Programme Associate positions (Open to Tier & applicants)📣 Job Ad

About the Programme Associate Role

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking to recruit two Programme Associates to support its work in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Saudi Arabia. This full-time position is based in Riyadh.

Key Responsibilities

The Programme Associate will be responsible for a range of duties focused on programme management, implementation, partnerships, and knowledge management. Key responsibilities include:

• Operationalizing corporate policies and commitments, coordinating the rollout of updated procedures, and ensuring alignment with work plans and indicators.
• Strengthening process efficiency and compliance by maintaining and improving programme implementation workflows and tracking adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Supporting informed programme decision-making by compiling evidence, analytics, and lessons learned to inform portfolio adaptations.
• Assisting in the formulation of programmes and projects, including work plans, project initiation, ERP entry, and budget revisions.
• Providing day-to-day guidance to implementing partners on project implementation and tracking financial resource utilization.
• Contributing to the management of digital technology solutions for scalable and sustainable programme implementation.
• Contributing to effective data management across the data lifecycle in programme implementation.
• Following up on programme and project performance indicators, targets, and milestones, and preparing reports.
• Implementing corporate results-based management mechanisms and tools.
• Identifying programme-related bottlenecks and proposing solutions.
• Preparing for external and internal programme/project audits and supporting the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Supporting the Programme Unit by maintaining the internal expenditure system and performing quality assurance reviews of financial reports and payments.
• Developing and maintaining strategic partnership intelligence by collecting and analyzing information on potential partners.
• Facilitating private sector engagement for co-financing and innovation by identifying opportunities for joint initiatives and organizing partnership dialogues.
• Strengthening collaboration with academia and civil society by mapping relevant entities and supporting the design of knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Organizing and delivering programme-related training for relevant personnel.
• Compiling lessons learned and best practices.
• Providing sound contributions and support to knowledge networks and digital knowledge platforms.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The role may involve supervising Programme and/or Project Assistant(s) within the team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Secondary education is required.
• A university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or a related field will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant progressively responsible administrative/management or programme experience is required with a high school diploma, or 4 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree. Experience should be at the national and/or international level.
• Proficiency in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP.
• Experience and knowledge of project cycle management in the public or private sector or international organizations is desirable.
• Work experience with the UN and international organizations is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating knowledge and capacity-building, as well as promoting knowledge sharing and advocacy, is desirable.
• Experience in analysis, research, and interpretation of economic and statistical data is desirable.

Language Requirements

Fluency in both Arabic and English is required.