Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing thousands of staff dedicated to advancing gender equality and reproductive rights. The organization is committed to achieving transformative results in ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's health and rights, advocating for principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of UNFPA's country programme and projects. This position involves providing programmatic, administrative, and financial support to the programme and operations team. The successful candidate will contribute to various aspects of programme activities, including budget preparation, financial reporting, logistical arrangements, and communication with partners. The role is integral to ensuring that UNFPA's initiatives, particularly those focused on gender equality and the prevention of violence against women, are executed effectively. The Programme Assistant will also support efforts related to Women, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, particularly in providing care and support to survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV). This position requires a commitment to ethical standards and a proactive approach to achieving high-impact results in line with UNFPA's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: providing input into technical and logistical aspects of programme activities; assisting programme officers with budget preparation and financial reporting; arranging venues, transportation, and training materials; contributing to report preparation by soliciting information and drafting sections; supporting procurement processes in accordance with UNFPA procedures; maintaining databases of project vendors and beneficiaries; organizing programme meetings and ensuring proper documentation; assisting with archiving and filing of programme documents; providing logistical support for events; managing travel and visa requirements; and undertaking any other assignments as requested by the supervisor. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed secondary level education (high school or equivalent) as a minimum requirement. A first-level or advanced degree in social sciences, gender studies, or economics is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record in managing and implementing policies and processes within development organizations or the private sector. Excellent technical and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to analyze financial information and produce clear, concise reports. Strong interpersonal skills and proficiency in office software applications are also required. Previous experience in the UN system is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a completed secondary level education (high school diploma or equivalent). However, candidates with a first-level or advanced degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, gender studies, or economics will be preferred. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the programmes and projects that UNFPA undertakes.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in programmatic roles if they possess only a secondary level education. Alternatively, candidates with a first-level or advanced degree are required to have at least 2 years of relevant experience. This experience should include managing and implementing policies, processes, and systems in development organizations or the private sector, demonstrating the ability to work effectively under tight schedules and produce high-quality results.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian. These language skills are essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners, ensuring that all programme activities are conducted smoothly and efficiently.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in the Country Office and reports directly to the Women, Peace and Security Manager. The role is full-time and may involve working on various projects that require collaboration with multiple stakeholders. The Programme Assistant will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to UNFPA's values and core competencies, including integrity, accountability, and teamwork. The position may also involve international collaboration, depending on the nature of the projects undertaken.