Overview
Programme Management Specialist Jobs in Gilbert Islands, Kiribati at United Nations Volunteers
Title: Programme Management Specialist
Company: United Nations Volunteers
Location: Gilbert Islands, Kiribati
UNDP is the UN’s leading development agency, supporting countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UNDP Pacific Multi-Country Office (MCO) covers 10 Pacific Island countries and implements the Multi-Country Programme Document (MCPD) 2023–2027, aligned with the UNSDCF, the 2030 Agenda, the Samoa Pathway, and the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.
UNDP Pacific’s work is organized under three outcome areas:
- Planet
- Prosperity
- Peace
These are delivered through two programme clusters:
- Resilience and Climate Change
- Inclusive Growth and Effective Governance
The Programme Management Specialist will be based in Kiribati, under the UNDP Pacific Office (FSM), reporting to the Deputy Resident Representative, with matrix supervision from the Gov4Res Capacity Building Specialist.
The role focuses on:
- Strengthening risk and compliance management
- Enhancing oversight of the Kiribati country portfolio
- Promoting Risk-Informed Development (RID) and Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)
- Supporting coordination, capacity building, and evidence-based decision-making in line with UNDP POPP and HACT frameworks
Key Responsibilities
1. Risk and Compliance Management
- Monitor programme delivery, results, and reporting
- Conduct risk assessments and support mitigation, escalation, and SES compliance
- Support HACT implementation, audits, and improvement plans
- Strengthen partner due diligence and risk management
- Integrate RID and GEDSI across programmes and partners
- Promote cross-programme coordination and evidence-based planning
2. Portfolio Oversight
- Support strategic planning and oversight of Kiribati programmes
- Ensure compliance with UNDP POPP and quality standards
- Identify opportunities for joint programming with UN agencies
- Prepare analytical reports and recommendations for management
3. Coordination and Partnerships
- Liaise with government counterparts, partners, consultants, and UN entities
- Support preparation of briefs and missions for senior management and donors
- Assist with donor visits and multi-country coordination
- Contribute to annual programme reviews and corporate reporting
- Promote participatory engagement with communities and stakeholders
4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Management
- Deliver training aligned with UNDP POPP, HACT, and government systems
- Promote knowledge sharing, lessons learned, and best practices
- Support RID and GEDSI capacity development through training and learning exchanges
Requirements
Education
- Master’s degree in business administration, project management, international development, public administration, or related field
- OR Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant experience
Skills and Experience
- Programme/portfolio/project management experience (minimum 7 years)
- Experience in programme finance, operations, and risk management (asset)
- Knowledge of UNDP ERM, POPP, Accountability Framework, and ERP systems (desirable)
- Strong analytical, communication, and reporting skills
- Proficiency in MS Office and database systems
- Certification in programme/project management (PRINCE2, PMP, MSP) is an advantage
- Ability to work independently in remote and challenging environments
Language: English – Fluent
Volunteer Living Allowance: currently US$ 4,070 to US$ 4,520
UN Volunteers serve full-time in their professional expertise, supported by a benefits package, including a monthly living allowance to ensure a secure standard of living at their duty stations. These allowances are not intended as compensation, reward, or salary for the volunteer's service.
Check out UNV's Entitlement Calculator on UVP, the Unified Volunteer Platform, and learn more.
