Quality Assurance Specialist (Remote) – UNDP, New York, USA
Organization
- UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
- Country: USA
- City: New York
- Office: UNDP New York
Meta Description
Apply for the Quality Assurance Specialist position at UNDP and contribute to sustainable global development through high-quality programming, policy compliance, and innovation. Remote-based opportunity.
Introduction
Join UNDP as a Quality Assurance Specialist and play a key role in strengthening programming quality, results-based management, and policy compliance. This position helps improve development effectiveness, drive innovation, and promote institutional learning within the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS).
Background
UNDP is a global leader in sustainable development, operating as the integrator for collective action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It draws from deep local knowledge and global expertise to shape policy and implementation strategies.
The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is responsible for UNDP’s corporate policies and guidance aligned with its Strategic Plan. Alongside the Crisis Bureau, BPPS leads the Global Policy Network (GPN), which connects field-based and global experts to help countries achieve transformative development results.
The Quality Assurance Specialist focuses on enhancing development outcomes through results-based management, performance monitoring, and innovative practices. The role supports the identification, testing, and dissemination of successful strategies across the UNDP network and with global development partners.
This position also contributes to shaping policy, driving knowledge creation, and building partnerships that are essential to UNDP’s quality programming efforts.
Scope of Work
1. Quality Compliance and Learning
- Support Country Offices (COs) and Regional Bureaux in executing quality assurance processes.
- Coordinate with policy specialists to develop briefing materials and technical summaries for internal and governance forums.
- Facilitate responses to audit and evaluation recommendations, including risk and compliance management.
- Lead capacity-building activities such as webinars and workshops in collaboration with various regional and central teams.
- Identify trends and gaps across regions, integrating findings into strategic planning and guidance.
- Promote adaptive programming and results-based learning.
- Assist in developing and refining digital risk assessment tools and dashboards.
- Conduct spot-checks and reviews to ensure adherence to project quality standards.
- Analyze policy compliance data and generate actionable insights.
- Provide timely support to COs and Regional Bureaux, responding to technical queries.
- Gather user feedback and suggest improvements to tools and procedures.
- Increase adoption of new policies and systems through user engagement.
- Develop and maintain guidance documents, FAQs, and online knowledge resources.
2. Policy Compliance
- Review and analyze policy and procedural documents.
- Support the preparation of management briefs by researching and synthesizing data.
- Assist in the appraisal and quality review of Country Programme Documents (CPDs).
- Coordinate submission timelines and documentation for Executive Board review.
- Conduct final quality checks on CPD packages.
- Maintain records and track performance scores, ensuring systems are up to date.
Reporting Structure
The Quality Assurance Specialist reports to the Team Leader of the Quality Programming Team within BPPS. They collaborate with units like Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, as well as with regional and country offices.
Competencies
Core
- Achieve Results: Set and reach impactful objectives across multiple projects.
- Think Innovatively: Proactively solve problems and manage risks.
- Learn Continuously: Embrace learning and adapt to new experiences.
- Adapt with Agility: Lead change and handle multiple priorities.
- Act with Determination: Overcome challenges to achieve results.
- Engage and Partner: Navigate complex environments and build partnerships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Promote inclusivity and value diverse teams.
Cross-Functional & Technical
- Quality Assurance
- Capacity Building and Lessons Learned
- Audit and Evaluation
- Behavior Change Communication
- Digital Learning and Development
- Digital Awareness and Literacy
- Data Analysis
Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in social policy, public policy, development studies, economics, or related fields.
- A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience may be accepted.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) in policy or program management.
- Proven experience in quality assurance, change management, and capacity building.
- Skilled in developing digital tools, training content, and guidance materials.
- Experience managing complex projects and partnerships.
- Strong communication and data synthesis skills.
- Proficient in designing and delivering online training.
Additional Skills (Desired)
- Experience with international, multi-stakeholder processes.
- Familiarity with UNDP and UN programming frameworks is an advantage.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English (written and spoken).
- Working proficiency in French is highly desired.
- Knowledge of another UN language is a plus.
Equal Opportunity
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and role suitability, without discrimination.
Harassment and Abuse Policy
UNDP has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, or abuse of authority. All selected candidates undergo relevant background checks.
Multi-Candidate Consideration
UNDP may consider applicants from this post for other roles with similar requirements.
