Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network that advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience, with a mission to empower lives and build resilient nations.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the UNDP's environmental, energy, and climate change initiatives in the Central African Republic (CAR). This position involves daily contributions to the program/project execution, ensuring compliance with expected results, outputs, objectives, and work plans. The assistant will assist the National Coordinator in pre-selecting project proposals and evaluating financial aspects of submissions. The role also includes advising potential beneficiaries on project preparation processes and guidelines, providing daily support to ongoing projects, and maintaining professional relationships with NGOs, government institutions, donors, and other stakeholders. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for regular reporting to the central program secretariat and ensuring adherence to monitoring and evaluation requirements. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to supporting sustainable livelihoods and environmental benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the daily implementation of the program/project, ensuring compliance with expected results and work plans.
• Assist the National Coordinator in the pre-selection of project proposals and financial evaluations.
• Advise potential beneficiaries on project preparation processes and guidelines.
• Provide daily support and advice to new and ongoing projects and their beneficiaries.
• Assist in the implementation of projects, including grievance mechanisms, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Support the organization and preparation of meeting minutes and events related to the program.
• Maintain professional relationships with NGOs, government institutions, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in regular reporting to the central program secretariat and prepare annual surveys and reports.
• Update project databases and stakeholder databases regularly. 1
• Provide guidance and review financial reports and documentation. 1
• Process payment requests and ensure timely payments according to standard operating procedures. 1
• Manage office supplies and equipment purchases according to SOPs. 1
• Organize daily office work and maintain administrative records. 1
• Support knowledge management and communication efforts, ensuring visibility and branding guidelines are followed. 1
• Generate performance evaluation reports and support project monitoring systems.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in administrative or program support at the national or international level is required for candidates with secondary education. For those with a bachelor's degree, two years of experience is required.
• Proven experience in reviewing and modifying documents and producing meeting minutes is essential.
• Experience in project management or support at the community level is an asset.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools and a keen interest in development issues are advantageous.
• Proficiency in using office software (MS Word, Excel) and familiarity with databases and online management systems is preferred.
• Experience in financial management support for programs is a plus.
• Experience in providing operational support, including event management and logistics, is beneficial.

Educational Background:

• A secondary education level is required.
• A bachelor's degree in business administration, environmental sciences, or social sciences is preferred but not mandatory.
• A certificate in business administration, accounting, or finance is a distinct advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience for candidates with secondary education or two years for those with a bachelor's degree. Experience should include administrative or program support responsibilities with progressively increased responsibilities at the national or international level.

Languages:
Fluency in French and the national language (Sango) is required. Knowledge of English is an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in the UNDP offices in Bangui, Central African Republic. The selected candidate will report to the National Coordinator of the Small Grants Programme (SGP) and will have access to necessary information for the execution of their duties. A reliable internet connection and a workspace will be provided. The UNDP promotes equal opportunity and values diversity, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or abuse of authority and conducts relevant checks on selected candidates.