Senior Programme Assistant Full Time

• Within delegated authority, the Senior Programme Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:
• Independently provides full range of programme/project management and implementation assistance at all phases of the programme/project cycle for, typically, a large and highly complex component of the Office programme/project initiatives, seeking guidance only in exceptional circumstances.
• Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on wide range of programmes/projects and related topics, highlighting noteworthy issues/trends for consideration by appropriate parties.
• Tracks resolutions and other legislative decisions that affect programme/project content and oversees the preparation of the relevant database(s) to ensure the incorporation of programmatic and other changes enacted by legislation.
• Reviews, appraises and revises, as necessary, all submissions for substantive programmes/projects, ensuring compliance with guidelines and programme/project objectives; identifies problems/issues, seek clarification from departments, assess replies, and prepares a summary for the manager with suggestions for further action.
• Drafts budget and forecast based on submissions; prepares monitoring checklists, identifying stages of programme/project development, funding source, inputs by reviewing internal and external bodies, and follow-up actions required.
• Monitors budgetary commitments, including verification of charges and obligation documents in IPMR and any other system for all financial transactions; prepares periodic budget revisions and ensures appropriate resource allocations; reconciles accounts with amended budget; evaluates trends of financial implementation and makes necessary recommendations to line manager. • Prepares draft reports on programme/project-related activities; drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc.
• Arranges for formal closures of projects, final budget revision, transfer of equipment, clearance, publication and distribution of final report.
• Provides secretariat services to committees, ad hoc tasks forces, etc.; drafts and circulates agenda notes to members/participants; assembles background documentation; drafts minutes of the meeting; monitors follow-up actions, etc. •
• Establishes internal databases; sets up, files, stores and manages data and information relevant to the scope of programme/project activities.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures related to programme/project administration in the United Nations or other similar large international organization including the design and development of data analysis using technology. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units.
• Ability to identify, independently assess, formulate recommendations and/or resolve a wide range of issues/problems, undertake research and gather information from standard sources and to work well with figures including ability to analyze and understand financial data. Ability to design information databases from multiple sources into an integrated programme evaluation system.
• Ability to direct, supervise and train office support staff. Demonstrated ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given and discretion, resourcefulness and ability to deal proactively and tactfully with offices throughout the organization. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
• CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

• Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to eight (8) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in using PowerPoint and Excel is required Experience working in the United Nations System, or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience using data visualization tools, such as PowerBI or similar, is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the advertised post, fluency in English, both oral and written is required; Knowledge of local dialects is desirable.

• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview

How To Apply