Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing population issues and reproductive health globally. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 aims to enhance resilience and renewal in the face of global challenges, ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health services and realizing reproductive rights.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position is integral to the design, planning, and management of UNFPA's country programme. This role involves managing data inputs, providing logistical support, and monitoring project implementation while following up on recommendations. The Programme Associate will report directly to the Programme Specialist or Programme Analyst and will be responsible for facilitating the implementation of UNFPA's country programme and projects, particularly in areas related to population and development, reproductive health, youth, and gender-based violence programming. The position emphasizes integrated and sustainable service delivery and requires the strengthening of partnerships with local authorities, UN entities, and other local actors. The Programme Associate will apply established systems and procedures to assist in knowledge creation by compiling, synthesizing, and analyzing relevant information, ensuring compliance with procedures, and developing appropriate mechanisms and systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: Participating in the formulation of the country programme and component projects by compiling and analyzing relevant information, drafting project documents, and preparing statistical data. Supporting the monitoring and evaluation of project and programme activities, establishing assessment methods, and recommending corrective actions as needed. Conducting field visits, participating in review meetings, and preparing regular inputs for status and progress reports. Coordinating the delivery of project inputs and ensuring national counterparts' participation in training activities and study tours. Strengthening engagement with stakeholders, including implementing partners, and promoting their meaningful participation throughout the project cycle. Maintaining day-to-day coordination with implementing partners to track progress and address constraints. Contributing to capacity strengthening of partners through targeted support and on-the-job guidance. Supporting working engagements with local authorities and civil society organizations to align responses for greater impact. Providing logistical support for project-related meetings, workshops, and events. Training project personnel on national execution and programme policies. Supporting advocacy and resource mobilization efforts by establishing a network of donor and public information contacts. Monitoring budgets and financial expenditures, ensuring compliance with UNFPA rules, and advising supervisors on necessary actions. Facilitating timely delivery of supplies and adhering to UNFPA regulations. Preparing reports on emergency preparedness and response actions. Acting as a liaison between field offices and the central office to ensure timely responses to requirements. Implementing knowledge management strategies to capture lessons learned and best practices for future planning.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires completed secondary level education as a minimum, with a first-level university degree being desirable. Candidates should have seven years of relevant experience in programme or project management, demonstrating proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems. The role demands a strong understanding of UNFPA's mission and values, as well as the ability to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary level education, with a first-level university degree being preferred. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of programme management and the specific requirements of UNFPA's initiatives.

Experience:
The Programme Associate should possess a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in programme or project management. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, coordinate with various stakeholders, and ensure the successful implementation of projects. Familiarity with UNFPA's operational procedures and policies is advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA is committed to providing a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.