National Programme Associate

Background

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.

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.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Programme Associate will perform the following functions:

1. Support Programme Implementation

• Coordinate implementation of programme activities.
• Monitor project implementation against approved work plans.
• Support preparation and implementation of procurement plans.
• Review procurement requests for compliance with approved work plans.
• Monitor project budgets and expenditures.
• Support budget revisions and financial tracking.
• Maintain comprehensive project financial records.
• Support preparation of Annual Project Reports (APR) and other corporate reporting requirements.
• Monitor programme indicators, risk registers, and gender markers.
• Provide backup support to programme personnel during periods of leave.

2. Support Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

• Maintain donor information and databases.
• Prepare donor profiles.
• Track mobilized resources.
• Support partnership development activities.
• Coordinate with government counterparts and development partners.

3. Programme Monitoring

• Coordinate implementation of Annual Work Plans (AWPs).
• Monitor programme progress and implementation.
• Prepare implementation updates.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Prepare audit documentation.
• Follow up on implementation of audit recommendations.
• Maintain project agreements and supporting documentation.
• Archive programme records.

4. Knowledge Management

• Organize programme-related training.
• Support knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Compile lessons learned and best practices.
• Contribute to Communities of Practice.
• Support digital knowledge management platforms.

5. Other Duties

Perform other duties within the functional profile as assigned to ensure the efficient operation of the Programme Unit and the Country Office.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Secondary education is required.

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.

Experience

Applicants must have:

• Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible administrative, management, or programme experience with secondary education;

OR

• Minimum four (4) years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree.

Experience at both national and/or international levels is desirable.

Required Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent knowledge of project management principles and practices.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience using web-based management systems.
• Ability to coordinate multiple programme activities.
• Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.

Desired Qualifications

The following will be considered an advantage:

• Knowledge of UN Results-Based Management (RBM).
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience working with government counterparts.
• Knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures.
• Experience using UNDP Quantum ERP or similar enterprise resource planning systems.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is required.

Selection Process

Candidates meeting the minimum eligibility requirements will be assessed against the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.