Programme Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established to address global population issues, UNFPA operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable development. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and has a strategic plan for 2026-2029 that emphasizes resilience and renewal in a complex global environment. UNFPA's mission is pursued through four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies. The organization values principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring effective external relations and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Country Programme by engaging in planning, budgeting, and monitoring processes. This position requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to deadlines, ensuring that all aspects of the programme are executed efficiently. The specialist will facilitate incoming missions and manage travel arrangements for programme staff and partners, coordinating closely with relevant personnel to process travel requests and claims. Additionally, the role involves maintaining an organized filing system for the Country Office's programmes and projects, drafting correspondence on programme-related issues, and providing logistical support for staff and consultants. The specialist will also summarize information and draft contributions to reports and technical notes, keeping the Country Office informed with relevant updates. Furthermore, the role includes organizing programme-related meetings, preparing agendas, and documenting meeting minutes and action plans. The Programme Support Specialist will also support the logistics and financial aspects of events, workshops, and advocacy activities, ensuring that all support duties are performed as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Support Specialist include:

• Supporting the implementation of the Country Programme by planning, budgeting, and monitoring processes.
• Facilitating incoming missions and managing travel arrangements for programme staff and partners.
• Maintaining an organized filing system for the Country Office's programmes and projects.
• Drafting correspondence on programme-related issues in consultation with programme officers.
• Providing logistical support and addressing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-related issues for staff, UNVs, and consultants.
• Summarizing information and drafting contributions to reports, papers, and technical notes.
• Preparing and maintaining records and control plans for monitoring project/programme implementation.
• Keeping the Country Office informed by providing relevant information, reports, or status updates.
• Supporting the Assistant Representative and programme officers in organizing programme-related meetings, including preparing agendas and necessary documentation. 1
• Documenting meetings related to the programme by taking minutes and ensuring action plans are followed up. 1
• Supporting the logistics and financial aspects of programme-related events, meetings, workshops, and advocacy activities in coordination with the operations team. 1
• Performing other support duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Support Specialist position include:

• Completed secondary level education is required.
• A first-level university degree in public administration, finance, or economics is desirable.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required.
• Previous experience in the UN is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are essential.
• Proficiency in computer applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is necessary.
• Good knowledge of Quantum or other ERP systems is preferred.
• Excellent writing and communication skills are required.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Programme Support Specialist position includes a completed secondary level education as a minimum requirement. A first-level university degree in fields such as public administration, finance, or economics is desirable and would enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates for the Programme Support Specialist position should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. This experience should ideally include previous work within the United Nations system, which would provide valuable insights into the organization's operations and culture. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are also essential, as the role involves coordinating various activities and supporting multiple stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, along with a working knowledge of English. Knowledge of other official UN languages and/or the local language of the duty station is considered desirable, as it would facilitate communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive net salary, cost-of-living adjustment, rental subsidy, education grant, home leave, 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 is committed to achieving gender parity and encourages women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply. UNFPA emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. Additionally, selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.