Individual Contractor - Programme Management Assistant - ATPC/RITD
Provide programme/project support to the Centre
Overview
Provide programme/project support to the Centre
You have:
- High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- A minimum of seven years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, administrative services or related area is required.
- Fluency in oral and written English is required.
- Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Result of Service Provide programme/project support to the Centre
Work Location Work from home
Expected duration This contract is for the duration of nine months upon HRMS approval tentatively from 1 November 2021 to 31 July 2022.
Duties and Responsibilities Background
The African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC), through the Regional Integration & Trade Division, is a specialized unit within the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Its mission is to act as the leading Africa-based Centre of excellence and a continental hub for providing and coordinating technical support for the development of trade policies in Africa. ATPC works with stakeholders at all levels to enhance the implementation of sound national, regional and international trade strategies, policies and programs.
Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of ATPC, the individual contractor will be responsible for:
- Provides assistance in support of planning and implementation activities/processes for the Centre's projects. Perform a wide range of office support and administrative functions. - Provides secretarial, administrative and logistics support to meetings, boards, committees, conferences, etc. for the Centre's ongoing projects. - Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics. - Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation; monitors status of programme/project proposals; takes necessary action to ensure project documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval. - Assists in the preparation and analysis of programme/project budget proposals; provides assistance in the interpretation of budget guidelines; reviews and coordinates submissions of programme proposals and budget estimates, ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of proposed activities; propose adjustments as necessary; prepares reports and ensures that outputs/services are properly categorized. - Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of programmes/projects; categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses data related to programmes/projects, e.g. accounting records, outputs, resources utilized, deviations/revisions, etc.; carries out periodic status reviews, identifies issues and initiates requisite follow-up actions; prepares revised budget estimates; reports on budget revisions, expenditures and obligations, verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system; initiates financial authorizations for expenditures. - Collaborates with programme/project managers on performance reporting; liaises with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services scheduled in the PB and various planning instruments such as the medium-term plan and internal work plans; provides assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensures completeness and accuracy of data submitted. - Drafts programme/project summaries, coordinates review and clearance process, and coordinates with editor, translation services, etc. on finalization and publication of report multiple languages. - Assists in the coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organisational units to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of consultants, travel arrangements, organization of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc. - Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, graphic content, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews. - Drafts correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues, as well as prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports. - Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent. Experience: A minimum of seven years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, administrative services or related area is required. Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you successfully managed a project and what challenges you faced? | This question assesses your project management skills and your ability to handle difficulties. | Focus on your role in the project, the challenges you encountered, and how you overcame them. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects simultaneously? | This question evaluates your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a situation where you had to analyze data to make a decision. What was the outcome? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What experience do you have with budget management and financial reporting? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you have effectively communicated with a diverse group of stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |