This position is open to Bengali Nationals Only.
BACKGROUND
With a total gross domestic product (GDP) of over USD 430 billion, Bangladesh is the second-largest economy in South Asia. Between 2000 and 2019, Bangladeshโs economy registered high GDP growth, averaging around 6% per annum. During this period, there were several notable improvements across different socioeconomic indicators, putting the country on track for a formal graduation from the group of least developed countries (LDCs) in 2026. Bangladeshโs score on the human development index (HDI) increased from 0.49 in 2000 to 0.68, placing it among countries categorized as medium human development. The national poverty rate fell from over 48% in 2000 to less than 19% in 2022.
Despite the progress, Bangladesh faces several development challenges, and with the current trend, the country is unlikely to meet several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Even before the political crisis in 2024, Bangladesh was grappling with double-digit inflation. According to the latest estimate, GDP is expected to grow by 3.7% in 2025, much slower than the GDP growth in the past. Without an uptick in private investment, the economy cannot diversify, a necessary condition for creating decent jobs. With low social spending and weak capacities, the government is constrained from providing quality services to the people. Bangladesh is also one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and is prone to natural hazards, including climate-induced disasters.
As the UNโs development agency, UNDP has been in Bangladesh since 1972, promoting democratic governance, climate adaptation, environmental protection and inclusive growth and, helping the country to achieve equitable and sustainable development. UNDP has been a close partner of Bangladesh in co-designing policy solutions, building national capacities, and promoting innovations to help meet its developmental aspirations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES
Under the supervision and guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR), the Programme Management & Partnerships Support Specialist acts as the quality assurance and oversight lead to Senior Management on all aspects of the Country Office (CO) programme. The Specialist provides results-based management (RBM) inputs and advice to the Senior Management, and supports the programme units on strategic planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, audit, implementation of the Internal Control Framework, operationalization of RBM policies, resource mobilization, facilitation of agreements and donor reporting, and financial management of the UNDP Bangladesh Country Programme (CP).
As a member of the CO management team, the Programme Management & Partnerships Support Specialist works closely with the Operations team, acting as a bridge and enhancing results-based programme management between Programme and Operations Units, and providing programmatic inputs to Operations functions. The Programme Management & Partnerships Support Specialist will ensure that evaluations are designed and managed to assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of results, and that evaluations are carried out in a credibleย and systematic manner. Lastly, PMPSU ensures that evaluation lessons and recommendations are used for programme design and to inform the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the UNDP Country Programme (CP) results.
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 programmes/projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Lead programme strategic planning in relation to the CP and UNSDCF, including the annual programme planning exercise.
Lead the operationalization of the CPD (when formulated) in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies. Lead the Integrated Work Plan (IWP) and the Results Oriented Action Review (ROAR) and other corporate planning and results reporting exercises. Support the Senior Management in business processes mapping, and establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures on Results Management and control of the workflows in the Programme Units. Support and coordinate knowledge building and management in the CO. Contribute to regular assessments of the regional, and country strategic plans and implementation plans, and identify lessons learned and priority areas to underpin consistently improved programming and future Strategic Plan development. Introduce innovation and best practices to enhance program and operational performance.Provide policy advice, planning support and effective programme quality assurance and oversight, including sound planning and monitoring of programme financial resources throughout the full cycle of programming from formulation, initiation, implementation to closing projects.
Strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the programme, including tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations; Provide technical advice to ensure the design and implementation of an M&E and reporting system is in line with the applicable policies, and ensures the effective management of the monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes. Support the development of systems to foster improvements in the application of internal control systems and in the maintenance of compliance standards in the CO. Work closely with the Senior Management Team in the CO and actively foster collaboration between the various CO units and the project teams, HQ staff and Government officials ensuring a successful programme-financial performance by providing programme resource analysis for effective planning of resources. Analyses and authoritatively interprets UNDP financial rules and regulations and provides solutions and advice on a wide spectrum of complex financial management and financial control issues, where needed in consultation with the Senior Management and/or Bangkok Regional Hub. Advise on implementation modalities based on UNDP rules and regulations. Advise project staff and implementing partners regarding control systems, assess their effectiveness and general operational compliance with UNDP rules, regulations and policies. In consultation with the Programme Managers and Cluster Team Leads, assess work processes and procedures to ensure that tasks are carried out with maximum efficiency. Regular monitoring of the CO delivery, resource mobilization, TRAC allocation, revenue management and cost recovery in close coordination and collaboration with the CO Operations Adviser and Finance Analyst. Periodic monitoring of dashboards and exceptions, identification of remedial actions. Support preparation and quality-assure legal documents, including Letters of Agreement (LoAs), Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Low Value Grants (LVGs), Cost Sharing Agreements, etc., based on UNDP rules and regulations; Perform the function of Project Manager in Quantum development projects, including approval of Requisitions in line with the Internal Control Framework. Ensure monitoring of achievement of results, including rigorous application of Quantum applications. Ensure the sound management of financials, accounting and realization of the Programme outputs through activities, in compliance with UNDP financial rules and regulations as well as specific Fund/donor requirements.Ensure effective application of RBM tools; coordination of CO Audit Exercises to ensure programme effectiveness and risk management; establishment of management targets (Balanced Scorecard (BSC), etc.); compliance with corporate requirements (Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), etc.); and monitoring and evaluation of achievement of results.
