Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. The Fiji multi-country office covers ten countries including Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu as well as provides support to regional initiatives. UNDP in the Pacific has developed its multi-country programme document (MCPD, 2023-2027) to guide its interventions in the next five years in full alignment and directly to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF, 2023–27). The Office covers 10 countries in the Pacific with an extensive portfolio which has grown over time. The UNSDCF and UNDP MCPD are designed in full alignment with the 2030 agenda, Samoa Pathway, and 2050 Blue Content Strategy, which is endorsed by the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) among others. The UNDP Pacific Office next five-year plan strategic priorities are encapsulated under three outcome areas: (i) Planet, (ii) Prosperity, and (iii) Peace. Following a strategic review process which was completed in June 2022, UNDP Pacific office structure is aligned to the emerging priorities of the office. In this regard, the programme portfolio will include mutually reinforcing work streams crafted around two clusters (i) Resilience and Climate Change; and ii) Inclusive growth and Effective governance, supported by a policy and innovation team, Operations team, Management and Oversight team that provides strategic guidance on results management and compliance entrusted with the corporate alignment, programme finance management and quality assurance, and strategic communications team that provides knowledge management and communication support to all programme interventions.

Context

The Programme Management Specialist will be based with UNDP’s Pacific Office in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), supporting programme implementation in Kiribati under the guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative and matrix supervision of the Gov4Res Capacity Building Specialist. The role focuses on strengthening risk and compliance management, enhancing oversight of the country portfolio, and promoting integrated approaches such as Risk-Informed Development (RID) and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) across UNDP projects and partners. Working closely with government counterparts, implementing partners, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, the incumbent will support effective coordination, evidence-based decision-making, and alignment with UNDP policies, including Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) and Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT). The assignment also emphasizes capacity building and knowledge sharing to strengthen institutional effectiveness and support resilient, inclusive development outcomes in Kiribati.

Task Description

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Pacific Office in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) or his/her designated mandated representative(s), with matrix supervision from the Gov4Res Capacity Building Specialist, the UNV Programme Management Specialist will: a. Strong support in risk and compliance management for risk-informed programmatic and operational implementation in Kiribati • Ensure close monitoring and timely delivery of and reporting on the agreed results • Provide support in risk assessments, risk analysis for decision making, design and implementation of risk mitigation actions, risk escalation and other tasks in line with Social and Environmental Standards (SES) and ensure proper partner risk management including due diligence, vetting, risk assessments, and determination of residual risks for management. • Ensure effective follow-up to the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) and Country Office micro assessments and audits, analyze findings and support preparation of the improvement plans, facilitate regular monitoring of capacity development activities for all projects and advice on the management of project level cash transfers to the Implementing Partners. • Support the implementation and integration of Risk-Informed Development (RID) and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) approaches across UNDP projects and Implementing Partners (IPs), ensuring alignment with programme objectives and national priorities. • Instigate and strengthen cross programme/projects coordination and collaboration within UNDP programme/projects and with partners to advocate for RID and GEDSI considerations into the planning and budgeting process based on evidence data to inform decision making. • Identify entry points on RID integration with UNDP programme/projects and Implementation Partners b. Support in the effective oversight of Country portfolio for optimization of development initiatives • Provides support in strategic planning and oversight of the portfolio of programmes and projects in Kiribati to ensures their compliance with programme and operations policies and procedures (POPP) and quality assurance standards. • Identifies strategic opportunities and leads engagement on potential joint programming with other UN Agencies and entities. • Prepares data analysis and reports, with recommendations on control issues requiring CO management’s actions and interventions. c. Ensure effective and efficient coordination and partnership • Maintain regular communication on relevant issues with the local and international counterparties, consultants, and experts and ensure quality and timely delivery of all agreed outputs. • Support and contribute substantively to preparation of the programme and briefing notes for the field missions by the MCO senior management, global/regional programme advisors, donors as appropriate. • Provide logistical and other support for multi country office (MCO) donor visits in the geographic area of responsibility. • Identify and support synergies with UNDP projects and programmes on related activities where possible. • Strive to engage groups and communities in project activities that affect them through participatory processes. • Contribute to the UNDP Annual Programme Reviews, whole-of-office corporate annual planning, and the end-of-year reporting with the data and key results achieved in the area. d. Capacity building and knowledge facilitation with UNDP, partners, and stakeholders • Provide training and capacity building that will facilitate better alignment of the government systems, assurance frameworks such as HACT, and the UNDP POPP in line with the identified needs on the ground • Promote effective knowledge management practices across the office, counterparts, and projects through provision of resources, tools, and stock taking of lessons learned. • Facilitate and support capacity development initiatives on RID and GEDSI, including training, learning exchanges, and practical application to strengthen institutional capabilities for resilience development and good governance.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues. • Commitment to continuous learning: Initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: Effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Communication: Proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups. • Flexibility: Adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of volunteerism: Solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

Living conditions in Tarawa are characterized by isolation, limited infrastructure, and challenging environmental conditions. Security risks are generally very low, but access is highly constrained, with only two weekly international flights and cargo ships arriving every 2-3 months, leading to chronic shortages of food, fuel, and essential goods. The climate is consistently warm and humid, with frequent droughts, making water access difficult. Rainwater harvesting and costly desalination are the only sources, and electricity is unreliable with regular outages. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials, with onboarding support from the UNDP Pacific Office to the extent possible. Housing options for international staff are limited, often requiring significant refurbishment, and maintenance services are scarce. Cultural norms are relaxed, though the community is small and social or recreational facilities are limited. The cost of living is low, but transport and supply are limited. Medical services are basic, lacking capacity for emergencies or specialist care, meaning medical evacuation is required for most serious conditions. Banking and communications infrastructure are minimal, but reliable internet is available through satellite. Despite these, Kiritimati’s close‑knit community, natural beauty, and unique environment rewarding. With preparation and the right mindset, the duty station can be a memorable and enriching experience.