Program Associate

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The Partnership Management Support Unit (PMSU) is established in South Sudan Country Office to provide effective and efficient programme management advisory support services to senior management and to programme and operations Units. PMSU acts as an oversight and quality assurance unit aiming to make the CO more accountable in terms of programme performance, management, monitoring and evaluation of results and programme financial resources. The PMSU is responsible for developing and mainstreaming practical tools, frameworks, strategies, and approaches to promote effective and efficient programme/project planning, implementation, review, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. The unit monitors and analyses the programme financial resources for effective planning and utilization according to the CO’s overall programme focus and priorities. The unit plays a key role in ensuring the compliance of the CO with corporate policies, rules and regulations and the alignment of the Country Programme to the UNDP Strategic Plan, United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and changes in policy introduced at the corporate level.
Under the overall guidance of the Head, Programme Management Support Unit and Finance Specialist, the Programme Associate provides technical and administrative support for the effective implementation of HACT and programme Finance.

11. Sustainable Development Goals: 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Supervision, induction and duty of care of UN Volunteers (Roles and Responsibilities of Host Entities)

UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to:

• Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment; • Support with arrival administration and official processes as required; • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal; • Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address; • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning; • Ensure that UN Volunteers are provided all necessary security measures as per the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS); • Leave management; • DSA for official travel, when applicable; • All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme; • Investigate misconduct: sharing reports with the UNV; • Provide emergency assistance, e.g. the death of volunteer or medical evacuation, in collaboration with UNV. Accept letters of guarantees or potential liabilities for covering medical costs not claimable under medical insurance in extraordinary situations (e.g. isolation facilities` services during pandemics).

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head PMSU or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Program Associate will:

1. Proactive implementation of efficient risk-based oversight of cash transferred to partners in the CO. • Participate in HACT planning and discussions and support the development and completion of HACT plans through research, collection, analysis and reporting of related information/data to facilitate planning and priority setting for HACT activities. • Prepare information on partners to facilitate planning and execution of micro assessments, audits, and spot checks. • Facilitate the execution of HACT activities undertaken by external service providers through scheduling, arranging briefings and related administrative needs to ensure service providers have appropriate and comprehensive information for effective and efficient completion of assignments.
2. Effective use of HACT by partners throughout the project cycle • Help in reviewing assessments and programme assurance reports to identify areas of weaknesses related to the implementation of HACT and keep supervisor/partners informed of findings for timely action and/or intervention. • Complete and generate Micro Assessment and Assurance Activity plans from the HACT SharePoint site and upload in the SharePoint.
   • Initiate and manage audit process - CO audit, DIM audit, NIM audit and verification exercises.
3. Provide support for program finance in Field offices. • Support Field office projects in budgeting.
   • Support project in budget balance and related analysis. • Support Program finance specialist in producing donor reports. • Support any other request from DRR-P or Head PMSU.

Results/expected outputs:

• Support for program finance and other activities in Field offices. • Effective use of HACT by partners throughout the project cycle. • Compliance of HACT requirement based on POPP.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

progressive responsible administrative or programme experience is required at the national or international level. • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems. • Demonstrated experience in coordinating with and reporting on the work of diverse teams.

• Previous experience with the UN agency, NGOs/CSOs sector is an asset.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.