Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as a response to the need for a dedicated entity to advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women within the United Nations system. The organization is grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and works towards eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women operates globally, with a significant presence in Afghanistan, where it has been active for two decades, focusing on the unique challenges faced by Afghan women and girls, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The organization has five key programme priorities in Afghanistan: Integrated Programming and Localization, Women’s Movement Building, Policy and Research, Economic Resilience and Private Sector, and Coordination, Access, and Humanitarian Response. UN Women is committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and ensuring their voices are amplified in policy discussions and programming efforts.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position at UN Women is designed to provide comprehensive support to the Programme Team in the development and implementation of effective programmes that align with UN Women’s rules and regulations. The role involves a variety of administrative, logistical, and financial tasks aimed at ensuring smooth programme implementation. The Programme Assistant will work closely with the Programme Manager and team members to facilitate the formulation and management of programmes, assist in the preparation of work plans and budgets, and support the execution of programme activities. This position is crucial in maintaining the operational efficiency of the Programme Unit and ensuring that the needs of Afghan women and girls are met through targeted programming and support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: providing administrative and logistical support for programme formulation and management; assisting in the preparation of programme work plans, budgets, and proposals; tracking the delivery of funds and providing support to executing partners on routine delivery and reporting; assisting in the audit of programmes/projects and implementing audit recommendations; gathering and compiling data for the preparation of documents and guidelines; creating projects in the Quantum system and preparing budget revisions; monitoring and preparing budgets and finances for programmes/projects; organizing logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, and events; making travel arrangements for the Programme Team; drafting meeting minutes; assembling briefing materials; and providing administrative support for resource mobilization efforts. The incumbent will also facilitate knowledge building and sharing by organizing training sessions for office personnel and partners on programme and operations-related issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications to be considered for the Programme Assistant role. This includes a completion of secondary education as a minimum requirement, with a Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration being desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, procurement, HR, or logistic support services. Proficiency in using computers and office software packages, such as MS Word and Excel, is essential. Experience with ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable, along with experience in Women, Peace and Security initiatives or research and policy work. Candidates should also have experience coordinating logistical arrangements across UN agencies and supporting a team effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Programme Assistant position includes a minimum of secondary education. A Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration is preferred, as it provides a solid foundation for the administrative and logistical tasks associated with the role. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of programme management and the operational requirements of UN Women.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as administration, procurement, human resources, or logistic support services. This level of experience is crucial for the Programme Assistant to effectively manage the various administrative and logistical tasks that are integral to the smooth operation of the Programme Unit. Candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to handle a large volume of work and perform tasks of a confidential nature, showcasing their capability to manage sensitive information and support the Programme Team efficiently.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UN Women and for the documentation involved in the role. Additionally, fluency in Dari or Pashto is required, reflecting the linguistic needs of the Afghan context and ensuring effective communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. UN Women emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is important for applicants to complete all sections of the application form thoroughly, as incomplete applications may be disqualified from the recruitment process.