United Nations Development Programme jobs

<h2 class="h5">Job description</h2> <div class="t-break" data-jb-field="description"> <p>Background </p><p>The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' global development network, working in approximately 170 countries and territories to help eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilient nations.</p><br><p>UNDP Saudi Arabia supports the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 through strategic partnerships, institutional capacity development, policy advice, and technical assistance. The Support to QOL Project contributes to strengthening institutional capacities and supporting sustainable development priorities.</p><br><p>Under the direct supervision of the Programme Analyst, the National Programme Associate provides effective programme support services within the Country Office Programme Unit. The incumbent contributes to programme planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and operational coordination while ensuring compliance with UNDP policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.</p><br>Duties and Responsibilities <p>The National Programme Associate will perform the following functions:</p><br>1. Support Programme Implementation <ul> <li>Coordinate implementation of programme activities.</li> <li>Monitor project implementation against approved work plans.</li> <li>Support preparation and implementation of procurement plans.</li> <li>Review procurement requests for compliance with approved work plans.</li> <li>Monitor project budgets and expenditures.</li> <li>Support budget revisions and financial tracking.</li> <li>Maintain comprehensive project financial records.</li> <li>Support preparation of Annual Project Reports (APR) and other corporate reporting requirements.</li> <li>Monitor programme indicators, risk registers, and gender markers.</li> <li>Provide backup support to programme personnel during periods of leave.</li></ul>2. Support Partnerships and Resource Mobilization <ul> <li>Maintain donor information and databases.</li> <li>Prepare donor profiles.</li> <li>Track mobilized resources.</li> <li>Support partnership development activities.</li> <li>Coordinate with government counterparts and development partners.</li></ul>3. Programme Monitoring <ul> <li>Coordinate implementation of Annual Work Plans (AWPs).</li> <li>Monitor programme progress and implementation.</li> <li>Prepare implementation updates.</li> <li>Support internal and external audits.</li> <li>Prepare audit documentation.</li> <li>Follow up on implementation of audit recommendations.</li> <li>Maintain project agreements and supporting documentation.</li> <li>Archive programme records.</li></ul>4. Knowledge Management <ul> <li>Organize programme-related training.</li> <li>Support knowledge-sharing initiatives.</li> <li>Compile lessons learned and best practices.</li> <li>Contribute to Communities of Practice.</li> <li>Support digital knowledge management platforms.</li></ul>5. Other Duties <p>Perform other duties within the functional profile as assigned to ensure the efficient operation of the Programme Unit and the Country Office.</p><br>Minimum Qualifications <p><strong>Education</strong></p><br><p>Secondary education is required.</p><br><p>A university degree (Bachelor's degree) in Business Administration, Law, English Language, Science, Economics, Management Information Systems, or a related discipline will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.</p><br><p><strong>Experience</strong></p><br><p>Applicants must have:</p><br><ul> <li>Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible administrative, management, or programme experience with secondary education;</li></ul><p><strong>OR</strong></p><br><ul> <li>Minimum four (4) years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree.</li></ul><p>Experience at both national and/or international levels is desirable.</p><br>Required Competencies <p>Candidates should demonstrate:</p><br><ul> <li>Excellent knowledge of project management principles and practices.</li> <li>Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).</li> <li>Experience using web-based management systems.</li> <li>Ability to coordinate multiple programme activities.</li> <li>Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills.</li> <li>Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.</li></ul>Desired Qualifications <p>The following will be considered an advantage:</p><br><ul> <li>Knowledge of UN Results-Based Management (RBM).</li> <li>Experience in monitoring and evaluation.</li> <li>Experience working with government counterparts.</li> <li>Knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures.</li> <li>Experience using UNDP Quantum ERP or similar enterprise resource planning systems.</li></ul>Languages <p>Fluency in written and spoken English is required.</p><br><p>Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is required.</p><br>Selection Process <p>Candidates meeting the minimum eligibility requirements will be assessed against the essential and desirable criteria.</p><br><p>Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.</p><br><p>UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.</p><br><br> </div><h2 data-automation-id="subHeaderPreferredCandidate" class="h5"> Preferred candidate </h2> <div class="row is-m v-align-top t-small bg-mute"> <div class="col is-3 p5" data-automation-id="label_Years_of_experience"> <b>Years of experience</b> </div> <div class="col is-9 p5" data-automation-id="data_Years_of_experience"> No experience required </div> </div> <div class="row is-m v-align-top t-small "> <div class="col is-3 p5" data-automation-id="label_Degree"> <b>Degree</b> </div> <div class="col is-9 p5" data-automation-id="data_Degree"> Bachelor's degree / higher diploma </div> </div>

<h2 class="h5">Job description</h2> <div class="t-break" data-jb-field="description"> <p><strong>Tiered Approach</strong></p><br> <p>In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:</p><br> <ul> <li><strong>Tier 0</strong>: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.</li> <li><strong>Tier 1</strong>: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments</li> <li><strong>Tier 2</strong>: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers</li> <li><strong>Tier 3 or no tier indicated</strong>: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates</li> </ul> <p>Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.</p><br> <p><strong>Background</strong></p><br> <p>The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners.</p><br> <p>Saudi Arabia is witnessing economic prosperity and progress in all domains of socio-economic development which produced tangible improvement in all human development indicators such as standard of living, health and education services, environmental conditions as well as potentials of comprehensive development. In April 2016, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced its Saudi Vision 2030 – an ambitious long-term development programme.</p><br> <p>Saudi Vision 2030 represents an ambitious blueprint with long-term goals and expectations. It is expressed in three themes of a vibrant society: a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. A review of the three themes and their underlying issues of national concern reveal a holistic approach to development that encompasses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the social, the economic and the environment.</p><br> <p>The partnership between UNDP and Saudi Arabia is covering vital sectors and areas which contributes to address the needs of Saudi society, including enhancement of the local capacity of different government institutions and support to policy making and reporting. A wide set of under the scope of technical assistance is provided to assist the KSA departments in their reform processes.</p><br> <p>To support these activities, UNDP will provide technical advisory support to the KSA through the UNDP Country Office (CO) in Riyadh as well as provide support for overall project management activities. The Programme Associate is expected to provide technical expertise in overall project oversight, including project planning and coordination, monitoring and reporting.</p><br> <p>Under the guidance and direct supervision of the ARR and/or Programme Analyst, the Programme Associate provides leadership in execution of services in the CO Programme Unit and supports the design, planning and management of the country programme. The Programme Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.</p><br> <p>The Programme Associate may supervise and lead the support staff of the Programme Unit. The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and project teams in the CO, UNDP staff in HQs and Regional Hubs, UN Agencies, government partners, and internal specialists to exchange information and resolve programme/complex finance-related issues.</p><br> <p>UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.</p><br> <p><strong>Duties and Responsibilities</strong></p><br> <p>1<strong>.) Ensure effective management and implementation of programme strategies and policies and adapt processes and procedures:</strong></p><br> <ul> <li>Operationalize corporate policies and CPD commitments: Coordinate the roll‑out of updated procedures in the CO, ensure work plans, IRRF indicators and UNSDCF/CPD &nbsp;linkages are reflected in Quantum, and keep unit checklists/templates current with policy changes.</li> <li>Strengthen process efficiency and compliance: Maintain and improve programme implementation workflows (e.g., partner agreements, risk registers, gender and safeguards screens), track adherence to SOPs, and recommend practical adjustments to close gaps identified during reviews or audits.</li> <li>Enable informed programme decision‑making: Compile evidence, analytics and lessons learned to inform portfolio adaptations; prepare guidance notes and briefings for project teams and management on policy updates and their implications for delivery.</li> </ul> <p><strong>2.) Provide effective support to management of the Country Office programme:</strong></p><br> <ul> <li>Support formulation of programme and projects, work plans, initiation of a project, entering project into ERP, and preparation of required budget revisions.</li> <li>Provide day-to-day guidance to implementing partners on implementation of projects, and track use of financial resources.Contribute to managing digital technology solutions in programme implementation towards scalability and sustainability in line with UNDP’s digital standards.</li> <li>Contribute to the effective management of data in programme implementation, across the data lifecycle.&nbsp; Follow up on programme and project performance indicators/ success criteria, targets and milestones, and preparation of reports. Implement corporate results-based management mechanisms and tools.&nbsp;</li> <li>Identify programme related bottlenecks and propose solutions.</li> <li>Make preparations for external and internal programme / project audits, and support implementation of audit recommendations.</li> <li>Provide support to the Programme unit by maintaining internal expenditure system and performing quality assurance review of financial reports and payments that includes following up with other units and taking timely corrective actions.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>3.)&nbsp; Support implementation of Country Office partnerships and resource mobilization strategies:</strong></p><br> <ul> <li>Develop and maintain strategic partnership intelligence: Collect and analyze information on potential partners in the private sector, academia, and non-profit organizations; prepare profiles and maintain a dynamic partnership database to support engagement planning and outreach.</li> <li>Facilitate private sector engagement for co-financing and innovation: Coordinate with programme teams to identify opportunities for joint initiatives with Saudi corporations and business associations; draft concept notes and organize partnership dialogues to leverage corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability agendas.