Programme Assistant
Assist in the operational effectiveness of the Mekong MOU Secretariat.
Overview
Assist in the operational effectiveness of the Mekong MOU Secretariat.
You have:
- Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in administrative, programme, or operational support.
- Strong interest in working in the UN system; experience with the United Nations is an asset.
- Demonstrable skills in analytical thinking, communication, and research.
- Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
- Strong interest in issues related to security, terrorism, violent extremism, peace, justice, and/or development.
- Good IT competence, strong command of main office software program, proficiency in internet communication, social media and online search methods.
- Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work under pressure within an international setting.
- Ability to perform a variety of administrative tasks with sense of deadlines.
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and a strong team working capacity.
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
The UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (ROSEAP) is mandated to provide governments of countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific with technical assistance to enhance governance, law enforcement capacity, justice-delivery services, and health authorities. UNODC mandates identify a number of key outputs with specific activities, which contribute to the overall improvement of government services in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In addition, ROSEAP monitors and evaluates the impact of activities and cross-office deliverables.
One of the key roles of ROSEAP is to provide Secretariat support to the Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control in the Greater Mekong Subregion, which was signed by the six Mekong countries to address drug use, production, and trafficking problems in the Mekong.
The programme assistant will work with the Regional Coordinator of the Mekong MOU Secretariat to enhance the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the Mekong MOU Secretariat on a daily basis.
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator of the Mekong MOU Secretariat or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will :
• Assist in organizing international and national conferences, meetings, training and workshops held in Mekong countries and travel to the events' location if needed.
• Facilitate travel-related preparations for participants to UNODC events; Prepare document required for consultants’ contract issuance/management and follow up on payment requests of their fees as per their terms of reference.
• Provide support to assigned projects and to relevant UNODC personnel in Bangkok on aspects related to the preparation of payment requests in the UNODC administrative systems (Umoja and FOHRM), as well as payment reconciliation and expenditure verification.
• Facilitate the procurement of goods and services required for the assigned projects, ensure compliance with, and verify, regulations and procedures to be applied when procuring goods or services. Conduct low value procurement (up to US$ 10,000) and initiate procurement processes for all types of goods and services required under the assigned projects.
• Collect and compare offers from vendors and liaise with the UNODC Procurement Team in Bangkok and relevant personnel at UNDP Country Offices to ensure abidance with relevant UN rules and regulations.
• Liaise with bidders and vendors, and follow up with suppliers and expediters to ensure timely delivery.
• Take other assignments delegated by the Regional Coordinator.
• Accountability • Planning and organising • Professionalism
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in administrative, programme, or operational support, including support to meetings/events, travel coordination, procurement or vendor liaison, and basic administrative or financial processes. • Strong interest in working in the UN system; experience with the United Nations is an asset. • Demonstrable skills in analytical thinking, communication, and research. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Strong interest in issues related to security, terrorism, violent extremism, peace, justice, and/or development. • Good IT competence, strong command of main office software program, proficiency in internet communication, social media and online search methods. • Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work under pressure within an international setting; • Ability to perform a variety of administrative tasks with sense of deadlines. • Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and a strong team working capacity.
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is a vibrant and modern metropolitan hub with a high standard of living and well-developed infrastructure. Accommodation options are widely available, ranging from serviced apartments to private housing at various price levels. Public transportation is efficient and includes the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, buses, and taxis. Healthcare facilities in Bangkok are of high quality, with numerous international-standard hospitals and clinics available. A wide range of goods and services, including international schools, restaurants, and shopping centers, are easily accessible. While Bangkok offers a comfortable living environment, it is a densely populated city with heavy traffic congestion in certain areas. The climate is tropical, characterized by hot and humid weather throughout the year, with a rainy season typically from May to October. Overall, Bangkok is considered a family-friendly duty station with access to modern amenities and services. UN personnel are advised to follow standard security precautions in line with UN security guidelines.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with organizing conferences or events? | This question assesses your organizational skills and previous relevant experience in event management. | Provide examples of any events you organized, mentioning your role and responsibilities. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when support is required for multiple projects? | The interviewer is looking to understand your time management and organizational abilities. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What procurement processes are you familiar with, and how do you ensure compliance? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a challenging situation you faced in a multi-cultural environment. How did you handle it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use for effective communication in a team setting? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of a time when you worked under pressure? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure accuracy in your document production and editing? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What interests you most about working in the UN system, particularly regarding security and development? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |