Programme Analyst (open to external applicants)

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain operates within the context of a high-income, net-contributing country, where UNDP engagement is fully funded through government cost-sharing and aligned with national development priorities. Bahrain is implementing an ambitious national reform agenda under Bahrain Vision 2030 and the Government Programme (2023–2026), with a strong focus on economic diversification, fiscal sustainability, effective governance, environmental resilience, digital transformation, and inclusive human development. As a net contributor country, UNDP Bahrain maintains a lean operational footprint while delivering high-value technical assistance, policy advisory services, and innovation-driven solutions in support of national priorities.

UNDP Bahrain’s programme is guided by the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2025–2029, approved by the UNDP Executive Board in January 2025, and is fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029. The financial envelope for the 2025–2029 Country Programme Document (CPD) is structured around a total estimated cost of US 2.5 million for Economic Prosperity (Outcome 1) and US  5 million for Environmental Sustainability (Outcome 3). As of late 2025, the Country Office manages seven ongoing projects with a total remaining budget of approximately US$ 1.8 million. These initiatives are distributed across the three CPD outcomes: Outcome 1 (Economic Prosperity) and Outcome 3 (Environmental Sustainability) each account for about 37–38% of the project count, while Outcome 2 (Governance) makes up the remaining 25%. Notable projects Youth Leadership Program, King Hanad Ward for SDGs, National Human Development Report in partnership with DERASAT. A new generation of projects is expected to be developed under this Outcome. 

The CPD positions UNDP as a trusted strategic partner to the Government of Bahrain, contributing to UNSDCF outcomes through integrated, multi-sectoral interventions that address complex development challenges at the intersection of economic prosperity, governance and human rights, and environmental sustainability. Under the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2025–2029, UNDP Bahrain’s engagement is structured around three interrelated CPD pillars:

(i) Economic prosperity and sustainable livelihoods;

(ii) Effective governance, human rights, and access to justice; and

(iii) Environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

These pillars reflect national priorities under Bahrain Vision 2030 and the Government Programme (2023–2026), and constitute UNDP’s substantive contribution to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029.

To ensure coherence, integration, and efficient delivery within a lean Country Office structure, the Bahrain CO operationalizes the three CPD pillars through two integrated programme clusters. The first cluster brings together economic transformation, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental sustainability, The second cluster focuses on governance, human rights, access to justice, and social inclusion. 

This two-cluster delivery model enables the Country Office to manage complexity, promote synergies across CPD pillars, and apply a portfolio approach to programme design, implementation, and partnerships. Staff are therefore expected to work across thematic boundaries, contribute to integrated solutions, and support joint programming within the UN system, while ensuring results-based management, quality assurance, and alignment with national and UNSDCF priorities.

Under the direct supervision of the Transition Manager (P4) and overall guidance of the Resident Representative and  in close collaboration with the rest of the Country Office programme team, the Programme Analyst - Governance, Human Rights and Social Inclusion (GHRSI) will manage the oversight, accountability, and coordination of this programme area.

The Programme Analyst is therefore entrusted with:

• Contributing to setting the strategic direction of the area and the overarching UNDP Country Office programme as it related to this thematic area. 
• Aiding in the management and coordination of the programme portfolio and team.
• Forging and growing broad-based strategic partnerships, support to resource mobilization and strategic expansion.
• Provision of quality policy advice services to the Government and other relevant stakeholders, and facilitation of dynamic learning and knowledge that informs strategic programming and fuels programmatic impact.   

The Programme Analyst leads the Governance, Human Rights, and Social Inclusion cluster, providing strategic oversight and leadership to strengthen Bahrain's governance systems and rule of law. The role focuses on capacity building for judiciary and law enforcement, promoting gender equality. Additionally, the Analyst is responsible for fostering civic participation platforms for youth and women, managing partnerships with civil society and academia, and driving resource mobilization to ensure the portfolio's long-term sustainability.  

S/he endeavors to integrate the GHRSI cluster with the Economic Prosperity and Environment unit by fostering institutional innovation and evidence-based public sector management to support a responsive digital economy. This cross-cutting collaboration focuses on aligning digital transformation policies with international human rights standards and inclusive participation frameworks. Together, both clusters leverage data-driven policy and statistical capacity building to ensure that innovation pipelines remain equitable and leave no one behind

The incumbent also works in strong collaboration with the Regional Hub in Amman, as well as other regional and global UNDP Hubs, and professional and knowledge networks. 

UNDP personnel are expected to embrace innovative thinking and work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams that actively connect knowledge and skills around issues to ensure higher programmatic coherence and drive transformative changes. 

The incumbent is expected to display innovation, problem solving, trouble shooting, active initiative, and a strong client orientation that encourages and rewards excellence in programme delivery and implementation. S/he might be required to undertake emerging tasks and additional duties as requested by senior management.

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.

 

Core

 

LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work

 

LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking

 

LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning

 

LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process Act with Determination  LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously

 

LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring Governance, Human Rights and Social Inclusion together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships

 

LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making 

 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies :

 

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
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
Partnership Management	Strategic Engagement	Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives
Business Development	Knowledge Facilitation	Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas.  Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.
Business 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 Management	Portfolio Management	Ability to select, priorities 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.
2030 Agenda: Peace	Governance	Inclusion and Participation
2030 Agenda: People	Gender	Gender Equality and Institutional Transformation

 

Education:

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, International Development Political, Social Science, Social Affairs, Law, International Relations or related field, is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in thematic area of Governance, Human Rights and Social Inclusion is required. 
• Experience at the national level in providing policy and substantive advisory services is required.
• Hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects is required.
• Proven experience in handling coordination among various professionals and regional teams is required. 
• Track record of engagement with United Nations, other development actors or donors is required.
• Experience in integrated programming with good knowledge of UNDP's corporate policies and programmes is desirable.
• Strong familiarity with ERP systems, especially in programme management functionalities is an asset.
• Experience in resource mobilization is an asset. 
• Experience in project/programme risk management is an advantage. 
• Experience in supporting resilient livelihoods and /or sustainable economic development related programmes/projects is an asset. 

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required. 
   

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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