The focus of the job is to lead the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of training programmes and other activities related to the Social Development Programme Unit, in the areas of sustainable development areas. The incumbent designs, develops, implements and evaluates substantive and organizational activities of the Programme in key areas aimed at strengthening the capacities of government officials, private sector and civil society representatives with a global scope.

Supervised by the Director of the Division for People. Within delegated  authority, the Senior Programme Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

Providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of the partnerships of SDPU, as well as the development of new partnerships to mobilize resources by:

• Identifying new funding sources and engaging directly in resource mobilization activities in order to diversify the programme’s funding base and expand the range of services and programmes delivered;
• Developing project documents and funding proposals for submission to potential donors and partners;
• Building relationships with international organizations, national governments, research institutions, specialized centers, associations of local authorities, private sector and NGOs with the purpose of identifying new areas of work, proposing and developing new activities, including through the identification and customization of specialized contents;
• Effectively contributing to the conclusion of agreements related to voluntary contributions and partnerships, monitoring the implementation of activities, progress reports, work plans and budgets, and ensuring the timely submission of narrative and financial reports;
• Coordinating interagency efforts to strengthen collaboration with other UN Agencies in the context of social and economic development.

Supervision and monitoring of the CIFAL Global Network to ensure that it is a relevant platform for knowledge sharing and best practices exchange by:

• Monitoring CIFAL centers to ensure compliance with UNITAR guidelines for the CIFAL Global Network, including branding, Quality Assurance and Monitoring & Evaluation Policy Frameworks;
• Developing and implementing an evaluation framework for existing CIFAL centres;
• Communicating with the directors and staff of the CIFAL centres on a regular basis to provide programmatic support and substantive inputs for the development of capacity-building and training activities;
• Designing and implementing actions and timeline to address the recommendations issued in the 2019 independent evaluation of the CIFAL Global Network;
• Identifying potential partners to host CIFAL centres in targeted regions

Leading the design, development and implementation of different initiatives and projects that aim to empower vulnerable groups and promote social inclusion by:

• Leading and expanding the Road Safety Global Training Initiative in targeted countries;
• Leading nutrition, maternal and infant health related projects;
• Leading projects on topics including entrepreneurship and women empowerment, disaster management, water management, migration and human mobility, airport management and sustainable development.

Designing, planning, development, execution and evaluation of training projects and initiatives (including those mentioned above) include:

• Developing training curricula and producing substantive contents, including preparation and delivery of capacity building activities;
• Carrying out preparatory work such as defining deliverables, learning objectives and outcomes, elaborating work plans and estimative budgets, drafting background and procedural documentation;
• Identifying and recruiting experts and senior resource persons for training projects and activities;
• Mobilizing support for activities amongst associations of local governments, national governments and other stakeholders in order to deliver capacity building activities in targeted countries;
• Guaranteeing overall management and efficient delivery of activities, including management of financial, administrative and human-resources-related matters, in coordination with the Institute’s support sections;
• Providing necessary supervision and technical advice to Fellows, Consultants, Individual Contractors and Interns;
• Analyzing emerging needs and demands to develop new projects within broad programme frameworks;
• Assessing the quality of deliverables and achievement of goals for further developing future programme objectives.

Other tasks include:

• Provides substantial support in all aspects of the activities and operations of the SDPU;
• Prepares and presents written outputs including training background papers, and studies, evaluations, inputs to publications, and public relations information on the SDPU’s activities to enhancing its visibility and contribute to fundraising efforts.

• Members of the Division, staff in other units and offices within UNITAR;
• Representatives and officials in national, local and regional governments;
• Counterparts, senior officers and staff in other UN agencies;
• Directors and technical staff of UNITAR’s network of affiliated training centres (CIFAL Global Network);
• Representatives in academia, private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations.

• Establishment of new partnerships for programme expansion and maintenance of effective relationships with existing donors and partners
• Identification of partners to host new CIFAL training centres with a focus on underserved regions and to address new training needs
• Effective interagency coordination with other parts of the UN for joint delivery of training services in the context of social development and inclusion
• Coordination of activities related to funding (project proposals design and discussions with potential donors, pledging, agreements, work plans, budget, etc.)
• Substantive support provided for strategic planning and coordination of partnerships with the private sector;
• Develops yearly work plans, in collaboration with partners and donors, through interactive sessions and ongoing interaction with internal and external counterparts;
• Supports resource mobilization and funding strategies in support of the overall SDPU;
• Design, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of capacity building activities on topics related to sustainable development;
• Efficient and effective execution of capacity development activities utilizing knowledge management methodologies, management processes, and adequate methodological approaches and strategies;
• Review and management of progress reports on projects, identifying issues to address, and corrective actions for successful delivery, ensuring follow-up actions;
• Production of training contents in accordance with approved quality standards criteria;
• Effective monitoring of UNITAR’s affiliated training centers –CIFALs to ensure compliance with UNITAR guidelines and policies for the CIFAL Global Network

Education: Advanced university degree in social and development studies or equivalent combination of education and sound working experience in training, learning, and knowledge management fields.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including executive and management experience, and in providing support to developing partnerships, and resource mobilization. Sound experience in design, planning and implementation of projects in sustainable development related areas. Experience with management of a variety of stakeholders from different sectors is highly desirable. Experience in the design and implementation of training, learning and knowledge management activities desirable. Analytical and methodological skills to carry out research. Strong communication, presentation, facilitation of training skills. A solutions-oriented leader with decision-making skills. Strategic thinker with strong ability to influence others and realize tangible results. Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Language: Fluency in English and Spanish required.

Other skills: Ability to carry out research and experience on policy development. Working experience in developing countries is highly desirable. Strong strength in negotiation and capacities to raise funds, creativity and self- initiative. Executive experience leading teams and partners.