Programme Management Assistant

Assist in program/project planning and implementation

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UN OLA - Office of Legal Affairs

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Sunday 28 Jul 2024 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist in program/project planning and implementation

You have:

  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • A minimum of five years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree of higher.
  • Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
  • Experience in managing administrative processes (finance/budget) using UMOJA or other enterprise resource planning systems is desirable.

Contract

This is a G-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-5 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, United Nations. The incumbent will report to the Senior Legal Officer in the Capacity Building Section and/or the Legal Officer (Programme Advisor).

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: •Assist in the coordination of programme/project planning and implementation of the United Nations - Nippon Foundation Programmes; monitor status of programme/project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval, in particular in relation to application, selection, and placements procedures for awardees under the programme. •Compile, summarize, and present basic information/data on the programme and related topics or issues. •Review project documents, especially cost plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature; identify inconsistencies; distribute project documents to relevant parties upon approval. •Review budget revisions; verify availability of funds; ensure necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system. •Serve as focal point for administrative coordination in the implementation of activities under the United Nations - Nippon Foundation Programmes, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external partners (including Host Institutions) to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc. •Compile, summarize and enter data on overall project as well as programme delivery; draft related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, budget overruns, etc., and bring this to the attention of management. •Draft correspondence related to programme implementation and preparing and updating periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, website and other outreach materials, etc. •Provide general office assistance; respond to complex information requests and inquiries; review, log, and route incoming correspondence; set up and maintain files/records; organize meetings, workshops; handle routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, etc. •Provide guidance/training to new/junior staff. •Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Show pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree of higher. Experience in managing administrative processes (finance/budget) using UMOJA or other enterprise resource planning systems is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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 had to manage multiple projects simultaneously? This question assesses your organizational and multitasking skills. Discuss specific examples of projects, highlighting how you prioritized and managed your time effectively.
How do you ensure compliance with rules and procedures when reviewing project documents? The interviewer is looking for your attention to detail and understanding of administrative processes. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps do you take to build effective working relationships with clients or stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to provide training or guidance to junior staff. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle stressful situations while maintaining professionalism? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org