Provision of technical advice for projects/portfolios in the Country Programme, including setting up an M&E framework with defined indicators to facilitate evaluation at later stages. Responsibility for promotion of evaluation standards, quality assurance/control and capacity development within the programme. At key intervals/review periods throughout the year (quarterly, mid-year, annual reviews), facilitates review of information provided by projects on indicators and targets to assess progress, identify constraints and gaps in implementation and provide appropriate recommendations. Provision of evaluation feedback into policy/programme/project design and ensure optimal use of evaluations by providing guidance in preparation of timely management response to all evaluations. Provide methodological support to various programme units during the formulation, approval and implementation of M&E procedures and instruments and select RBM tools, in particular related to monitoring. In collaboration with relevant programme and operations teams, carry out programme analysis, at outcome and sub outcome level, in order to capture lessons learned and ensure that risks are properly monitored and mitigated. In consultation with relevant programme and operations teams and with oversight of the CO Senior Management Team, assess risk areas and work with Programme and Project personnel to minimize risk exposure levels. Prepare annual audit plan for projects and the CO, and coordinate with senior management and relevant teams and partners and IPs regarding audit exercises of the CO; Coordinate the audit exercise among programme, project and operations personnel and ensure compliance with audit quality standards and timeframes. Participation in projectโs audit, control and follow up. Monitor the implementation of previous audit recommendations and advise the CO Management Team on status at its regular meetings. Support the DRR to conduct regular Programme risk management involving the CO management team, as well as oversee and quality assure portfolio and project risk management. Undertake regular field visits to ensure compliance and timely execution of the planned monitoring & evaluation by various programme and project units. Support the actual conduct of evaluation of projects and programmes in collaboration with Senior Management and UNDP programme in consultation with Independent Evaluation Office in HQ, including outcome level evaluations aiming at measuring the impact of the CO programme. Ensure effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets (BSC), and compliance with corporate requirements.Establish and maintain strategic partnerships, support resource mobilization and donor agreements, and ensure effective reporting of programme results and contributions to outcomes and impact
Conceptualize, design and guide implementation of country resource mobilization strategies; Lead and manage the process of developing, capturing, institutionalizing and disseminating lessons learned to build the capacity of clients and stakeholders, and contribute to UNDP knowledge management efforts. Ensure effective and efficient clearance and implementation of the Cost-Sharing, Trust Fund and other types of agreements. Coordination of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFIโs, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society, etc. Alignment of areas of cooperation based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donorsโ priorities. Analyze and research information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for cost sharing and trust funds. Support tracking and reporting of donor resources towards outcomes. Establish a quality and accountable reporting system and ensure timely and quality donor reporting. Participation in inter agency and donor meetings and represent UNDP in various forums as required. Ensure proper documentation of the experience of UNDP assistance through its projects. In this regard, ensure timely preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual project reports, publication serials and information/communication materials. Similarly, ensure use of UN and other web sites for dissemination of information. Ensure thorough progress reporting contributes to analysis of the achievements, facilitates project reviews, evaluations and audits. Ensure proper maintenance of sound filing system, and appropriate use and recording of all UNDP experience, good practices, activities and results. Lead and manage the preparation of UNDP mandated country reports, including the submission of timely reports ensuring relevancy, quality and appropriateness of content and presentation. Collaborate with other internal and external development partners to identify and/or share good programme management practices.Day to day management of the Programme Management & Partnership Support Unit for provision of responsive services for quality assurance of programmes, portfolios and projects; accelerated and accountable delivery; effective Operations-Programme and cross-Cluster collaboration and synergies; as well as internal and external knowledge management.
Lead and supervise the Programme Management & Partnerships Support Unit in all staffing, financial, planning, administrative and monitoring matters. Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the area of quality programme management, Facilitate and promote close co-operation and co-ordination between the PMPSU and Project, Programme and Operations teams for achieving the outputs, and contributing to outcomes and impact of UNDP Bangladeshโs Country Programme. Orient and train personnel in understanding and applying sound and corporate compliant programme management policies, tools and methods Facilitate dissemination of good practices and advocate for UNDPโs successful development strategies, approaches and models through global knowledge networks.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:
Supervise PMPSU personnel, including with respect to Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting, as well as Programme Finance.
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 inclusivityPeople Managementย
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicatedย site.ย
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL & TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Business Direction & Strategyย ย ย
System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system Strategic Thinking: Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDPโs mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresightBusiness Development
UNDP Representation: Ability to represent UNDP and productively share UNDP knowledge and activities; advocate for UNDP, its values, mission and work with various constituenciesBusiness Management
Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity. Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management Risk Management: Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risksPartnership Management
Resource mobilization: Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirementsQUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Advanced university degree (masterโs degree or equivalent) in Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field is required OR A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:
Minimum of 5 years (with masterโs degree) or 7 years (with bachelorโs degree) of relevant professional experience (concurrent or sequential) at the national or international level in providing results-based management services. At least 5 years of hands-on experience (concurrent or sequential) in design, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes, portfolios and/or projects is required. At least 5 years track record (concurrent or sequential) of providing technical assistance, policy advice, oversight and/or managing development programmes/portfolios on democratic governance, inclusive economic development, and/or climate change adaptation and mitigation is required. Demonstrated managerial and leadership experience is required. Demonstrated experience in partnership development, and resource mobilization is desired. Proven track record of excellent coordination, negotiation, and communication skills, as well as ability to mobilise support from a wide range of partners (public, private, civil society, and academia) is an asset. Demonstrated understanding of development finance trends globally and within Bangladesh is desired. Demonstrated track record in collaborating with government bodies, including preferably the Planning Commission and External Resources Division is desired. Demonstrated track record of working with multilateral and/or bilateral organizations, including as donors, is required. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, and with minimal guidance and oversight is desired. Demonstrated knowledge of research techniques is desired. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, and experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.Language Requirements:
Fluency in English and Bengali is required.Disclaimer:
Equal opportunity
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.ย
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.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
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.ย
Probation
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.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
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