Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, is dedicated to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable, resilient, and well-planned cities and towns. Established as part of the United Nations system, UN-Habitat focuses on ensuring adequate housing, infrastructure, and access to basic services. The organization plays a crucial role in responding to crises and post-crisis contexts, particularly in regions like Ukraine, where it supports national and local authorities in recovery efforts. UN-Habitat operates in multiple countries, working to strengthen urban planning and design capacities by collaborating with academia, think tanks, and practitioners. The organization also engages in initiatives to enhance digital and data capacities of public institutions to improve decision-making and support climate-resilient recovery planning. Through its Urban Lab in Kyiv, UN-Habitat provides support for municipal recovery planning, linking immediate reconstruction needs with long-term resilience solutions. Overall, UN-Habitat's mission is to foster sustainable urban development and improve living conditions for people worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position at UN-Habitat Ukraine is designed to provide comprehensive support to the office, ensuring the effective functioning of day-to-day operations. The role involves assisting with internal workflows related to finance, logistics, and documentation, including the processing of financial transactions in Umoja. The Programme Assistant will play a vital role in facilitating coordination across various offices, field teams, and partners, ensuring the timely and efficient execution of approved activities. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail. The Programme Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining communication with stakeholders and ensuring that all operational activities align with UN-Habitat's goals and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will undertake a variety of tasks under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer and the overall supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor. Key responsibilities include: providing administrative, financial, and operational support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations; arranging appointments, meetings, missions, workshops, and conferences; maintaining and updating programme-related files and documentation; providing regular updates to the Programme Management Officer on ongoing tasks and deliverables; assisting with financial operations, including petty cash transactions and maintenance of accounting records; supporting the creation and monitoring of financial obligations and travel claims; assisting with office and field operations, including stock control and inventory management; supporting personnel-related administrative tasks; liaising with field teams, vendors, and institutional partners; assisting programme staff in preparing operational inputs; tracking the administrative and financial status of programme activities; and performing any other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary education (high school diploma) and possess a minimum of 3 years of work experience in a relevant field. Proven ability and knowledge of modern office procedures are essential, along with the capability to work with minimal supervision and prioritize daily tasks effectively. The ideal candidate should be well-organized, able to work under pressure, and have a good working knowledge of computerized office systems and standard MS Office applications. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with other staff are also required. A valid passport for occasional travel in the region and a valid driving license, with the ability to obtain a UN driver’s license, are necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed secondary education, specifically a high school diploma. This foundational education is essential for understanding the administrative and operational tasks associated with the role. Additional training or certifications related to office management, finance, or project management may be advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience. This experience should ideally be in administrative support, finance, or operations within an international organization or similar environment. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of managing office procedures, financial transactions, and coordination of activities in a professional setting. Experience working in a multicultural environment and familiarity with UN administrative and financial procedures would be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Ukrainian and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other relevant languages spoken in Ukraine is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kyiv, and the Programme Assistant is expected to reside in Kyiv or its vicinity. The role is full-time, and the selected candidate will be responsible for their own transportation to and from work. Travel to partner municipalities and interactions with various partners will be part of the job responsibilities. The organization values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. UNDP, as an equal opportunity employer, is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. The deadline for applications is set for 18 January 2026, and late submissions will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.