National Programme Associate

About the Role and Organization

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serves as the global development network of the United Nations, operating in nearly 170 countries to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and strengthen resilient nations. UNDP’s office in Saudi Arabia collaborates closely with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to realize Vision 2030 goals through strategic partnerships, capacity building, policy advisories, and technical support. Within this framework, the Support to Quality of Life (QOL) Project enhances institutional competencies and advances sustainable development priorities.

Under supervision of the Programme Analyst, the National Programme Associate provides comprehensive support for programme activities in the Country Office Programme Unit. Responsibilities include assisting with programme planning, execution, monitoring progress, reporting outcomes, and coordinating operational tasks, all while adhering to UNDP guidelines, policies, and procedural requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support execution of programme activities as planned.
• Monitor project progress in line with approved work plans and timeline compliance.
• Assist the development and execution of procurement plans, ensuring procurement requests align with work plans.
• Track project budgets and expenditures, assist with budget adjustments and financial monitoring, and maintain detailed financial records.
• Contribute to preparation of Annual Project Reports (APR) and meet corporate reporting obligations.
• Oversee monitoring of programme indicators, maintain risk and gender marker registers.
• Provide backup support to team members during their absence.
• Manage donor information databases and prepare donor profiles to support resource mobilization.
• Support partnership development and liaise with government stakeholders and development partners.
• Coordinate Annual Work Plan (AWP) delivery and track progress and implementation status.
• Facilitate internal and external audits by preparing required documentation and ensuring audit recommendations are followed up.
• Maintain comprehensive records of project agreements and archive programme documentation.
• Organize and coordinate programme-related training sessions and foster knowledge-sharing initiatives within the office.
• Compile lessons learned and best practices, contribute to Communities of Practice, and support digital knowledge management platforms.
• Undertake additional tasks within the functional remit to promote efficient operations of the Programme Unit and Country Office.

Qualifications and Experience

• Secondary education is mandatory.
• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, English Language, Science, Economics, Management Information Systems, or related fields is advantageous but not compulsory.
• Candidates should have either a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible administration, management, or programme experience with a secondary education level, or at least 4 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience gained at national or international levels is preferable.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Thorough understanding of project management concepts and practices.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with web-based management information systems.
• Strong coordination skills to manage multiple programme endeavors simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and analytical abilities.
• Capacity to collaborate effectively in culturally diverse and multidisciplinary work environments.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with United Nations Results-Based Management (RBM) framework.
• Background in monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Experience engaging with governmental entities.
• Knowledge of UNDP policies and procedural standards.
• Experience using UNDP Quantum ERP or similar enterprise resource planning software.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential.
• Proficiency in written and spoken Arabic is required.