Programme Support Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce committed to making a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide. The organization emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusion, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package to its staff.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support Associate position at UNICEF involves facilitating the development of programme cooperation agreements (PCAs) and ensuring the accurate recording and administrative processing of proposals and requests for direct cash transfers (DCTs). The role requires conducting programme monitoring in UNICEF focus districts, performing regular spot checks of partner projects, and tracking the distribution of supplies necessary for effective programme delivery. The associate will also support the programme section by researching and analyzing data relevant to programme delivery, preparing reports, and managing transactions in VISION to ensure compliance with annual work plans. This position is crucial for maintaining efficient management and accountability for results, as well as supporting capacity development activities related to programme development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the development of programme cooperation agreements (PCAs) by providing information and drafting selected sections.
• Ensure timely and accurate recording and administrative processing of government and NGO proposals and requests for direct cash transfers (DCTs).
• Conduct programme monitoring in UNICEF focus districts for cash and supplies, informing team members on the status.
• Help conduct regular spot checks of partner projects to assess financial record-keeping, expenditure controls, and reporting systems.
• Monitor and track the efficient distribution of supplies required for effective programme delivery.
• Support the programme section in researching, compiling, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from various sources to facilitate programme delivery and prepare reports.
• Carry out transactions in VISION, ensuring programme results and activities align with annual work plans, making necessary amendments.
• Prepare monitoring and reporting information for supervisors and teams on agreed performance indicators.
• Regularly monitor budgets and financial expenditures, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations. 1
• Help prepare periodic or ad-hoc financial reports to support the optimization of programme funds. 1
• Support capacity development activities by preparing training materials and participating in exercises.

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience is required, or three years plus an additional two years of experience may be substituted for candidates holding a bachelor’s and master’s degree respectively.
• Prior experience in programme support functions is an asset, as is relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization.
• In-depth knowledge of administration, including monitoring and evaluation processes, is essential.
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills are necessary, along with a high sense of confidentiality, initiative, and good judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse national and cultural backgrounds is crucial.
• Strong office management skills and high attention to detail are required.
• Good analytical skills and experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires completion of secondary education, with a preference for candidates who have pursued technical or university courses related to UNICEF's work. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the foundational knowledge necessary for the administrative and clerical tasks associated with the role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree may qualify with three years of experience, while those with a master’s degree may qualify with one year of experience. Experience in programme support functions is highly valued, and relevant experience within a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset, indicating familiarity with the operational context of UNICEF.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF. Knowledge of the local language is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in a humanitarian context, where staff can be called upon to support humanitarian responses. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements.