Programme Support Specialist/SGP [Open to Tier 1 applicants]

Overview

The Programme Support Specialist/SGP serves as the principal operations technical expert and coordination focal point for operational matters for the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP). The role ensures operational support dimensions are aligned with UNDP policies and responsive to the needs of the CPMT and participating UNDP Country Offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on operational planning, internal controls, and risk management for the SGP global portfolio.
• Manage the development, review, and improvement of operational strategies, SOPs, and workflows.
• Ensure compliance of financial activities with UNDP regulations and SGP operational guidelines.
• Provide operational intelligence, anticipating challenges and proposing mitigation measures.
• Oversee the preparation and revision of the global programme budget.
• Coordinate the operational closure of projects and global programme phases.
• Manage financial systems for budgeting, accounting, reporting, and disbursement.
• Monitor office management budget execution and ensure timely financial reporting.
• Analyze corporate dashboards and monitor Programme key operational performance data.
• Process project office and SGP operations related payments/invoices.
• Support sound resource management through budget management, resource allocation planning, and expenditure control.
• Review and analyze budget implementation and monitor projects financial performance.
• Monitor SGP status in corporate performance dashboards and propose solutions.
• Support reviews of project accounts, ensuring accuracy of financial transactions.
• Prepare and verify financial authorizations and facilitate budget allocations and funds transfer.
• Oversee and coordinate day-to-day administrative operations of the office.
• Coordinate and provide operational support to HR recruitment processes.
• Manage travel processes for SGP staff.
• Provide operational expertise and support the full procurement cycle.
• Ensure proper filing, asset tracking, and office inventory management.
• Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of business continuity plans.
• Liaise with suppliers, service providers, and facilities management teams.
• Assist with operational support for SGP staff, consultants, and partners.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for audit and reporting purposes.
• Advise and support programme resource mobilization and partnership efforts.
• Prepare and review donor contributions agreements and other partnership agreements.
• Routinely monitor through dashboard and other in-house systems.
• Support timely reporting to donors.
• Facilitate timely extensions and modifications of donor and partnership agreements.
• Support the preparation of financial reports to donors.
• Lead the process of knowledge capture of national and international know-how.
• Produce materials with lessons learned and best practices.
• Keep abreast of developments in the operations area and provide guidance.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Experience

Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in operations, management advisory services, or managing complex operational systems at national or international level. Extensive hands-on experience with UNDP corporate ERP systems; including Quantum with navigation of financial, procurement, HR, and workflow modules as well as proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Proven ability to interpret, apply, and operationalize UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) across diverse contexts is required. Demonstrated experience supporting or managing global programmes or multi-country operational portfolios, including coordination with multiple UNDP Country Offices and HQ units is desired. Strong track record in financial planning, budgeting, expenditure monitoring, and operational reporting, ensuring compliance with UNDP financial rules and audit requirements is desired. Experience in senior operations management roles, including oversight of finance, procurement, HR, administration, and operational service lines is desired. Experience and strong background in global virtual team environments (operations and programme support teams), including cross-border operational coordination, remote support to country teams, and collaboration across multiple time zones including in complex, politically sensitive, and delivery-focused environments is an asset. Proven experience engaging and coordinating multi-agency groups, such as Operations Management Teams (OMTs), inter-agency procurement committees (CAP, ACP/RACP), and other operational working groups is desired. Experience in premises management and management of common services, including development and implementation of cost-sharing agreements across UN agencies is desired. Previous experience working with international and local NGOs, including exposure to humanitarian settings, early recovery, community development, or micro-grant/micro-credit schemes is desired. Practical experience providing operations and logistics support for large-scale UNDP or UN events, including COP conferences, resource-mobilization events, senior leadership missions, trainings, and workshops is desired. Experience working with donor agreements, partnership frameworks, vertical fund requirements, and compliance processes, including support to audits, spot checks, and verification exercises is desired. Experience managing operational aspects of on-granting, civil society support mechanisms, income-generation projects, and serving as operational or audit focal point in complex implementation settings, including coordination of audit recommendations closure is an asset. Proven ability to build staff capacity and foster effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders is desired.

Qualifications

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Engineering, Management, or another closely related field is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in one of the above fields, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying relevant experience, will be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. IPSAS certification and/or additional certification in accounting, procurement, or finance management from a recognized international institution is an asset.

Other Details