Programme 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 realize their full potential from early childhood to adolescence. The organization is committed to providing diverse professional and personal development opportunities for its staff, allowing them to enhance their sense of purpose while serving children and communities worldwide. UNICEF has been active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1963, welcoming individuals who wish to thrive in a diverse and passionate culture, embodying its values to give their best for the development of children in the DRC.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate will work under the supervision of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in Kananga, responsible for supporting the field office by executing a series of program support functions. This role contributes to the development, implementation, and monitoring of country program actions, ensuring effective and efficient execution in accordance with UNICEF's rules and procedures. The Programme Associate collaborates closely with various UNICEF staff members, external partners, and sister agencies of the United Nations System (UNS) to support program-related activities. Regular updates on project progress will be provided, ensuring that activities remain on track and improvements are made as necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the work of the direct supervisor and program officers in drafting project documents, work plans, budgets, and proposals for implementation modalities.
• Ensure timely and accurate administrative processing and recording of proposals and requests for direct cash transfers from government and NGOs.
• Monitor programs in UNICEF-targeted districts regarding funds and supplies, keeping team members informed of the situation.
• Contribute to regular checks of projects funded by UNICEF to assess financial record-keeping, expenditure control, and reporting mechanisms.
• Control and track the effective distribution of supplies necessary for the efficient execution of the program.
• Support the program in researching, compiling, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and information from various sources on relevant topics to facilitate program execution, as well as preparing reports, working documents, and presentations.
• Perform transactions in VISION, ensuring that program results, activities, and funding align with annual work plans (AWP), making changes as necessary.
• Prepare follow-up and reporting information for the supervisor and team on defined performance indicators to enhance management effectiveness and accountability for results.
• Regularly monitor budgets and financial expenditures using applicable tools, ensuring compliance with UNICEF regulations and informing the supervisor of necessary actions. 1
• Assist in preparing periodic or ad hoc financial reports related to the country office and donors to help optimize the use of program funds.

Required Qualifications:

• Academic Requirement: Must hold a secondary school diploma, preferably complemented by training in administration, accounting, and/or business management, or in a related field from a recognized university or institute. A university degree (BAC+3) in social sciences, economics, administration, project management, or other related disciplines from a recognized university can replace three years of professional experience. A higher university degree (BAC+5) can replace two additional years.
• Experience: A minimum of six years of experience in administrative or clerical work is required. Relevant experience at the national level, particularly in development, fragile, and humanitarian contexts, is essential. Experience within a UN agency or organization is considered an asset. Previous experience in program support functions, as well as knowledge of UNICEF's programming and field monitoring principles, would be advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires a secondary school diploma, with preference given to candidates who have completed training in administration, accounting, or business management. A university degree in relevant fields can substitute for professional experience, with specific equivalencies outlined for BAC+3 and BAC+5 degrees.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of six years of relevant experience in administrative or clerical roles. Experience in contexts of development, fragility, and humanitarian work is crucial, with additional preference for candidates who have worked within UN agencies or organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in French (oral and written) is mandatory. A good command of English is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of UNICEF's work.

Additional Notes:
The UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women and persons with disabilities. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding hours, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding behaviors incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of power, and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic qualifications and professional history. Employment is contingent upon obtaining a medical certificate and may require vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.