UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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.
Job Purpose and Organizational Background
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS’s staff provides technical advice to Country Offices; advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, South-South and Triangular cooperation initiatives, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. BPPS assists UNDP and partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working. BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts in close coordination and thematic synergy with the Crisis Bureau (CB). One of the priorities for the GPN is to better map the competencies, experience and capacities of UNDP’s global workforce, in order to tap the skills needed to implement multidisciplinary solutions to development challenges as well as those related to crisis prevention and recovery.
In this context, the Joint Directorate for the GPN provides support to the leadership of the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and the Crisis Bureau (CB) and serves as the principal management adviser to the Directors and Deputy Bureau Directors of both Bureaux. Turning UNDP’s vision of the GPN into action, the Joint Directorate coordinates joint management actions with the deputy directors and managers of the GPN. With a deep understanding of UNDP’s strategic and operational vision of the GPN, the Joint Directorate creates a dynamic team interaction that empowers teams and units within BPPS and CB to act as critical partners to meaningfully join and collaborate under a nexus approach.
The Chief of the Joint Directorate for the Global Policy Network (GPN) has the responsibility and accountability for the day-to-day management and coordination of the Joint Directorate of the Policy & Crisis Bureaux and overseeing the joint programme management and operations support for both bureaux. The Chief of Directorate is the principal management adviser to the ASGs of the Policy & Crisis Bureaux and leads the Directorate staff who provide support to the leadership. Turning the UNDP vision of the GPN into action, the Chief of Directorate also coordinates joint management actions with the Deputy Directors and Managers of the GPN. Managing the strategic, policy and political interactions, landscape and mechanisms available to the ASGs, anticipating their needs, and with a deep understanding of UNDP’s strategic and operational vision of the GPN, the Chief of Directorate creates a dynamic team interaction that empowers business units within the GPN to act as critical partners to meaningfully join and collaborate under a nexus approach.
The incumbent is responsible for the management mechanisms within the GPN integrated network and for its responsibilities such mechanisms in UNDP (including BERA, EO, OPG, Executive Board) as well as UN, including coordination and implementation of resulting decisions, processes and initiatives.
The Chief, Joint Directorate ensures coherence and coordination of all Directorate staff. S/he manages the team and guides on integrated advisory services, including Bureau-wide planning, monitoring, and oversight, the coordination of integrated PPS and CRU approaches, and the management of CO demand and prioritization.
S/he leads the team in developing and implementing, in close coordination with BERA, strategies for Bureau external communications, resource mobilization and partnership building.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:
Strategic Coordination Support to GPN senior management
Management of Directorate team, Integrated Business Plan and Quality Assurance (including M & E of Business Plan)
Partnership Development, Resource Mobilization, & support to the Bureaux’ leadership in major initiatives across all stakeholders and funding mechanisms;
Formulation and implementation of GPN communications and advocacy strategy in through UNDP’s Advocacy and Thought Leadership Network
Knowledge Management & Advice
Strategic coordination support to the GPN Bureaux Directors and Deputy Directors on major initiatives across all stakeholders
Oversee implementation of management priorities of the GPN Directors (ASGs) and Deputies (D2s);
Responsible for the management mechanisms within the GPN, UNDP (EG, OPG, Executive Board), as well as UN, including coordination and implementation of resulting decisions, processes and initiatives;
Coordinate and quality assure briefs, speeches, reports, in support of representational commitments of the GPN Directors, the Deputies, and Bureaux contributions across internal and external stakeholders;
Ensure effective communication flow within the Bureaux;
Advise GPN Directors and Deputies on the state and handling of the Bureaux including on staff issues;
Oversee the strategic aspects required to professionalize the nexus function of the joint Directorates and is accountable for supervising the generation of internal and external decision-making within the implementation units of the GPN.
Fully represents the two Directorate offices internally within the GPN and externally with other UNDP Bureaux and offices with authority to make commitments and take decisions as required and ensuring appropriate protocol arrangements
Working closely with the two ASGs and across the other units within the GPN, prioritizes, coordinates and optimizes the time of the two ASGs.
Ensures that key decision-making activities, representational functions and major deliverables across the two Directorate offices are planned and coordinated in a strategic manner.
Coordinate with principal counterparts across the GPN and other UNDP offices, UN entities, statutory bodies and advisory groups to ensure effectiveness of the two ASGs.
Management of Directorate’s team, integrated business plan and quality assurance mechanisms with a view to achieving programme and operational management targets
Manage the Joint Directorate including coordination of integrated BPPS and CB approaches, ensuring cross-unit cooperation and coordination;
Oversee the Programme Management and Integrated Operations support teams servicing the complete GPN;
Manage bureaux-wide planning, monitoring, and oversight. Monitor and report on directives issued by the ASGs.
Oversight of integrated business plan and M & E tools and resources to ensure appropriate methodology, elements and guidelines are in place for GPN institutional performance, according to a results-based management approach for institutional effectiveness. The system will be based on the three key interrelated management results: 1. higher quality of integrated GPN programs; 2. greater organizational effectiveness, openness, agility and adaptability amongst units; and 3. improved management of direct, accountable and attributable performance finance and HR.
