Programme Associate (G-6)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. Established in 1946, UNICEF is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child, and it is a place where careers are built. The organization offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. UNICEF is known for its commitment to children's welfare and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package to its staff.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate (G-6) role is embedded within the Education Programme Section and reports to the Section Chief, Education. This position is crucial for bridging operational delivery by liaising with multiple internal units such as Programme, Operations, Finance, and Supply, as well as external partners including government ministries, NGOs, and donors. The Programme Associate is responsible for providing specialized programme and administrative support to facilitate the development, implementation, and monitoring of UNICEF's programmes. This role requires substantial engagement in data analysis, budget tracking, reporting, and coordination with stakeholders to ensure effective delivery and compliance with organizational rules. The incumbent is expected to exercise judgment, anticipate needs, and recommend actions that contribute to programme planning, implementation, and reporting results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Associate include:

• Project Management and Implementing Partnership Coordination: Support overall project planning, execution, and monitoring for assigned initiatives; assist in establishing and operationalizing implementing partnership management functions; work with Programme Managers and relevant stakeholders to ensure timely processing of Funding Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures (FACE) requests; monitor prompt liquidation of Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs).
• Data Management, Analysis & Reporting: Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative programme data; generate regular reports and presentations on key performance indicators; support the application of digital and AI tools for synthesizing complex data.
• Grant Management, Budget Monitoring and Reporting: Track budget allocations and expenditures; contribute to grants management and prepare periodic reports for supervisors and donor reporting; facilitate generating funds utilization reports.
• Digital Innovation & Operational Efficiency: Utilize AI and automation tools to streamline tasks; serve as a resource for digital platforms within the section; safeguard sensitive data.
• Communication, Knowledge Sharing and Stakeholder Engagement: Draft clear communication for internal and external use; maintain effective document repository systems; contribute to knowledge generation and documentation of lessons learned.
• Capacity Building & Event Coordination: Support the organization of capacity development activities and workshops; assist in logistics and coordination with participants.
• Flexibility & Surge Support: Adapt to shifting programme needs and provide support during emergency responses or re-prioritization events.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Associate position include:

• Education: Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• Work Experience: A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience is required, with prior experience in programme support functions considered an asset. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is also an asset.
• Skills: Strong project management, collaboration, problem-solving, and digital dexterity skills are essential. The ability to navigate organizational dynamics and communicate effectively is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background needed for this position includes completion of secondary education, with a preference for additional technical or university courses related to UNICEF's work. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of programme support and management within the organization.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Programme Associate position is a minimum of six years in administrative or clerical roles, with a strong preference for candidates who have prior experience in programme support functions. Experience within a UN system agency or organization is considered advantageous, as it provides familiarity with the operational and administrative frameworks of UNICEF.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, or a local language, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNICEF offers a wide range of benefits to its staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment process and has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives.