PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER at United Nations Economic Commission For Africa

PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Employer: United Nations Economic Commission For Africa

Employment: Full-Time | Contract

Place of Work: Addis Ababa - Ethiopia

Posted date: 1 week ago

Deadline: May, 17/2025 (36 days left)

ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA's five strategic directions which are: advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and Job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. This position is in the Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division (PCKMD), Director’s Office at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Addis Ababa. The Programme Management Officer reports to the Director of PCKMD.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Director of Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division, the incumbent will assist the Director in all administrative tasks related to leading the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, operations and other activities in the Division. This includes preparing regular dashboards for the Director to assess progress towards achieving goals for each Section in the Division. It also includes providing appropriate support in coordinating logistics, preparing documents and presentations, and managing participant engagement to align with the Division's strategic objectives. Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Programme of work coordination and monitoring

a. Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.

b. Assists the PCKMD Director in the day-to-day management and oversight of the three sections of the Division, namely: Conference Management (PCMS), Information Communication Technology (ICTSS) and Knowledge Management (KMSS) services.

c. Assists the Director in following up regularly against performance indicators for each of the three Sections. This includes collecting from each Section their respective data on performance against budget and programmatic goals and preparing presentations about PCKMD’s overall performance to the Senior Leadership Team and for APPR sessions.

d. Provides programmatic support to the Division, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and enhancing operational efficiency.

e. Reviews policy, SOPs development in the functional areas of the Division, including the review and analysis of issues and trends in these areas and preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.

f. Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.

2. Reporting and organizing submissions

a. Reviews and prepare annual reports, performance reports and strategic documents on operational issues for the division. Produce major/complex reports for management.

b. Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.

c. Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, and events, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, and coordinating logistics to ensure effective event management.

d. Coordinates communication, outreach and client engagement activities; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities to improve the visibility and adoption of PCKMD services.

3. Budgetary and Human resources Operations of the Division

a. Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, funds allotment, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.); Initiates and conducts studies to improve budget reporting and cost-effective utilization of the Divisions resources.

b. Supports and coordinates actions covering the entire span of human resource activities for the Division, e.g., recruitment, placement, promotion, performance appraisal, vacancies, job classification reviews, separation of staff members, training, etc., ensuring consistency in the application of UN rules and procedures.

c. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting

d. Monitors progress in the three sections to ensure operational efficiency through digital transformation and application of artificial intelligence in knowledge management, Conference Management and Information Communication Technology services in line with SG’s digital transformation strategy.

4. Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the Division’s functional areas of Knowledge Management, Conference Management and Information Communication Technology and/or administration and management. Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial and human resources policies and procedures. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, project management, data management or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Job - Specific Qualification

A technical or vocational certificate in project/programme management is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, business administration or related area is required. Experience in developing and/or presenting reports and data, as well as facilitating meetings is required. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience with developing strategies for programme support, with designing and delivering frameworks and services for inter-organizational collaboration are desirable. Experience with monitoring complex, interrelated projects is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.