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:
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
For six decades, UNDP has shaped the progress of human development, working with its partners to lift millions from poverty and increase opportunities for all. Empowered by Member States with a mandate to work across the spectrum of human development, UNDP provides integrated support at scale to improve people’s lives worldwide. UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029 is grounded in the determination of UNDP to eradicate poverty, the greatest global challenge, indispensable to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Strategic Plan, UNDP will continue to support countries’ progress towards high human development, while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives – prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and healthy planet – define its strategic direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation; gender equality; and sustainable finance. All are underpinned by a commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind, and rest on the recognition of UNDP as a trusted and transparent development partner.
Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) unites world-class policy expertise, flagship global programmes, and collaborative innovation and learning networks so UNDP is not only ready for the future— but helps build it with governments and partners. BPPS is where policy meets practice - for impact. From development to crisis contexts, BPPS helps countries navigate complexity, scale what works, and advance a more just, resilient, and sustainable future. The position of Director, Quality and Impact Hub is a member of the BPPS senior leadership team.
The Quality and Impact Hub aim to expand UNDP’s value position as an accountable, transparent and therefore trusted and neutral development partner. The Impact Hub serves as the corporate custodian and strategist driving continual improvement of UNDP’s institutional architecture that guides UNDP programming. The Impact Hub leads changes in UNDP policy instruments and quality assurance approaches to enable UNDP programming - spanning all funding sources, including core, non-core, and Vertical Funds (VFs) - that is risk-informed, agile, results focused and integrates social and environmental risks and opportunities. The Impact Hub brings together two existing units in BPPS: the Vertical Fund Hub (VF Hub), and the Quality Programming Team (QPT - including the Social and Environmental Team (SES) Team) to be the central pillar of trust and transparency in UNDP.
By consolidating policy custodianship, quality assurance, risk management, and results oversight, the Impact Hub will be better able to support UNDP in achieving higher accountability, fostering greater trust with partners, reduce fiduciary risks, be more adaptable, and achieve greater developmental quality and impact. A renewed focus on fit-for-purpose and relevant policies will enable and steer UNDP into new partnerships with the private sector, with IFIs, and with the VFs. The Impact Hub will also institutionalize quality assurance and oversight into UNDP, where risk management, results assurance, and policy coherence operate seamlessly through digital systems, enabling evidence-based decision-making and learning across all UNDP programming. The Impact Hub will drive continuous improvement internally while learning from external engagements with the UNDP Executive Board and Boards of the Vertical Funds amongst others to ensure UNDP remains fit-for purpose, dynamic, agile and relevant in an ever-changing international development landscape. The Quality and Impact Hub will continue to lead UNDP’s accountability and engagement with the VFs and ensure UNDP VF programming complies with VF policies and requirements, as well as continue to provide financial oversight of VF programming to ensure VF funds are used for their intended purpose as required by the VFs and VF fiduciary management, reporting and auditing as mandated by the VFs.
The Director of the Quality and Impact Hub guides and informs areas within the Hub, drawing on their deep technical expertise, political acumen, and demonstrated leadership and managerial capacities. The Director leads cross-cutting efforts in UNDP programming policy reform, and accountability, thereby contributing to UNDP’s reputation as a trusted and transparent. The Director also provides advice and technical expertise for high level decision makers seeking UNDP’s support. Further, the position engages across multilateral processes and partners to position UNDP as a partner of choice in support of developing countries. The role also interfaces with the broader BPPS (other Hubs, Teams) UNDP’s other Bureaus and Offices, and with UN system and related offices, entities, agencies/programmes/funds. The Director is responsible for creating a culture and enabling systems and processes that motivate, engage, and build a coherent team across multiple geographies. The Director will be supported by a Deputy Director.
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.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Hub, Bureau, and the Organisation.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Quality and Impact Hub Team.
Expected Demonstration of Competencies Core
LEVEL 4: Prioritize team workflow, mobilize resources, drive scalable results/strategic impact
LEVEL 4: Easily navigate complexity, encourage/enable radical innovation, has foresight
LEVEL 4: Create systems and processes that enable learning and development for all
LEVEL 4: Proactively initiate/lead organizational change, champion new systems/processes Act with Determination LEVEL 4: Able to make difficult decisions in challenging situations, inspire confidence
LEVEL 4: Construct strategic multi-partner alliances in high stake situations, foster co-creation Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 4: Create ethical culture, identify/address barriers to inclusion
People Management
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Thematic Area Name Definition Business Direction and 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 Portfolio Management Ability to select, prioritise 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 optimising return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio 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 Development UNDP Representation Effectively represent and advocate for UNDP, its values, mission, work, and positions with various constituencies/audiences, shares UNDP knowledge and activities. Business Management Risk Management Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks Business Management Resource Management Allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with business needs and priorities and principles of accountability and integrity 2030 Agenda: Planet Climate Climate Strategies and Policy: Policy and Institutional Building
Advanced university degree (Master´s degree) in Environmental Sciences, Policy and International Law or related discipline is required OR
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of master´s degree.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection
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