Programme Assistant - readvertisement

The Position:

The Programme Assistant is responsible for providing programme support services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. 

You will work in close collaboration with the programme and operations staff, exchanging information and supporting smooth and integrated delivery of programme and operations interventions. 

You will report directly to the Provincial Team Leader

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

You will be responsible for delivering quality programme support services to both the Country Office staff and external clients, mastering all relevant rules, guidelines and processes, and applying established systems and procedures.  You will be expected to demonstrate strong client and results orientation in service of the country programme.

You will assist in the creation of substantive knowledge by compiling, synthesizing and analyzing information relevant to sexual and reproductive health, population and development, youth and gender issues.

You would be responsible for:

A. Programme planning and coordination support 

• Assist in the coordination of programme planning, preparation and implementation of workplans;
• Facilitate/ assist in quarterly budget disbursements, and arrange for work plan progress reporting;
• Compile, summarize, and present basic information and data on the country programme, specific projects, workplans and related topics; 
• Facilitate preparation of programme/project review meetings, draft minutes of meetings and provide any other necessary logistical support to such activities;
• Undertake monitoring visits to programme/project sites, when required, and verify programme/project assets annually. 

B. Financial management support   

• Assist in the preparation of budget revisions based on approved workplans and justifications, and monitor project budgetary commitments;
• Generate the required financial reports in a timely manner;
• Check and examine various project financial reports for accuracy and consistency against approved budgets;
• Take required actions on operational and financial closure of projects in line with UNFPA programming guidelines and NEX procedures;
• Follow up with implementing partners for the timely submission of progress reports and electronic Fund Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures. 

C. Administrative support

• Ensure that all official documents are prepared and kept in the project files for retrieval and archiving;
• Facilitate programme activities, or relevant missions, by arranging meeting schedules, coordinating logistical support, collecting reference documents, and maintaining records; 
• Prepare necessary documentation, minutes of meetings and notes to file for relevant transactions (e.g. grant agreements, services contracts); 
• Ensure facilitation of knowledge‐sharing between programme and operations; 
• Draft routine project related correspondence; 
• Support/ assist in managing other administrative, assets, HR and financial matters; 
• Provides information to missions, visitors and programme counterparts. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Completed Secondary Level Education degree or higher in finance, public health, population, economics, demography and /or another related social sciences or management field is required.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in the public or private sector and programme development;
• Knowledge on results-based management;
• Knowledge of asset and financial management;
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form;
• Excellent minute-taking and writing skills;
• Prior working experience with international organisations will be an advantage;
• Proficiency in current office software applications. 

Languages: 

Fluency in oral and written English. 

Required Competencies: 

Values:

•      Exemplifying integrity, 
•      Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
•      Embracing cultural diversity, 
•      Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

•     Achieving results,
•     Being accountable,
•     Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
•     Thinking analytically and strategically,
•     Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Functional Competencies:

•  Delivering results-based programme,
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships,
• Innovation and marketing of new approaches, 

Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.