Programme Specialist - Inclusive Growth [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

Better Than Cash
Better Than Cash

Sales & Business Development · Full-time

Hanoi, Vietnam

Posted on Nov 13, 2026
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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

Viet Nam is entering a new phase of accelerated development, building on more than three decades of sustained economic growth and improvements in human development. The country aspires to achieve high-income status by 2045 and net-zero emissions by 2050, while accelerating modernization, digital transformation and innovation-led growth. Viet Nam’s Human Development Index reached 0.766 in 2023, placing the country in the high human development category, while multidimensional poverty declined from 4.4 per cent in 2021 to 1.3 per cent in 2025.

Despite this progress, structural and spatial inequalities persist. Ethnic minorities, older persons, persons with disabilities, unregistered internal migrants, women and young people continue to face unequal access to services, productive assets, decent work, finance and economic opportunities. Women remain disproportionately represented in informal and vulnerable employment, while youth unemployment is more than three times the national rate. Rapid population ageing, evolving labour-market demands and uneven access to digital skills create additional challenges for inclusive transformation.

Private-sector development is central to Viet Nam’s future growth. The private sector generates 82 per cent of jobs and contributes approximately half of gross domestic product. More than 97 per cent of the country’s active enterprises are small and medium enterprises, but productivity and competitiveness are constrained by limited technology adoption and transfer, restricted access to capital, land and skilled labour, and an uneven capacity to adopt responsible, low-carbon and circular business practices.

The UNDP Country Programme Document for Viet Nam, 2027–2031, responds to these challenges through an integrated, issue-based and portfolio approach linking economic transformation, human development, climate resilience and governance. Under the economic and digital transformation outcome, UNDP will support private-sector competitiveness, responsible business, innovation and technology adoption; expand access to sustainable finance, particularly for small and medium enterprises led by or benefiting women and young people; strengthen resilient livelihoods and shock-responsive social-protection systems; and connect policy reform with investment and implementation at national and subnational levels. Digital and artificial intelligence transformation, gender equality and sustainable finance will serve as cross-cutting accelerators of systemic change.

Within this framework, the Inclusive Growth Unit leads UNDP Viet Nam’s portfolio on inclusive economic and digital transformation. Its work encompasses private-sector development, responsible and sustainable business, small and medium enterprise competitiveness and finance, youth economic empowerment and skills, innovation ecosystems, sustainable and innovative finance, resilient livelihoods, adaptive and shock-responsive social protection, and economic opportunities for groups at risk of being left behind. The Unit works across the Country Office and in partnership with government institutions, provincial authorities, United Nations entities, international financial institutions, development partners, the private sector, social organizations, academia and research institutions to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Unit places particular emphasis on connecting inclusive economic transformation with emerging financing opportunities, supporting the development of integrated programmes that translate policy priorities, private-sector innovation and sustainable finance into tangible development results.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative and the overall guidance of the Resident Representative, the Programme Specialist - Inclusive Growth serves as a senior policy and programme adviser to Country Office management and provides strategic, technical and managerial leadership for UNDP Viet Nam’s Inclusive Growth portfolio.

The incumbent leads the strategic development, implementation and adaptation of an integrated Inclusive Growth portfolio, contributing principally to the Country Programme outcome on economic and digital transformation while building substantive linkages with climate and environmental sustainability, governance and inclusive human development. The portfolio encompasses inclusive private-sector development, responsible business, innovation and digital transformation, sustainable and innovative finance, resilient livelihoods, adaptive social protection and expanded economic opportunities for groups at risk of being left behind.

The incumbent works closely with the Country Office's Economic and Sustainable Finance Specialist to integrate economic and financing perspectives into programme development, identify opportunities for cross-portfolio collaboration and translate emerging policy and financing opportunities into strategic initiatives, partnerships and programme proposals.

The Programme Specialist ensures that UNDP’s policy advice, programmes, partnerships and financing instruments are coherent, evidence-based, gender-responsive, digitally informed and capable of generating scalable and sustainable development results. The incumbent identifies emerging development challenges and opportunities and translates them into strategic initiatives, partnerships and investable programme pipelines.

The Programme Specialist manages and supervises Inclusive Growth Unit personnel and relevant project staff, ensuring strategic prioritization, results-based management, programme quality, financial stewardship, appropriate risk management and compliance with UNDP policies and procedures. The incumbent promotes a collaborative, inclusive and accountable team culture, encourages learning and innovation, and ensures effective cooperation with other programme and operations teams.

The incumbent reports directly to the Deputy Resident Representative and retains accountability for the strategic direction, management, performance and results of the Inclusive Growth Unit. The incumbent works in close technical collaboration with the Economic and Sustainable Finance Specialist, drawing on specialized analytical and financing expertise while maintaining clear managerial and programme accountabilities.

The incumbent works closely with government institutions, provincial authorities, United Nations entities, international financial institutions, bilateral and multilateral partners, the private sector, social organizations, academia and UNDP technical and policy networks. The Programme Specialist represents UNDP in relevant policy dialogues, technical forums and partnership platforms, within the authority formally delegated by the Resident Representative.

The incumbent contributes to the Country Office management team and provides senior management with timely advice on programme performance, substantive and operational risks, financing and partnership opportunities, emerging policy priorities and measures required to maintain the strategic relevance and effectiveness of the portfolio.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to respond to changing development and business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. UNDP personnel are therefore expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary arrangements that enable horizontal collaboration and integrated solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Specialist - Inclusive Growth supervises Inclusive Growth Unit personnel and designated project personnel.

Provide strategic and analytical leadership, policy advice and direction for the Inclusive Growth portfolio

  • Analyze economic, social and institutional developments, national policy priorities and emerging trends to identify challenges and opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.
  • Lead the strategic direction and development of an integrated Inclusive Growth portfolio, ensuring alignment with national priorities, the UNSDCF and the UNDP Country Programme.
  • Identify and develop strategic programme opportunities in inclusive private-sector development, SME competitiveness, responsible business, innovation and digital transformation, sustainable finance, resilient livelihoods and adaptive social protection.
  • Promote synergies within the Inclusive Growth portfolio and across Country Office programmes, working closely with the Economic and Sustainable Finance Specialist to integrate economic and financing perspectives into programme strategy.
  • Provide evidence-based policy and strategic advice to government counterparts, development partners and Country Office management on inclusive economic transformation, emerging priorities and opportunities, and measures to strengthen development impact.
  • Ensure that portfolio design systematically integrates gender equality, disability inclusion, youth empowerment, human rights, environmental sustainability and the principle of leaving no one behind.

Ensure effective portfolio management, programme quality, risk management and team performance

  • Lead and supervise the Inclusive Growth Unit, establishing clear workplans, responsibilities and performance expectations, managing staff performance, and promoting professional development, collaboration and accountability.
  • Oversee the full programme cycle, ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and closure of programmes and projects in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures.
  • Ensure rigorous substantive and operational quality assurance of programme and project documents, implementation arrangements and results frameworks, including the identification, assessment and mitigation of programmatic, fiduciary, environmental, social and reputational risks, in accordance with UNDP standards.
  • Oversee portfolio financial performance, delivery, resource utilization and appropriate cost recovery, ensuring timely corrective action to address implementation bottlenecks, underperformance and financial or operational constraints.
  • Ensure effective results-based management, including credible indicators, baselines and monitoring systems; high-quality corporate and donor reporting; timely implementation of audit and evaluation recommendations; and systematic use of lessons learned to improve programme performance.

Lead strategic partnerships, private sector engagement and resource mobilization

  • Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with national and international partners (government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, IFIs, private sector, civil society), to advance inclusive economic transformation and strengthen UNDP’s positioning and comparative advantage.
  • Identify and develop new programme opportunities, translating national development priorities, policy reforms and emerging financing opportunities into integrated, scalable programmes and partnerships, including in private-sector development, innovation, sustainable finance and resilient livelihoods.
  • Lead resource mobilization and the development of a forward-looking programme pipeline, overseeing the preparation of high-quality concept notes, project documents, funding proposals and partnership arrangements.
  • Engage with national and provincial authorities to identify opportunities for Government Development Financing opportunities in line with national priorities and UNDP comparative advantage.
  • Lead the Unit's engagement in relevant partnerships, policy platforms and UN joint programming initiatives, ensuring effective coordination and representation of UNDP within delegated authority.

Promote institutional capacity development, knowledge exchange and learning

  • Identify and support institutional capacity-development needs of national and subnational counterparts in areas relevant to inclusive economic transformation, private-sector development, innovation, sustainable finance and social protection.
  • Facilitate knowledge exchange, South-South and triangular cooperation, and access to UNDP regional and global expertise to support the adaptation and application of international good practices in Viet Nam.
  • Oversee the development and dissemination of knowledge products, lessons learned and practical guidance, drawing on programme experience and partnerships with research institutions, academia and technical networks.

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

Competencies

Core Competencies

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-functional & technical competencies

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 Acumen : Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome. Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks. Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization

2030 Agenda: Prosperity

  • Inclusive Growth: Growth strategies

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
  • Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
  • 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 with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management
  • Partnerships Management : Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in International Development, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Public Policy Business Administration, Finance or other relevant field is required.
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor´s degree) in one of the above fields, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 (with bachelor’s degree) of progressive experience at the national or international level in programme and portfolio management, policy advice and development programming in one or more areas relevant to inclusive growth, poverty reduction, private sector development, economic value chains, or finance for development is required.
  • Demonstrated experience in providing substantive policy and programmatic advice to government institutions or other development partners on inclusive economic transformation, private-sector development, innovation, sustainable finance, social protection or related areas is required.
  • Proven experience in resource mobilization, programme-pipeline development and the preparation of high-quality concept notes, project documents or funding proposals is required.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing complex development programmes or portfolios, including programme planning, results-based management, financial oversight, quality assurance and risk management is required.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing teams and staff performance is required. Having experience with supervision of multidisciplinary international teams is desired.
  • Experience with Viet Nam’s institutional, economic and policy context is required. Experience in other developing country context is desirable.
  • Experience working with UNDP, another United Nations entity, government institutions or an international organization working on development issues is desired.
  • Demonstrated experience working with financial institutions, banking institutions or the private sector to leverage development financing is desirable.
  • Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), and experience using web-based management systems such as ERP is desirable.

Required Languages:

  • Fluency in English and Vietnamese is required.
  • Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

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

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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