Joint Programme Manager [Open to internal and external applicants]

Overview

The Joint Programme Manager will coordinate and manage project activities, provide policy advice and technical guidance, and ensure project monitoring, reporting, and quality assurance. The role aims to strengthen the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and gender equality in line with EU standards through a comprehensive approach to Roma inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage project activities, including supervision of the project team.
• Apply programming tools and policies in line with the UN Result-Based Management Approach.
• Prepare annual activity and procurement work plans, as well as budgets.
• Report to the Steering Committee(s).
• Ensure accountability, transparency, and competition in resource allocation and procurement.
• Secure proper and efficient use of projects budget and manage financial allocations.
• Provide conceptual guidance and technical advice on social protection reform, strengthening of Centers for Social Welfare, digital transformation, and development of community-based social services.
• Identify and analyse sources of information related to policy-driven issues and promote best practices.
• Provide strategic leadership and steer policy formulation processes.
• Guide the design and implementation of technical assistance.
• Coordinate the development of policies and reform measures related to support to Roma population.
• Participate in project-level committees, policy and capacity-development working groups, and relevant events.
• Ensure strategic synergies and coordination with other relevant interventions, partners, and stakeholders.
• Provide technical support to the Sector Leader and contribute to project development, resource mobilization, reporting, communication, and knowledge management activities.
• Review schedules, deliverables, and budget as articulated in the Annual Work Plan.
• Ensure close monitoring of activities in line with monitoring plans.
• Monitor budgets, verify fund availability, obtain necessary approvals, and update budget-related information.
• Ensure that all projects-related issues and risks are identified and reported in a timely manner.
• Ensure timely submission of narrative progress and financial reports.
• Conduct regular performance monitoring of the team, field visits, and quality checks of project events, sites, and activities.
• Ensure data and information inputs to Country Office programme monitoring and reporting processes.
• Ensure overall quality assurance of the programme for financial, procurement, and administrative processes.
• Ensure gender mainstreaming throughout the project activities.
• Support continuous learning by the team and contribute to UNDP in-house thematic knowledge and practitioners’ networks.
• Prepare analytical reviews and systematically capture lessons learnt.
• Establish connections of exchange and learning with national and regional local development networks.
• Ensure all project products and heritage are duly stored and made available.
• Establish and maintain good working relations with relevant government institutions and social protection actors.
• Arrange, prepare, and follow up on meetings with direct stakeholders.
• Promote inclusive participation and meaningful engagement of stakeholders.
• Build and nurture effective working relationships with institutional counterparts and partners.
• Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of achievements.
• Perform other duties as deemed necessary for the functioning of the Project and the Organization.

Required Experience

• Minimum two years (with master´s degree) or four years (with Bachelor´s degree) of proven project management experience is required.
• Experience in designing, managing, and coordinating programmes and projects focused on social inclusion, local governance, and public sector reform.
• Extensive experience in supporting institutional strengthening, capacity development, and modernization of public sector institutions, particularly in social protection, service delivery systems and public administration.
• Proven experience in supervising the implementation of complex civil engineering projects.
• Experience identifying funding opportunities, preparing donor reports, and supporting donor engagement.
• Proven experience engaging with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, supported by strong communication, coordination, and facilitation.
• Experience integrating gender equality, inclusion, and diversity principles into project design and implementation.
• Demonstrated experience working with UNDP or other United Nations entities.

Qualifications

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Law, or Economics or any other related field is required, OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying work experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Other Details