Vacancy announcement
Geneva, Switzerland
S/P/2024/002

Senior Programme Specialist - P4

Vacancy type Fixed-term regular staff
Duration of the contract
1 year (renewable)
Deadline for submission of applications
10 April 2024
Organizational Unit
Public Finance and Trade Programme Unit (PFTPU)
Number of job positions
1
Overall Job Purpose:

The incumbent supports the Division for Prosperity and in particular the Public Finance and Trade Programme Unit in managing and expanding the development and implementation of training activities to enhance the capacity of UN Member States to address international challenges in the areas of sustainable prosperity including entrepreneurship, leadership, digital skills, anti-corruption, finance, trade and intellectual property.

Accountabilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of PFTPU, the incumbent has the following duties and responsibilities:

A. Lead implementation of PFTPU E-learning and Face-to-Face activities on trade, finance, and digital skills training by

  • Planning and organizing quarterly/yearly course roll-out of existing and new training events;
  • Keeping abreast of latest thinking on substantive matters and adult learning methodologies and constantly upgrading learning materials;
  • Keeping abreast of latest digital technologies and leading acceleration of digitalization of learning experiences;
  • Coordinating external consultants and internal staff working on the project;
  • Ensuring operational requirements including technical, financial, and pedagogical support are in place for successful implementation; 
  • Monitoring and assessing project implementation; and
  • Reviewing and implementing feed-back and recommendations

with a view to

  • Optimizing the availability, usability, quality and outreach of the Programme Unit’s activities.

B. Expand Programme Unit’s outreach by

  • Strategizing and planning marketing activities;
  • Leading a team to implement market activities including creation and development of marketing materials and updating website and events calendar;
  • Informing institutional partners and stake-holders of upcoming events; and
  • Exploring new potential market and opportunities in learning services.

with a view to

  • Expanding outreach and delivery channels.

C. Assist in resource mobilization and contribute to the Programme Unit’s growth and sustainability by

  • Supporting the Manager to develop a strategy and action plan for partnership development;
  • Supervising contractors to undertake assessment and identify potential partners at the national, regional and global levels;
  • Conceptualizing new products in close coordination with the Manager and other colleagues and developing proposals; and
  • Expanding and strengthening networks and partnerships with existing and potential partners;
  • Optimizing revenue generation through delivery of training events, outreach and client support.

with a view to

  • Contributing to the sustainability and efficient delivery of the Programme Unit’s activities.

D. Supervise internal operational activities by

  • Supervising a team to undertake operational activities to ensure they comply with UNITAR rules and regulations;
  • Ensuring that Programme Unit’s financial expenditures are planned and requested on time; and
  • Leading a team to ensure that records of inventories and statistics are organized and kept in an orderly manner.

with a view to

  • Ensuring efficient collaboration and delivery of Programme Unit’s activities.

E. Supervise Individual Contractors (ICs), Consultants and other professionals in the Programme Unit by

  • Mentoring and coaching ICs and other junior- to mid-level professionals while ensuring their autonomy;
  • Troubleshooting when an uncertain/unpredictable situation emerges; and
  • Acting as role model and creating an environment catalytic for learning and innovation.

with a view to

  • Contributing to creating an autonomous, high performance team.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
  • Organizations within the United Nations (UN), Multilateral and regional organisations, government institutions and bilateral organisations, businesses, foundations, civil society organisations, non-profit organisations, and universities.
  • International and regional experts,
  • Individual and Institutional participants of Programme Unit’s activities, and
  • UNITAR Support Services and Units.
Supervision:

The incumbent mobilizes and coordinates external consultants, contractors, partner collaborators, and trainees assigned on the project. The incumbent also supervises individual contractors (ICs) at PFTPU.

Expected Results:

The incumbent manages (plans, implements, coordinate, monitors and evaluates) assigned projects. Maintains effective working relationship with partners, stakeholders and ensure that expectations are successfully met on time, within budget and in line with the objectives of UNITAR.

Competencies:
  • Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviour.  Acts without consideration of personal gain. Resists undue political pressure in decision-making. Does not abuse power or authority. Stands by decisions that are in the Organisation’s interest, even if they are unpopular. Takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.
  • Professionalism: Shows pride in work and achievements. Demonstrates professional competence of subject matter related to training on finance and trade, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption, digital technologies, adult learning methodology, and instructional design. 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. 
  • Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally. Shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making. Examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses. Do not discriminate against any individual or group.
  • Communication:  Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 
  • 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 decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
  • Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required.  Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
  • Accountability: Take 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 organisational 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.
  • Client Orientation: Considered all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress and setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products and services to client.
  • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programme or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks ‘’outside the box.” Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
  • Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.
  • Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession. Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally. Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates. Shows willingness to learn from others. Seeks feedback to learn and improve.
Minimum requirements

Education: Advanced university degree in international cooperation, trade and finance, digital technology/engineering, business administration or related field. First level university degree in combination with relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience: At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in an academic, research, or training institution, preferably in an international and multicultural environment. Experience in adult learning methodologies and instructional design is a must. In-depth knowledge and demonstrated experience of partnership development and resource mobilization is a must. Knowledge and experience in the development, implementation, outreach, monitoring and evaluation of multi-year projects in areas such as finance and trade, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption, digital technologies are essential.

Language: Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Other: IT skills (Learning Management Systems (LMS), Course authoring tools, website management tools, publication development applications) are desirable.

Special Notice:

UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 3 months.

UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.

Considerations:

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

No Fee:

UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

How to apply

Please submit your application along with a motive letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

Due to high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.