Background
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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.
The Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive and Responsible Digital Philippines or Digital-PINAS aims to leverage digital innovation for inclusive growth and resilience, aligning with UN frameworks and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses digital disparities among marginalized groups through a three-pillar strategy: enhancing MSME capabilities, improving digital access, and fostering gender-responsive policies.
The JP brings together a coalition of partners, leveraging the strengths and resources of Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs) — United Nations Development Programme, International Labour Organization, and the International Trade Centre — under the auspices of the UN Resident Coordinator, alongside key government agencies. With a multi-stakeholder approach, collaboration with local governments, the private sector, civil society, and international donors ensures alignment with national priorities.
UNDP is looking for a Coordinator for the Joint Programme – Digital PINAS, who will lead the Joint Programme Management and Coordination Unit (JPMCU) based in Manila. This involves working closely with the Joint Programme PUNOs, UNDP Institutions and Partnerships Programme (I&P) Team, and Impact Advisory Team, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project achieves its intended objectives. The JP Coordinator shall also lead initiatives for the JP, working closely with the project’s Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups in the delivery project outcomes.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Joint Programme Coordinator (Project Management Specialist) will lead the Joint Programme Management and Coordination Unit reporting directly to the Lead PUNO (UNDP Philippines). Under the direct supervision of the Institutions and Partnerships Team Leader, the JP Coordinator will work closely with participating United Nations agencies (ILO, ITC) and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. He/she is expected to collaborate with relevant government agencies such as Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and other stakeholders, including non-government organizations, and private sector entities.
Ensure strategic management of the joint programme and provide day-to-day financial and administrative management for the delivery of the project’s activities focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Overall management of the initiative and provision of technical inputs in the implementation of the project under the overall guidance and advisory support of the Joint Programme Steering Committee;
- Preparation of detailed annual and financial plans based on the project results framework and theory of change;
- Manage project funds, maintain financial integrity, and ensure effective use of project resources;
- Provide quality and timely financial reports as per UNDP financial rules and regulations and Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO) requirements;
- Lead the UNDP initiatives reflected in the Joint Programme’s Work Plan, and collaborate with UNDP teams and other partners to effectively deliver results;
- Management, certification, and reporting on financial disbursement based on approved work plan and payment schedule;
- Monitoring, reporting and evaluation of outputs and accomplishments towards the achievement of project intended outputs; and
- Ensuring effective, efficient and timely implementation of activities
Effective Joint Programme coordination:
- Ensure effective collaboration among Participating United Nations Organizations (UNDP, ILO, and ITC) and UN Resident Coordinator’s Office;
- Coordinate and liaise with the designated representatives of Joint SDG Fund Secretariat and Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO); and
- Lead quality assurance process while ensuring coordination among United Nations Organizations (UNDP, ILO, and ITC).
Develop and maintain effective working relationships and coordination with key counterparts to ensure the strategic positioning of the Joint Programme focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Build and maintain an effective working relationship with key partners and stakeholders, especially with the Joint Programme Steering Committee and Technical Working Group;
- Develop and finalize Memorandum of Agreements, Responsible Party Agreements, or other relevant legal instruments with relevant entities, and project partners such as non-government organizations and academic institutions;
- Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Joint Programme’s Partnership Strategy;
- Promote coordination, dialogue, and good practice knowledge sharing among stakeholders; and
- Ensure effective collaboration with the UN agencies and other development partners
Support resource mobilization and financial accountability focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Identify and collaborate with potential partners to leverage Joint Programme funds and results;
- Effective application of UNDP financial oversight through the Quantum enterprise management system; and
- Work closely with programme administration and finance staff to ensure efficient and transparent use of project resources in line with approved budgets and within UNDP rules and regulations
Support human resources management focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Supervise staff members under the Joint Programme Management and Coordination Unit and provide necessary guidance and coaching; and
- Set performance parameters for staff members under the JPMCU, assess their performance, and provide feedback
Efficient support to tasks related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Joint Programme’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan;
- Establish suitable monitoring mechanisms and undertake regular monitoring and reporting on project progress, risks and constraints; updates the implementation plan as required; and
- Promote accountability through effective programme results reporting (including but not limited to semi-annual and annual progress and financial reports)
Ensure facilitation of communications, knowledge management, and advocacy focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Joint Programme’s Advocacy and Strategic Communications Plan;
- Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to project goals; and
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Competencies
Core Competencies
- Achieve Results. LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
- Think Innovatively. LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
- Learn Continuously. LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons diversify experiences
- Adapt with Agility. LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
- Act with Determination LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
- Engage and Partner. LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion. LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies
Business Management
- Communication: Ability to 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
- Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making
- Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skilfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed
Digital and Innovation
- Data Analysis : Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making
Partnership management
- Strategic engagement: Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives
Prosperity
- Inclusive Growth: Social Inclusion: Future of work, automation and technology: Digital economy including technologies/solutions: Development Planning
Digital & Innovation
- Digital inclusion: Connectivity and the digital divide: Data governance
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Computer Science, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Information Management, Statistics, Sustainable Development, Social Sciences, Education or related field is required.
- A first-level university degree as mentioned above in combination with additional two (2) years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- A minimum of five (5) years (with master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience in implementing, monitoring and/or developing programmes and projects, managing development and execution of policy and institutional reforms and innovations, coordinating development cooperation and collaboration of sectors, resource mobilization and other related work.
- At least three (3) years of demonstrated work experience in implementing/managing project/s related to MSMEs. Experience in MSME skilling in digital topics is highly preferred.
- At least three (3) years of work experience in building partnerships in the Philippines with the public, private, and civil society sectors, especially in the context of the MSME mobilization, and implementing skilling programs.
- Experience working in or with government agencies and familiarity with government processes and dynamics is highly preferred.
- Experience working with the private sector and familiarity with public policy and advocacy on MSMEs and digitalization is highly preferred.
- At least two (2) years working experience with international organizations at local or international level
Required Languages
- Fluency in English and Filipino is required
Professional Certificates
- Civil Service Eligibility – Professional is desirable
Disclaimer
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.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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