Principal Programme Management Officer
Organizational Context
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) aims to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, guided by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) in Dakar is UNECA's operational arm for capacity development, translating research into practice. IDEP equips African leaders with skills for effective public sector management, supporting continental and global development goals.
Job Purpose
The Principal Programme Management Officer, based at IDEP in Dakar, is responsible for formulating and implementing the Institute's substantive work programme. This role oversees the management of IDEP's activities, ensuring timely delivery and coordination across divisions and with external UN entities. The incumbent will lead efforts to strengthen Member States' capacity in evidence-based socio-economic policy formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as the deployment of modern planning tools. The position also involves managing human, financial, and operational resources, ensuring quality assurance for all outputs, and representing IDEP in intergovernmental bodies and partnerships to mobilize resources and foster collaboration for African development.
Responsibilities
The Principal Programme Management Officer is responsible for strategic leadership and programme formulation, assisting in work programme preparation, resource allocation, and leading the IDEP work programme to enhance Member States' capacity in policy development and planning tools. This includes coordinating capacity development efforts within UNECA and collaborating with UN agencies. The role involves managing human, financial, and operational resources, including budget preparation, staff recruitment, and performance management. Additionally, the incumbent ensures quality assurance and substantive oversight of meetings, research, training, and communication products, and oversees reporting to intergovernmental bodies and the organization of statutory meetings. Representation, partnership building, and resource mobilization are key, involving representing IDEP, fostering collaboration, and strengthening Member State contributions and strategic partnerships.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen years of progressive experience in economics, statistics, social sciences, programme management, or administration is required, with at least seven years in policy analysis and design for economic and social development. Experience in designing, delivering, or overseeing capacity-building programmes is essential. Desirable experience includes leading a substantive programme within the UN system or a similar organization focused on development policy/planning, reporting to intergovernmental bodies, and high-level policy dialogue.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning & Organizing, Client Orientation, Leadership, Judgement/Decision-making, Programme Management, Policy Analysis, Capacity Building, Resource Management, Intergovernmental Relations, Partnership Building, Resource Mobilization.