Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, has been operational in the Philippines since 1948, working tirelessly to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. With a mission to promote the rights of every child, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, providing diverse opportunities for professional and personal development for its staff. The organization is committed to building careers and fostering a diverse and passionate culture, offering an attractive compensation and benefits package. UNICEF's vision for every child in the Philippines is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to ensure that no child suffers from hunger and has access to essential services like health care and education by 203

• The organization collaborates with the Philippine government to strengthen policies and programs that benefit children, particularly the most disadvantaged, and works effectively with various stakeholders to monitor and respond to the needs of communities, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Chief of Social Policy by carrying out a variety of procedural, administrative, and operational tasks. This position is essential for the development, implementation, and monitoring of UNICEF's country program, ensuring that all activities are delivered in a timely and effective manner in accordance with UNICEF's rules and regulations. The Programme Assistant will facilitate the processing of contracts for consultants and vendors, maintain accurate records, assist with travel arrangements, and support capacity development activities. This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, ensuring that all programmatic and administrative functions are executed efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: facilitating the processing of contracts for consultants, vendors, and external partners; preparing and filing necessary documents; maintaining up-to-date vendor lists and consultant rosters; collecting invoices and processing them in the relevant systems; preparing and maintaining records for monitoring project implementation and financial expenditures; maintaining the social policy calendar and organizing meetings; taking minutes and managing correspondence; providing travel assistance to staff; liaising with travel focal points to secure the best services; and supporting capacity development activities by coordinating logistics and preparing background materials for participants. The role also involves ensuring that all transactions in the relevant systems are accurate and reflect the annual work plans, as well as making necessary amendments as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills, along with a high sense of confidentiality, initiative, and good judgment. Proficiency in budget monitoring and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse national and cultural backgrounds are essential. Familiarity with UNICEF administrative policies and procedures is preferred, along with training and experience in using Microsoft Office applications and other UNICEF software such as SharePoint. Strong office management skills are also required to ensure smooth operations within the team.

Educational Background:
A minimum of secondary education is required for this position, with a preference for candidates who have completed technical or university courses that are relevant to the role. This educational background will provide the foundational knowledge necessary for the administrative and operational tasks expected of the Programme Assistant.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative or clerical work experience. This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage various administrative functions effectively and efficiently, as well as the capacity to support program implementation and monitoring activities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of UNICEF.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporary, with a contract duration that may depend on the needs of the organization and the successful candidate's start date. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.