ASSOCIATE PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER (HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus Specialist )

Org. Setting and Reporting

The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The purpose of this position is to provide dedicated coordination, technical expertise, and field-level leadership to the RCO to enable the UN to advance the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Cross-Pillar Nexus and resilience approaches in Ethiopia. In close collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia, the HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus Specialist will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and technical quality of the HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus cross-pillar work, while supporting the broader operationalization of the HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus through joint analysis, evidence-based planning, and the development of shared priorities and collective outcomes across humanitarian, development, and peace actors. The position works under the direct supervision of the RCO Head of Office. The incumbent will lead the coordination of the UNCT’s HDP cross-pillar nexus approach, supervising a team of regional HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus specialists (UNVs) and ensuring that all activities are aligned with national and regional development priorities. A key area of focus for the position will be to provide substantive technical guidance and advice on Cross-Pillar Nexus programming, support policy dialogue and coordination among key stakeholders, facilitate coherence between national and regional implementation, and ensure that Cross-Pillar Nexus approaches contribute to reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening resilience in fragile and crisis-prone contexts. The HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus Specialist will also support knowledge generation, capacity strengthening, and learning to enhance the ability of national and regional stakeholders to operationalize Cross-Pillar Nexus approaches effectively. The HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the RCO Head of Office and in close collaboration with UNCT/HCT members, OCHA, government officials in the Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD) and Ministry of Finance (MoF), regional authorities, technical experts, development partners, and civil society organizations to strengthen coordination, national ownership, and the sustainability of the HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus architecture, while promoting greater coherence across humanitarian, development, and peace planning and programming processes. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and reports to the DSRSG/RC/HC through the RCO Team Leader.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties: 1. COORDINATION AND TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP: • Lead the day-to-day work and technical implementation of the HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus project while supporting the broader operationalization of the HDP Nexus in Ethiopia, including the development of shared priorities, collective outcomes, and strategic approaches that strengthen coherence across humanitarian, development, and peace actors. 2. SUBSTANTIVE NEXUS OPERATIONALIZATION: • Provide technical advice on the design and implementation of area-based Cross-Pillar Nexus interventions; identify opportunities for convergence between humanitarian, development, and peace actors; support joint analysis and evidence-based planning; and ensure that regional action plans and Nexus approaches are technically sound, conflict-sensitive, and aligned with agreed collective outcomes, while demonstrating a commitment to UN safeguarding, gender equality, and conflict-sensitive programming. 3. FIELD LEADERSHIP AND COORDINATION: • Supervise and provide technical and operational guidance to the regional team of HDP Nexus specialists (UNVs), ensuring consistent application of the Nexus Cross-Pillar approach across priority regions, providing troubleshooting support for field-level challenges, and ensuring that regional implementation progress remains aligned with the overall approach. 4. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INTEGRATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE: • Coordinate the deployment and integration of short-term technical assistance (TA) provided by the pool of specialists (IM, Monitoring, and Financing), acting as the primary focal point to ensure their technical outputs are sequenced correctly, of high quality, and effectively utilized by the RCO, UNCT, regional governments, and partners. 5. GOVERNMENT LIAISON AND POLICY DIALOGUE: • Strengthen operational and technical linkages with Government counterparts at federal and regional levels, maintaining regular dialogue with focal points to ensure support provided by the United Nations is embedded within national systems, support national policy objectives, and facilitate multi-stakeholder ownership of Cross-Pillar Nexus priorities. 6. RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, AND EVIDENCE GENERATION: • Lead and support analytical work to identify key gaps, opportunities, and lessons learned for strengthening HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus collaboration. Facilitate joint context analyses, nexus profiles, and risk monitoring to inform integrated programming, policy dialogue, and the development of evidence-based knowledge products. 7. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: • Support and facilitate consultations with government counterparts, UN agencies, development partners, NGOs, and civil society to strengthen ownership and collective action around Nexus priorities, while promoting greater coherence across humanitarian, development, and peace planning. 8. SECRETARIAT AND COORDINATION FUNCTIONS: • Manage the Secretariat functions for the national HDP Nexus architecture, including the Nexus Technical Group and Accelerator Group, facilitating cross-pillar coordination, ensuring effective meeting preparation, and managing substantive documentation and follow-up on agreed actions. 9. PROJECT MEAL AND EU COMPLIANCE: • Lead the project's MEAL framework by translating field-level data and lessons learned into evidence-based recommendations, while ensuring that the National Specialist acts as the primary lead for the indicator matrix and target tracking to ensure all goals are achieved. 10. EU REPORTING AND FINANCIAL COORDINATION: • Ensure the timely preparation and submission of all EU-mandated narrative and financial deliverables, working in close coordination with the RCO Finance and Administration unit to ensure accurate budget monitoring, quality assurance of financial data, and full compliance with EU reporting standards and visibility guidelines. 11. REGIONAL PLANNING AND JOINT PROGRAMMING: • Facilitate area-based HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus coordination by supporting regional authorities and partners in the development of joint work plans, Nexus operational plans, and multi-sectoral results frameworks that strengthen coherence across humanitarian, development, and peace programming. 12. TRANSITION AND EXIT STRATEGY SUPPORT: • Lead capacity needs assessments and the implementation of region-specific transition roadmaps, ensuring that coordination tools, documented procedures, and institutional knowledge are systematically handed over to government counterparts to support a sustainable, government-led Nexus coordination system. • Contributes to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Documents requirements and background information used for data analysis. • Performs other related tasks as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply project management theories and tools in a complex coordination environment. Knowledge of Ethiopia’s federal and regional governance structures. Ability to analyze data to support decision-making. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis on sustainable development topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are 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; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • 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. 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Project Management, Development Studies, International Relations, Social Science, Business/Public Administration, Economics or a related field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in project management, coordination, or development programming within an international organization, government, or civil society context is required. Demonstrated experience in the operationalization of the HDP Cross-Pillar Nexus approach, multi-sectoral resilience programming, or integrated humanitarian-development coordination is required. Demonstrated experience working within UN coordination mechanisms or multi-stakeholder coordination platforms involving government, UN entities, donors, and I/NGOs is required. Demonstrated experience in managing donor-funded projects, with specific experience in EU-funded project management and reporting is desirable. Proven experience in managing field-based teams and supervising staff or volunteers in decentralized locations is desirable. Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management, particularly in maintaining working relationships with government ministries and regional authorities is desirable. Strong knowledge of Ethiopia's humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, and governance context is required. Work experience of one (1) year or more in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone or teleconference.

Special Notice

This is a PROJECT POST. A Temporary Job Opening. Appointment against this position is available for a limited duration UNTIL 31 JANUARY 2027 and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of Renewal. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF ETHIOPIA ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, nationals of ETHIOPIA residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to ETHIOPIA in the event of an employment offer. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

United Nations 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, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, 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. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. 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 internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

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