Programme Assistant - SRHR
Support programme planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting for SRHR initiatives.
Overview
Support programme planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting for SRHR initiatives.
You have:
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant programme experience, preferably in an international organization.
- Possess excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Have the ability to perform well under pressure and flexibility in handling unexpected work assignments as and when necessary.
- Possess good writing and communication skills.
- Have a good working knowledge of MS Office and Google applications.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
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 UNFPA Zambia Country Office works to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), promote safe childbirth, and empower young people, in line with the Cairo Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its key focus areas include family planning, maternal health, midwifery, HIV prevention, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. UNFPA’s work on SRHR covers expanding access to modern family planning methods, improving maternal health through safe pregnancy, childbirth initiatives, supporting midwifery training, and integrating HIV prevention. In the quest to become more resilient and responsive, UNFPA is committed to establishing systems that will lead to the provision of sustainable response mechanisms for addressing SRHR issues, including addressing the emerging needs arising from climate change.
Under the overall guidance of the Country Representative and direct supervision of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist (SRHR), the Programme Assistant-SRHR will contribute to advancing access to quality family planning, and maternal health by playing a critical support role in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of sexual and reproductive health interventions and their link to climate change. He or she will provide administrative and operational assistance to ensure the smooth execution of programme interventions.
The incumbent will execute the following tasks:
Output 1: Strengthened use of data in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights programming ● Assist in preparation of regular reporting and field monitoring visits that are grounded on evidence-based strategies for identifying progress made and challenges encountered, with a focus on a functioning supply chain.
Output 2: Contribute to support of general administrative tasks of the SRHR Team and the Country Office at large ● Support the organization of meetings, workshops, and missions. ● Prepare basic SRHR-related correspondence in line with the organizational rules and regulations. ● Support the processing of procurement transactions in line with organizational procedures. ● Assist with the formulation and tracking of the implementation of work plans and budget expenditures for the SRHR Unit. ● Liaise with partners, service providers, and other UNFPA Units to coordinate activities and ensure timely follow-up on programme commitments. ● Track and reconcile travel-related expenses by supporting the Finance Unit with collating documentation for travel profiles, requests, claims and reimbursements. ● Assist with administrative tasks which include drafting internal memos, analyzing quotations, processing requisitions, and facilitating travel arrangements for external stakeholders.
Output 3: Contribute towards increasing access to and availability of reproductive health commodities and related supplies ● Support the receiving, storage and distribution of non-medical supplies key in SRHR programming (e.g. dignity kits) in line with standard operating procedures. ● Assist in initiating payment processes for customs clearance and Third-Party Logistics (3PL) related services. ● In liaison with the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), participate in receiving process of UNFPA deliveries on a when and as needed basis. ● Participate in the physical count of UNFPA procured supplies held at ZAMMSA and other locations as the case maybe. ● Carry out any other assigned tasks.
● Adaptability and flexibility ● Creativity ● Judgement and decision-making ● Planning and organizing ● Professionalism ● Self-management
● Minimum of 3 years of relevant programme experience, preferably in an international organization. ● Possess excellent organizational and time management skills. ● Have the ability to perform well under pressure and flexibility in handling unexpected work assignments as and when necessary. ● Possess good writing and communication skills. ● Have a good working knowledge of MS Office and Google applications. ● Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Zambia is a land-linked, resource-rich country with sparsely populated land in the centre of Southern Africa. It shares its border with eight countries (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe) that serve as an expanded market for its goods.
Lusaka is the capital of the Republic of Zambia. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold during few months, with freezing temperature at times especially during the night. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and other heating options when necessary. As the commercial and cultural centre of Zambia, Lusaka has seen rapid development in recent decades, with reasonable transportation connections and widely spoken English making the city highly attractive to vacationers and experts alike. Unemployment and poverty are issues in the city, and beyond. Key industries for the region and Zambia as a whole, include mining, agriculture, and tourism. Like most Southern African cities, life in Lusaka will require some adjustments for a person moving from outside the region, but the potential rewards and opportunities for experiences are well worth the effort.
Lusaka hosts several international organisation and embassies/diplomatic missions, therefore there is a very large community of expatriates from around the world. Housing is most of the time readily available and of good standard options are available. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from South Africa, Europe, and China while some ranges of local brands are available at a competitive price to imports. Meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables are reasonably priced and abundantly available.
The basic infrastructures roads, utilities, and telecommunications are of reasonable standard, although the city experiences power outages from time to time. Medical facilities are still largely inadequate, although several private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Lusaka city limits. For more information, please visit http://zambiatourism.com.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you had to manage multiple deadlines? | This question assesses the candidate's organizational and time management skills. | Provide a specific example demonstrating prioritization and effective time management. |
| How do you handle pressure or unexpected changes in the workplace? | This evaluates adaptability and flexibility in challenging situations. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication with team members? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a situation where you contributed to a team's success. What was your role? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of a project where data was crucial for decision-making? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize your tasks when faced with tight deadlines? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What experience do you have with procurement processes? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure compliance with organizational procedures during your work? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |