Programme Support Associate: Inclusive Growth

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Community development

Application deadline: 20/08/2026

Mission and objectives

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

Assignment context

UNDP South Africa implements a broad portfolio of programmes aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth, employment creation, entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and social inclusion. Successful implementation of these programmes requires effective project coordination, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, reporting and collaboration across government institutions, development partners and the wider United Nations system.

In addition to supporting its programme portfolio, UNDP serves as deputy chair of Results Group 1 (Economic and Social Inclusion) under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and co-chairs the Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation (PRM) Theme Group within the UN Country Team coordination mechanism. These coordination functions strengthen collaboration across UN agencies, align UN support with Government priorities, promote joint programming, and enhance resource mobilization to achieve collective development results.

Hosted by UNDP South Africa, this assignment offers an excellent opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience in development programming while contributing to both UNDP's inclusive growth portfolio and inter-agency coordination mechanisms. Working under the supervision of the designated UNDP Supervisor and alongside programme specialists and coordination focal points, the UN Volunteer will strengthen project administration, stakeholder coordination, reporting, knowledge management and partnership support.

The assignment provides exposure to programme management, coordination within the UN system, partnership development, resource mobilisation processes and implementation of the Cooperation Framework. Through structured mentoring, coaching and workplace learning, the UN Volunteer will develop practical competencies in development programming, coordination, administration and project management.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the designated UNDP Supervisor, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support programme coordination and implementation
● Support the planning, coordination and implementation of programmes that promote inclusive economic growth, employment creation, entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and social inclusion.
● Assist with coordinating programme activities, meetings, workshops, consultations and field missions, ensuring effective logistical and administrative support.
● Contribute to the implementation of approved work plans and support the timely delivery of programme outputs.

2. Support UNCT internal coordination mechanisms
● Support UNDP's role as Deputy Chair of Results Group 1 (Economic and Social Inclusion) by assisting with the coordination of meetings, preparation of agendas and background documentation, recording minutes, maintaining action trackers and following up on agreed action points.
● Support UNDP's role as Co-Chair of the Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation (PRM) Theme Group by assisting with stakeholder coordination, meeting administration, maintaining partnership records and supporting information sharing among participating UN agencies.
● Contribute to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, joint planning, partnership development and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

3. Conduct research, data collection and basic analysis
● Conduct desk research and compile information on inclusive growth, sustainable development, employment, social inclusion and partnership development.
● Assist with data collection, compilation and basic analysis to support programme planning, implementation and evidence-informed decision-making.
● Support the preparation of background papers, briefing notes, concept notes, presentations and other technical documentation.

4. Support monitoring, reporting and results tracking
● Assist in monitoring programme implementation by maintaining activity trackers, compiling programme information and supporting the collection of performance data.
● Contribute to the preparation of programme reports, Results Group updates, partnership reports and other reporting requirements.
● Support results tracking and documentation of programme achievements against approved work plans and expected outputs.

5. Support knowledge management and documentation
● Organize and maintain programme documentation, electronic filing systems and information repositories.
● Document lessons learned, good practices and programme achievements to support institutional learning and knowledge sharing.
● Assist in maintaining records of partnership initiatives, coordination activities and programme documentation.

6. Support stakeholder engagement and operational coordination
● Assist in coordinating engagement with government institutions, development partners, private sector partners, civil society organizations, academia and other United Nations agencies.
● Support the organization of meetings, consultations, workshops and partnership engagements, including logistical and operational arrangements.
● Maintain stakeholder databases, partnership records and follow up on agreed collaborative actions.

7. Support communication and visibility
● Assist in compiling programme information, activity highlights and supporting documentation for internal updates, reports and other communication products.
● Support the documentation of meetings, workshops, consultations and programme events by preparing event summaries, maintaining activity records and compiling supporting information where appropriate.
● Assist in preparing presentations, briefing materials and other information products that support programme implementation, stakeholder engagement and knowledge sharing.

8. Provide general administrative support
● Provide administrative support for programme operations, including meeting logistics, travel arrangements, procurement documentation, records management, filing systems and correspondence.
● Assist with maintaining financial and administrative documentation in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures.
● Perform other programme support and administrative duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest or experience in:
● Development programmes, project coordination or programme support.
● Stakeholder engagement, partnerships and resource mobilisation.
● Reporting, knowledge management and inter-agency coordination.
● Research, policy analysis or sustainable development initiatives.    

Skills in:
● Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Microsoft Teams).
● Project administration, report writing and meeting coordination.
● Stakeholder engagement and professional communication.
● Planning, organization, records management and document control.
● Research, information management and analytical skills.

*Mastercard Foundation Alumni and Youth with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.
*Candidates must be between 18 and 34 years of age at the time of application.

Competencies and values

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust
Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation
Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication
Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing
Planning and Organizing, Professionalism
Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams.

Living conditions

Bigger cities in South Africa can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled, and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world class airport, offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. It has many international airlines that fly into this airport. Crime rates in South Africa are ranked on the high end, petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs and hijackings are also fairly frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually sign posts that indicate such hot spots. Periodic security information updates are sent via email providing information at national level, with regards to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are on an ad hoc basis, following security related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided weekly.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.