Lead the integration of programme and operational results and support activities across the GPN in line with Business Plan objectives
Broker balanced and comprehensive organizational solutions which sharpen the quality and integrity of programme management as well as operational implementation;
Facilitate management of CO demand and prioritization for timely and high-quality programme support;
Plan and execute special projects, as requested by GPN senior management;
Oversight of coordination and interface with BMS to ensure appropriate operational efficiencies ensuring financial monitoring and risk management mechanisms are in place.
Advise Bureaux units on operational integrity, agility, financial sustainability and effectiveness;
Engage with Regional Hubs and COs to address any programme or operational issues / opportunities that are escalated to the GPN leadership;
Provide leadership and guidance in the preparation of strategic financial reports and comparative analyses (for all sources of funds) encompassing programme and project financial status, analysis of income, allocations, budgets, expenditure and delivery rates, linkages between funds distribution and country prioritization criteria, identification of relevant trends and sustainability issues through systematic planning, forecasting and monitoring.
Provides high level and strategic advice to the Director and Deputy Director of the CB and BPPS on corporate management and operational issues affecting the Bureaux and develops proposal of options for action.
Oversight of support provided on financial monitoring, trouble shooting and coordination of donor reporting
Oversees policy guidance on proper and effective use of the resources and procurement activities managed by BPPS and CB, ensuring adherence to UNDP rules and regulations
Lead establishment, maintenance and oversight of the implementation of internal controls in the Bureau
Oversight of the management of GPN procurement processes and assets.
Oversight of the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive GPN focused information and communications technology (ICT) strategy and introduction/implementation of new technologies and IT-based business solutions in liaison with OIST for business process automation.
Manage the review of Joint Directorate’s individual and team’s performance and provision of required coaching, corrective guidance, mentoring and empowerment.
Partnership development and resource mobilization
Design and coordinate the implementation of GPN partnership resource mobilization strategy;
Manage coordination with BERA on reporting to external partners on the management of donor resources entrusted to GPN including those related to Funding Windows;
Facilitate support for the Directors and Deputies’ advocacy around UNDP’s integrated nexus approach
Liaise and collaborate closely with all management layers within the GPN.
Liaise and collaborate with UNDP regional and central Bureaux and country offices on issues that impact the function of the ASGs.
Resolve organizational impediments to the realization of the GPN Business Plan on behalf of the two ASGs.
Undertakes other responsibilities as assigned by the two ASGs related to Partnerships & Resource Mobilization.
Oversight and implementation of GPN communications and advocacy strategy
Lead collaboration with BERA to develop and implement a GPN communication strategy;
Develop, implement, monitor the Partnerships and Communication Action Plan (PCAP) for BPPS and CB
Facilitate effective media engagement to promote GPN Bureaux’ issues and priorities with the support of BERA communications and outreach expertise;
Oversee the preparation of annual reports and quality assure strategic presentations and other communications material in key areas of GPN work for use in external briefings and the external website, and support GPN units in designing and delivering communication plans for specific events; and
Manage the preparation and clearance of speeches, press releases, publications and other written and online materials with significant policy, programme and management implications.
Knowledge Management & Advice
Acts as the nexus of information flows across BPPS and CB programme teams / global GPN resources. Continually scanning the information flow and requests coming to the two ASGs, prioritizes and decides on distribution and assigns required follow-up action.
Through interactions with Deputy Directors and Managers across the GPN and counterparts in other UNDP offices, UN entities, political and decision-making bodies, keeps abreast of major institutional initiatives and political events requiring the attention of the two ASGs, providing advice and guidance on necessary actions and decisions.
Facilitates regular information sharing and planning across the different teams within the GPN identifying opportunities, gaps and overlap and greater awareness of each unit’s work.
Coordination of GPN integration challenges at the Directorate level and drawing of lessons from those, with a view to improving the support mechanisms.
Competencies
Core
Innovation
Ability to make new and useful ideas work
Leadership
Ability to persuade others to follow
People Management
Ability to improve performance and satisfaction
Communication
Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
Delivery
Ability to get things done
Technical/Functional
Primary
Management & Coordination
Ability to manage and coordinate campaigns and people with inspiration. Believe in and promote diversity in the workplace and reshaping the workforce to meet need.
Stakeholders Management
Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and balance often contradictory expectations, building and maintaining relationships.
Team Building
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of professionals towards common goals.
Strategic Planning
Ability to make decisions that align with strategy, vision, and mission
Partnerships
Ability to engage with other agencies and forge productive working relationships
Knowledge Management
Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge
Internal Reporting and Accountability
Ability to create internal reporting and accountability processes and standards
Representation
Ability to productively share UNDP knowledge and activities (at UN and other venues)
Secondary
Resource Mobilization
Ability to identify and organize programmes and projects to implement solutions and generate resources
Negotiation
Ability to reach an understanding, resolve point of difference, or gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue
Brief & Speech Writing
Ability to prepare quality briefs and/or speeches
Report Writing
Ability to prepare quality reports
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) Business Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field.
Experience:
At least 15 years in development experience, combining strategic and managerial leadership abilities including policy and political advice to senior managers.
At least 2 year of experience in UN system Country Office settings or with a multilateral organization of similar size and complexity is required. Experience in crisis context is desirable.
Understanding of operational work in UNDP and the broader UN System.
Significant experience in political communication and protocol.
Demonstrated track-record of excellence in delivering the work programme of complex, global organizational entities in sustainable human development related policy and programming areas.
Language Requirements:
Excellent knowledge of English, as well as writing, presentation and communication skills.
Fluency in other UN languages is an asset.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)
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.
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