Director of Quality and Impact Hub

UNDP; Bonn; On-site; EUR 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

UNDP in Bonn seeks a Director for the Quality and Impact Hub to guide policy alignment, risk-informed programming, and results-focused delivery. You will lead cross-cutting reforms, engage with multilateral partners, and oversee SES, transparency, and digital-tool adoption across geographies.

The role requires 15+ years in international management, with deep experience in environmental funding and program governance, reporting to BPPS leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy, International Law, or related field.
• A minimum 15 years of managerial international experience is required, including 10 years with environmental funds or similar financing.
• Proven expertise in policy development, risk management, and program governance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with Vertical Funds, develop policy alignment, oversight, and financial management strategies.
• Steer development and revision of PPM standards, policies, and procedures to improve quality and efficiency.
• Provide management leadership on quality country programming, SES, transparency (IATI), and risk management.

Skills

Achieve Results

Think Innovatively

Learn Continuously

Adapt with Agility

Act with Determination

Engage and Partner

Enable Diversity and Inclusion

System Thinking

Portfolio Management

Results Based Management

UNDP Representation

Risk Management

Resource Management

Climate Strategies and Policy

Education

Master's degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy, International Law, or related field

First-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience

Job description

Organizational context: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), aims to enhance its role as a trusted and transparent development partner. The Quality and Impact Hub, a key component of BPPS, consolidates policy custodianship, quality assurance, risk management, and results oversight. This role is part of the BPPS senior leadership team, contributing to UNDP's strategic objectives.

Job purpose: The Director of the Quality and Impact Hub is responsible for guiding and informing the Hub's activities, leveraging deep technical expertise, political acumen, and leadership capabilities. This role leads critical efforts in reforming UNDP's programming policies and strengthening accountability, thereby reinforcing UNDP's reputation as a reliable partner. The Director provides expert advice to high-level decision-makers, engages with multilateral processes and partners to position UNDP as a preferred partner for developing countries, and fosters a collaborative team environment across diverse geographies. The position is integral to ensuring UNDP programming is risk-informed, agile, results-focused, and integrates social and environmental considerations.

Responsibilities: The Director will lead UNDP's engagement with Vertical Funds, developing strategies for policy alignment, project oversight, compliance, and financial management, including relationship management with fund secretariats and representation in governing bodies. Responsibilities also include leading the development and revision of UNDP's Programme, Portfolio, and Project Management (PPM) standards, policies, and procedures to enhance programming quality and efficiency. Furthermore, the Director will provide management leadership on quality country programming, Social and Environmental Standards (SES), transparency (IATI), and risk management, overseeing processes like the Programme Appraisal Committee (HQ PAC) and ensuring adherence to quality standards. The role also involves promoting innovation, knowledge management, and the adoption of digital tools to improve the Hub's effectiveness and UNDP's overall programming.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's) in Environmental Sciences, Policy, International Law, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered. Fluency in English is mandatory, with other UN languages being desirable.

Work experience: A minimum of 15 years of experience in managerial positions within an international setting is required. This includes at least 10 years of experience with environmental vertical funds (e.g., GEF, GCF) or similar financing mechanisms, and 10 years in programme and project results and risk management. Demonstrated experience in developing and assessing programming policies and procedures, along with a strong track record in overseeing large teams, is essential. Experience in developing country contexts and in business systems, HR management, and budgeting is desirable.

Skills: Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies: System Thinking, Portfolio Management, Results Based Management, UNDP Representation, Risk Management, Resource Management, Climate Strategies and Policy.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: