.
- Support the development of M&E frameworks, including clear indicators and targets.
- Coordinate impact assessments, evaluations, and program reviews, ensuring proper documentation and knowledge capture.
- Lead data collection and input into systems such as Quantum, Quantum+, and donor platforms (e.g., EU OPSYS).
Financial & Resource Management
- Oversee programme budgets and ensure resource allocation is aligned with delivery goals.
- Support audit processes and ensure financial compliance with donor requirements.
- Monitor financial delivery, plan staffing needs, and manage recruitment of consultants and personnel.
Knowledge Management & Capacity Building
- Identify capacity needs and facilitate knowledge-sharing through workshops and training.
- Contribute to the development of knowledge products and support communities of practice.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political or Social Sciences. A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience will be considered.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years (Master’s) or 7 years (Bachelor’s) in programme/project management, coordination, or related fields.
- Must have experience working in Africa.
- Prior experience with UNCDF or another UN agency is essential.
- Knowledge of Oracle and Salesforce-based systems (e.g., Quantum and Quantum+) is desirable.
- Experience in financial management, results-based reporting, and donor coordination is highly valued.
Competencies
- Strong strategic thinking, systems thinking, and results-oriented project management.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proven ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A CV or UNDP P11 form outlining qualifications and contact details for at least three recent references.
- A cover letter (max 1 page) explaining their suitability for the role.
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Equal Opportunity Statement
UNCDF is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified individuals, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply. UNCDF maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or abuse.
Important Notice:
UNCDF does not charge any application fees at any stage. For more information, please visit www.undp.org/scam-alert.
