Senior Programme Assistant
Support the planning and execution of the program management cycle effectively
Overview
Support the planning and execution of the program management cycle effectively
You have:
- 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
- Demonstrated experience in Programme Management, Operation Management Cycle and related processes.
- Knowledge of Results Based-Management.
- Computer skills (in MS office) including advanced Excel skills.
- Good analytical, reporting and communication skills including coordination with external stakeholders such as NGOs, government, and UN Agencies.
- Experience in programme management training and capacity building activities.
Hardship Level
E (most hardship)Family Type
Non Family with Residential LocationFamily Type
Non Family with Residential LocationDanger PayResidential location (if applicable)
Nairobi (CO), KenyaGrade
GS5Staff Member / Affiliate Type
General ServiceReason
Regular > Regular AssignmentRemote work accepted
NoTarget Start Date
2025-02-26Deadline for Applications
March 11, 2025Standard Job Description
Senior Programme Assistant
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Senior Programme Assistant would normally receive guidance from more senior programme staff in the operation/bureau/division. The incumbent may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country/region programme(s). UNHCR Manual, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Senior Program Assistant. S/he is expected to have contacts within the organization and outside the duty station, as well as with partners and other stakeholders to collect information, monitor programme activities and implement administrative requirements. The incumbent 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.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties - Provide administrative assistance and support in routine services and activities within Programme thus better able to meet the needs of persons of concern. - 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. - Guided by the MFT approach, support the development and implementation of monitoring plans for activities implemented through partnerships and those under direct implementation in line with Programme Manual and programming instructions. - Contribute to the review and analysis of operations plans, mid-year and year-end reports, ensuring quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards. Generate and maintain records of implementation rate (performance progress and expenditures) on a regular basis. - Assist in ensuring compliance with issuance of audit certificates for partners in line with the Policy on Risk-Based Project Audits. - Use UNHCR's ERP system for core activities related to planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting, generating data for evidence-based programmatic decisions and analysis. - Actively contribute to UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contributing to improvements of programming tools and processes.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s). - Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education Not applicable
Certificates and/or Licenses Not specified
Relevant Job Experience Essential Demonstrated experience in Programme Management, Operation Management Cycle and related processes. Knowledge of Results Based-Management. Computer skills (in MS office) including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc)
Desirable Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to function of the position including Programme Management Level 1. E-tutoring of PM1, Framework for Implementing with Partners Learning Programme. Experience in programme management training and capacity building activities.
Functional Skills *IT-Computer Literacy PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards) PG-Results-Based Management DM-Database Management PG-Programme Analysis (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
Nature of the position:
The Senior Programme Assistant will be based in Field Office Damazine and reports to the Programme Associate. The incumbent will provide programmatic support regarding the implementation of multiyear strategic plan within available resources. S/he will coordinate with the other sections/units to ensure harmonized programmatic approaches at all levels and throughout the UNHCR Operations Management Cycle. The incumbent will work in line with the overall UNHCR directions which require working with partners, persons of concern and governmental institutions, ensuring that programme management is approached as per UNHCR’s Strategic Priorities, corporate positions and planning guidelines/policies.
The candidate should have good analytical, reporting and communication skills including coordination with external stakeholders such as NGOs, government, and UN Agencies. He/She shall assist the supervisor in preparation of and monitoring implementation as well as reporting of partnership agreements, preparation of reports, drafting and reviewing project plans and budgets, drafting operational plans and budgets, record keeping, etc.
The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the multi-functional teams, sector leads, partners, and beneficiaries to ensure participation of relevant stakeholders in all phases of program management cycle.
Desired Candidate Profile:
• Good understanding of and skills in Cloud ERP and Compass for processing budget and agreement preparation and managements as well as generating reports. • Demonstrate knowledge of UN/UNHCR financial rules and policies. • Ability to work under pressure and stressful conditions and meet short deadline. • Excellent report writing and analysis skills in both narrative and financial form. • Good understanding of and experience in results-based program management approaches in UNHCR/UN and NGO project implementation in IDP and refugee setting. • Experience in budget analysis and presentation. • Good understanding of and experience in planning and budgeting processes with wide range of stakeholders. • Good knowledge in record keeping including taking minutes.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
Skills
DM-Database Management, IT-Computer Literacy, PG-Programme Analysis, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Results-Based ManagementEducation
Certifications
HCR Learning Program - UNHCRWork Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional Information
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.Functional clearance
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you managed multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines? | The interviewer wants to assess your ability to handle high-pressure situations and prioritize effectively. | Provide examples of specific tasks and how you prioritized them. |
| How do you ensure compliance with organizational policies in your work? | This question evaluates your understanding of compliance and adherence to policies. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a situation where you had to work with difficult stakeholders. How did you handle it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What techniques do you use for analysis and reporting in program management? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you explain your experience with risk management in your previous roles? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |