Programme Management Assitant

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 mission is guided by ECA's five strategic directions which are: Advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take local solution to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.

This post is located in the Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of Section, Subregional Initiatives (SRI).

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Subregional Office for Southern Africa and direct supervision of the Chief of the Subregional Initiatives Section, the UN volunteer will perform the following tasks:

• Provide support in the planning and implementation of the activities and processes of the section, assist in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation; monitor status of programme/project proposals; take necessary action to ensure project documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval. • Collaborate with the Office Programme Management Officer on performance reporting; annual business plan, section work plan and prepare section contributions for a variety of periodic reports while ensuring completeness and accuracy of data submitted. • Draft programme/project summaries, coordinate review and clearance processes, and coordinate with editor, translation services, etc on finalization and publication of reports; • Research, compile, analyse and summarize statistical materials and basic information/data for use in preparation of reports, knowledge products, briefs, speeches, etc; prepare a variety of reports to facilitate in-depth analysis of information by staff of the section and other users; • Design, prepare and maintain data bases and statistical information in the eleven countries in Southern Africa covered by the Office; • Serve as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organisational units/ external partners to initiate requests; prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues; • Perform, under minimal supervision, the full range of office management, logistic and support functions; provides direct assistance to the Chief of Section; attend meetings, assist in the preparation of presentations using appropriate technology/software and prepare meeting minutes and reports, monitor follow-up activities; • Draft correspondence/ respond to advisory services request and communications related to all aspects of work of the section and provides complex information requests and inquiries (e.g. answer requests requiring file search, etc.); • Maintain liaison with the Director’s Office and with staff of other units of the Office regarding on-going programmes and other administrative matters; monitor processes and schedules related to the section's outputs, products, tasks, etc; • Develop, prepare and maintain internal databases, including detail contacts of partners and collaborating units and entities, presentations, tables, lists, charts, data sets, and/or diagrams for information on a variety of section reports and partners. • Service meetings, trainings and events of the section and office; • Maintain calendar/schedule; monitor changes and communicate relevant information to the Chief and relevant staff inside and outside the section; • Perform a variety of administrative duties (e.g. leave recording, meeting organization, reservations, office supply and equipment orders, etc.), including preparing and/or processing administrative requests/documents (e.g., travel requests, expense claims, vouchers, visa applications, etc.); • Maintain files (both paper and electronic) and databases for the section; • Perform other duties as assigned.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Empowering Others • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Knowledge Sharing • Leadership • Managing Performance • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Technological Awareness • Vision • Working in Teams

Programme and office administration and management; • Have 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 good working knowledge of MS Office application; • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

Zambia is a landlocked, middle-income country with a population estimated at 18 million. Lusaka became the capital city of Zambia in May 1935. Lusaka’s central position in Zambia and its pleasant climate were two of the main reasons for its selection as the capital. It is a metropolis, which provides a home to about two and half million (2.5M) inhabitants of different nationalities. It has grown to become the seat of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and as such all diplomatic missions, international organizations, industrial and commercial entities are based there. Its political, social, economic and cultural significance has also increased through the years.

Public transport is provided by private operators using minibuses and taxis. The bus routes are not mapped and roads are often congested. Good modern housing for rent is available on the open market. The official language is English, which is widely spoken. The country is generally food secure, with sufficient local fresh fruits and vegetables available in the markets, as well as various dairy, poultry and meat products. There are several international schools using the Cambridge GCSE or IGCSE syllabi, from key stage one through to A levels. Health conditions are generally good, although malaria is endemic. Zambia is generally a safe place to live in, although not free of crime. Some prudence is required. For more info, visit: http://www.zambiatourism.com.