Programme Analyst (Assurance) [Open to internal and external applicants]

UNDP Careers; Palestine Township (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

UNDP in Gaza is seeking a Programme Analyst/Assurance to provide second-line programme support and assurance for the Gaza portfolio, ensuring coherence with corporate standards, donor commitments and the PAPP framework.

Under the Head of Gaza Sub Office, you will coordinate with programme teams, monitor delivery, risk, safeguards and gender inclusion, and support project design, implementation and reporting to strengthen portfolio coherence and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in International Development, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field is required; or a Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of qualifying experience.
• Minimum two years (with Master’s) or four years (with Bachelor’s) of relevant professional experience in programme/project management or related.
• Experience supporting complex portfolios in crisis, early recovery, or high-risk environments is required.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide programme assurance, quality control and risk-informed delivery for the Gaza portfolio.
• Review project documents, budgets, and donor requirements for consistency with priorities and approved results frameworks.
• Coordinate with programme pillars, project teams, and support units to strengthen coherence and timely delivery.
• Translate corporate strategy into practical guidance for Gaza project teams and partners.
• Lead monitoring, reporting, and evidence use for portfolio reviews and donor communications.

Skills

Arabic fluency

English fluency

MS Word / Excel

Project management tools

Education

Master's degree in International Development or related field

Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience considered

Tools

MS Project Management

Primavera

Job description

Tiered Approach

In Line With The Commitment To Safeguard Capacity And Support Personnel Already In The Organization, a Majority Of UNDP UNCDF/UNV Vacancies Are Advertised Using a Tiered Application Process Whereby

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Job Description

Tiered Approach

In Line With The Commitment To Safeguard Capacity And Support Personnel Already In The Organization, a Majority Of UNDP UNCDF/UNV Vacancies Are Advertised Using a Tiered Application Process Whereby

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) derives its mandate from United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/147 of 20 December 1978. Called upon by United Nations Member States in that year, UNDP was requested “to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people by identifying their social and economic needs and by establishing concrete projects to that end”.

UNDP’s Palestinian Programmatic Framework (PPF) 2023-2027 sets out a vision of “a world in which all Palestinians can enjoy a dignified life and fulfil their own vision of a unified, peaceful and free society”. The PPF is centered around the concept of “Transformative Resilience” and its three elements: a cohesive Palestinian identity, self-reliance, and ownership and leadership

Over the next three years, UNDP/PAPP will build on its experiences and achievements to make critical contributions to the priorities defined by the Palestinian national development plans and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), through interventions in three programmatic priority areas:i) democratic governance and quality services; ii) inclusive economic opportunities; iii) sustainable natural resources management

Against the backdrop of the war and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, UNDP/PAPP has developed an integrated emergency response and early recovery Programme to address the urgent needs of the Palestinian people. Since October 2023, UNDP/PAPP has been working closely with UN, NGO, local and national partners to provide immediate support the affected population in Gaza across three priorities: 1) critical services and infrastructure, including access to clean water, solid waste management, dignified transitional shelter, and debris removal; 2) emergency employment and support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and 3) support to civil society organizations (CSOs) for multi-sectoral community services and social cohesion

UNDP Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) operates in an exceptionally complex political, economic and humanitarian environment across Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The current Gaza context combines large-scale early recovery needs, access constraints, high fiduciary and operational risks, and growing expectations for visible, risk-managed delivery at scale

After over two years of protracted conflict, the Gaza Strip faces an acute humanitarian emergency characterized by large-scale loss of life, mass displacement, extensive infrastructure damage, and widespread need for humanitarian assistance. The United Nations Development Programme is actively delivering critical support and implementing a comprehensive ceasefire response plan targeting key areas including debris and solid waste management, restoration of health and energy systems, facilitation of secondary school examinations, and provision of transitional shelter solutions

As UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) prepares for scaled-up crisis response and early recovery programming, strong operational and procurement capacity is required as a key enabler given the high procurement volume expected, immense needs, and severe operational complexities. The Programme Analyst / Assurance provides Gaza-based second-line programme support and assurance

Under the guidance of the Head of Gaza Sub Office, and the under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme in Gaza, in close coordination with programme implementation support unit, programme pillar leads, project managers, operations, planning support and Jerusalem/Ramallah-based programme teams. The incumbent will support strategic coordination, quality assurance and risk-informed management of the Gaza portfolio. She/he will ensure that programme and project design, implementation, monitoring, reporting and partner engagement are coherent with UNDP corporate standards, the PAPP programmatic framework, donor commitments and Gaza operational realities, provides practical implementation support to project teams while maintaining a clear assurance role focused on portfolio coherence, timely delivery, safeguards, gender and inclusion, results-based management, and fiduciary and reputational risk mitigation

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration

Duties And Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Head of Gaza Sub Office, and the under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme in Gaza, in close coordination with programme implementation support unit, programme pillar leads, project managers, operations, planning support and Jerusalem/Ramallah-based programme teams. The incumbent will support strategic coordination, quality assurance and risk-informed management of the Gaza portfolio. She/he will ensure that programme and project design, implementation, monitoring, reporting and partner engagement are coherent with UNDP corporate standards, the PAPP programmatic framework, donor commitments and Gaza operational realities, provides practical implementation support to project teams while maintaining a clear assurance role focused on portfolio coherence, timely delivery, safeguards, gender and inclusion, results-based management, and fiduciary and reputational risk mitigation

• Ensure programme assurance and quality control for the Gaza portfolio to strengthen compliant, risk-informed and results-focused delivery
• Review project documents, annual work plans, budgets, procurement plans, partner arrangements and donor deliverables for consistency with PAPP priorities, UNDP policies and approved results frameworks
• Support risk-based quality assurance of implementation, including follow-up on audit, spot-check, monitoring, safeguards, HACT and donor-related recommendations
• Identify delivery bottlenecks and assurance issues early, propose corrective actions, and escape material risks through agreed Gaza and PAPP management channels
• Strengthen portfolio coherence and strategic coordination across Gaza programme pillars and project teams
• Facilitate coordination across governance and basic services, economic recovery, infrastructure/SWM/debris, area coordination and cross-cutting functions to reduce duplication and reinforce integrated programming
• Support the ASR / Head of Gaza Programme in translating corporate and PAPP strategic direction into practical guidance for Gaza project teams
• Provide implementation support and problem-solving for high-priority Gaza projects while maintaining appropriate segregation of assurance responsibilities
• Support project managers in planning, sequencing and monitoring priority activities, with attention to operational feasibility, access constraints, partner capacity and delivery-critical timelines
• Coordinate with Delivery Acceleration Support, procurement, finance, HR, logistics/access and engineering quality assurance teams to align programme priorities with operational support
• Guide project teams on documentation standards, decision records, issue logs and follow-up mechanisms required for transparent and auditable implementation
• Lead Gaza portfolio monitoring, reporting and evidence use in coordination with RBM, planning support, safeguards, gender and data functions
• Consolidate programme inputs for results reporting, donor requirements, briefing notes, management dashboards and portfolio reviews
• Use monitoring evidence, field feedback, complaints/grievance information and contextual analysis to inform adaptive management decisions
• Ensure lessons learned, implementation constraints and good practices are captured and shared across Gaza, Jerusalem/Ramallah and project teams
• Support partnerships, stakeholder engagement and internal coordination for Gaza-related programme issues
• Prepare substantive inputs for engagements with UN agencies, donors, Palestinian institutions, civil society and implementing partners, ensuring alignment with senior management guidance
• Contribute to project development, resource mobilization and donor communications by providing Gaza-specific analysis, risk considerations and implementation assumptions
• Represent the Gaza programme team in technical or coordination meetings when delegated, and ensure timely follow-up on agreed actions

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:

The position may supervise or coordinate assigned project implementation support personnel and may provide matrix guidance to project teams on programme assurance, planning, monitoring and reporting requirements

Competencies

Core

• LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
• LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
• LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
• LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
• LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
• LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
• LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Thematic Area Name Definition

Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management Results-based Management Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools

Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Business Management Portfolio Management Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management

Business Management Monitoring and evaluation Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results

Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns

Business Management Working with Evidence and Data Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness Effectiveness Project Quality Assurance

ONLY CURRENT PALESTINIAN NATIONALS AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN GAZA STRIP AND WILLING TO WORK AND TRAVEL THROUGHOUT VARIOUS CITIES IN THE STRIP ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION. ALL OTHER APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree (Master´s degree or equivalent) in International Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Political Science, Social Sciences, Engineering, Project Management, or related field is required; or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience

• Minimum two years (with Master´s degree) or four years (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant professional experience in programme/project management, programme assurance, results-based management, recovery/stabilization, governance, livelihoods, infrastructure support, or related development/humanitarian programming is required
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex portfolios in crisis, early recovery, stabilization or high-risk operating environments is required
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and project management/planning tools such as MS Project Management or Primavera is required
• Experience with UNDP or UN/INGO programme management, project quality assurance, donor reporting, risk management, monitoring and evaluation, or operations-programme coordination is desired
• Experience with gender mainstreaming, social and environmental safeguards, conflict sensitivity, community engagement, grievance mechanisms or HACT is desired
• Track records of managing teams in crisis or conflict-affected countries are desired
• Holds Project Management ProfessionalCertificate(PMP) is a distinct advantage
• Fluency in Arabic and English is required

ONLY CURRENT PALESTINIAN NATIONALS AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN GAZA STRIP AND WILLING TO WORK AND TRAVEL THROUGHOUT VARIOUS CITIES IN THE STRIP ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION. ALL OTHER APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection