Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where 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, working to ensure that every individual has access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights. The organization is committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing population and development issues globally. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is dedicated to building forward better in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that women and girls can access essential health services and rights.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant (PA) plays a vital role in supporting the design, planning, execution, and management of UNFPA's programs. Reporting to the Suriname Liaison Officer and under the overall supervision of the Director of the Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, the PA provides comprehensive administrative, programmatic, logistical, and operational support. This includes managing supply chains and logistical operations in humanitarian contexts. The PA is responsible for applying established systems and procedures, assisting in knowledge management, and compiling relevant information on population and development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender, and youth issues. The role also involves ensuring compliance with financial transaction processes related to office management and operations, facilitating administrative support, and developing appropriate mechanisms and systems, particularly using Quantum ERP. The PA will implement and monitor adherence to internal audit recommendations and safeguard and reconcile assets, ensuring that UNFPA's operational standards are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant is tasked with providing substantive programmatic and logistical support for various UNFPA initiatives, including workshops, capacity-building activities, and advocacy events. Key responsibilities include ensuring timely and efficient financial and administrative support, maintaining petty cash, and contributing to the smooth operation of the office by managing services and supplies. The PA will coordinate logistics and supply chain management for UNFPA operations, particularly in emergencies, and ensure effective procurement and management of commodities and supplies. The role also involves conducting field monitoring visits, supporting the establishment of agreements with partners, and assisting in capacity building and training of stakeholders. The PA will liaise with various stakeholders to advance UNFPA's programmatic goals and contribute to knowledge sharing by documenting findings and best practices. Additionally, the PA will support advocacy and resource mobilization efforts, manage cash transfers to implementing partners, and ensure accurate budget management by reviewing expenditures and preparing financial reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess completed secondary level education, with a first-level university degree preferred. A minimum of five years of previous experience in secretarial, financial, and administrative functions is required. Experience in research assistance and familiarity with UN protocols are advantageous. Proficiency in the Quantum ERP system and the UN ALL platform is also beneficial. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, computer literacy (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and good writing and communication skills are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completed secondary level education as a minimum, with a first-level university degree being preferred. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and effectively supporting UNFPA's programs and initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in secretarial, financial, and administrative functions. Candidates with prior experience in the UN system or knowledge of UN protocols will have an advantage. Familiarity with the Quantum ERP system is also beneficial, as is experience in research assistance and working with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Dutch is mandatory, encompassing reading, writing, and speaking skills. A working knowledge of another local or official UN language is desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration with various stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes 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 for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.