Programme Assistant

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 UNHCR Representation in Venezuela has the Country Office in Caracas, four Field Offices (Guasdualito, San Cristobal, Maracaibo, and Ciudad Guayana), as well as Field Units in Caracas, Puerto Ayacucho, and Santa Elena de Uairen. The overall context in Venezuela remains challenging, with an estimated 7.7 million people in need, according to the Humanitarian Response Plan, and recurring issues related to humanitarian access. While the humanitarian crisis continues to produce population outflows from Venezuela, since 2022 there has been a noticeable increase in the proportion of spontaneous returns to the country. Returnees face a range of challenges for successful reintegration and to break the repeated cycle of displacement and human mobility. As a result, the UN Country Team has identified reintegration as an interagency priority for which UNHCR is co-leading coordination efforts and the operational response. Based on the current operational context, the operation needs to better understand the returnee situation, operationally adapt, and seek collaboration and leadership within the humanitarian response on returns.

The Programme Assistant receives guidance from the Head of Field Unit in Caracas and may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country programme(s). UNHCR Manual, programme objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Programme Assistant. S/he is expected to have contacts within the organization and outside the duty station in the AoR of the Field Unit, as well as with partners and other stakeholders to collect information, monitor programme activities and implement administrative requirements. S/he is expected to work in line with the multi-functional team (MFT) approach as defined within the Program Manual, ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders in all phases of the Program Management Cycle in compliance with all established deadlines.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Field Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Provide administrative assistance and support in routine services and activities within Programme.
• Assist in organizing and documenting the selection of partners in accordance with the policy on selection and retention of partners, ensuring due diligence to meet the requirements of projects.
• Provide support to ensure partnership agreements are established in a timely manner, regularly monitored and reported on in compliance with established guidelines and procedures included in the framework for implementing with partners.
• Generate and maintain records of implementation rate (performance progress and expenditures) on a regular basis.
• Review the implementation and performance of partnership agreements through field visits and appropriate physical monitoring if applicable, reviewing work plans, performance and financial reports.
• Guided by the MFT approach, contribute to monitoring activities implemented through partnerships and those under direct implementation in line with Programme Manual and programming instructions.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with issuance of audit certificates for partners in line with the Policy on Risk-Based Project Audits.
• Use UNHCR’s corporate tools (e.g. Focus Client, Global Focus Insight and FOCUS Reader, MSRP) for core activities related to planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting, generating data for evidence-based programmatic decisions and analysis.
• Actively contribute to UNHCR’s programming of community of practice and to the improvement of programming tools and processes.
• Perform other duties as required.

Core Competencies:

Accountability Communication Organizational Awareness Teamwork & Collaboration Commitment to Continuous Learning Client & Result Orientation

Cross-Functional Competencies:

Analytical Thinking Planning and Organizing Stakeholder Management Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

national and/or international level, or other relevant programmes; experience with NGOs is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.

• Essential: Demonstrated experience in programme management, Operation Management Cycle and related processes. Computer skills (in MS office) including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc). • Desirable: Training relevant to function of the position including Programme Management. Experience in programme management training and capacity building activities. • Good analytical skills. • Ability to live and work in the difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries. • Excellent writing skills in Spanish. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System. • Computer skills: Office Package (excellent knowledge of Word, good knowledge of Excel and Power Point) and Internet browsing.

BENEFITS:

The basic benefits of this assignment, as per the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers, are as follows:

• Monthly living allowance of US$1299.58.
• A pre-assignment allowance of USD400.00 (paid on first payroll).
• An end-of-assignment allowance of USD108.30 for each month of service, paid at the end of the contract, provided that the conditions are met.
• Medical, dental, and hospital insurance, as well as life and disability insurance.
• Medical insurance for eligible dependents. See Conditions of Service for eligibility details.
• Annual leave computed on the basis of 2.5 days per month.