</li> <li>Strengthen collaboration with academia and civil society: Map universities, research centers, and non-profit entities aligned with UNDP priorities; support the design of knowledge-sharing platforms and partnership agreements to advance SDG-focused projects and policy research.</li> </ul> <p><strong>4.) Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Country Office:</strong></p><br> <p>In assigned programme areas:</p><br> <ul> <li>Organize and deliver programme related training for relevant programme and operations personnel.</li> <li>Compile lessons learned and best practices.</li> </ul> <p>Provide sound contributions and support to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and digital knowledge platforms.</p><br> <p>The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.</p><br> <p><strong>Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: May supervise Programme and/or Project Assistant/s within the team.</strong></p><br> <p><strong>Competencies</strong></p><br> <p><i><strong>Core:</strong></i></p><br> <strong>Achieve Results</strong> LEVEL 2:&nbsp; Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work <br> <strong>Think Innovatively</strong> LEVEL 2:&nbsp; Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking&nbsp; <br> <strong>Learn Continuously</strong> LEVEL 2:&nbsp; Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning <br> <strong>Adapt with Agility&nbsp;</strong> LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process <br> <strong>Act with Determination&nbsp;</strong> LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously <br> <strong>Engage and Partner</strong> LEVEL 2:&nbsp; Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships <br> <strong>Enable Diversity and Inclusion</strong> LEVEL 2:&nbsp; Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making <br> <p><i><strong>Cross-Functional &amp; Technical competencies&nbsp;:</strong></i></p><br> <i><strong>Thematic Area</strong></i> <i><strong>Name</strong></i> <i><strong>Definition</strong></i> <br> <i><strong>Business Management</strong></i> Customer Satisfaction/Client Management <ul> <li>Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs.&nbsp;</li> <li>Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.</li> <li>Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests.&nbsp;</li> <li>Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.</li> </ul> <br> <i><strong>Business Management</strong></i> Project Management <ul> <li>Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols&nbsp;to achieve specific goals</li> </ul> <br> <i><strong>Business Management</strong></i> Risk Management <ul> <li>Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks</li> </ul> <br> <p><i><strong>Business Management</strong></i></p><br> Results-based Management <ul> <li>Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results.</li> </ul> <br> <i><strong>Business Development</strong></i> Knowledge Generation <ul> <li>Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.</li> </ul> <br> <i><strong>Procurement</strong></i> <p>Contract Management</p><br> <ul> <li>Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.</li> </ul> <br> <i><strong>Finance</strong></i> <p>Budget Management &nbsp;</p><br> <ul> <li>Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.</li> </ul> <br> <p><strong>Required Skills and Experience</strong></p><br> <i><strong>Education</strong></i> <br> <ul> <li>Secondary education is required&nbsp;</li> <li>A university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.</li> </ul> <br> <i><strong>&nbsp;Experience, Knowledge, and Skills</strong></i> <br> <ul> <li>Minimum of 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible administrative/management or programme experience is required at the national and/or international level. Experience in thematic area is desirable.&nbsp;</li> <li>Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP.</li> <li>experience and knowledge of project cycle management in the public or private sector or international organizations is desirable&nbsp;</li> <li>Work experience with the UN and international organizations is desirable&nbsp;</li> <li>Demonstrated experience in facilitating knowledge and capacity-building, as well as promoting knowledge sharing and advocacy, is desirable.</li> <li>Experience in analysis, research and interpretation of economic and statistical datais desirable</li> </ul> <br> <i><strong>Language Requirements</strong></i> <br> <ul> <li>Fluency in Arabic and English is required</li> </ul> <br> <p><strong>Equal opportunity</strong></p><br> <p>As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.&nbsp;</p><br> <p>UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.</p><br> <p><strong>Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority</strong></p><br> <p>UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.&nbsp;</p><br> <p><strong>Probation</strong></p><br> <p>For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.</p><br> <p><strong>Right to select multiple candidates</strong></p><br> <p>UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.&nbsp; 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.</p><br> <p><strong>Use of AI by candidates</strong></p><br> <p>Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection</p><br> <p><strong>Scam alert</strong></p><br> <p>UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.</p><br> <p>#LI-DNI</p><br><br><br> </div><h2 data-automation-id="subHeaderPreferredCandidate" class="h5"> Preferred candidate </h2> <div class="row is-m v-align-top t-small bg-mute"> <div class="col is-3 p5" data-automation-id="label_Years_of_experience"> <b>Years of experience</b> </div> <div class="col is-9 p5" data-automation-id="data_Years_of_experience"> No experience required </div> </div> <div class="row is-m v-align-top t-small "> <div class="col is-3 p5" data-automation-id="label_Degree"> <b>Degree</b> </div> <div class="col is-9 p5" data-automation-id="data_Degree"> Bachelor's degree / higher diploma </div> </div>