Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 with the mission to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge. The organization has been pivotal in providing support to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals globally. UNHCR operates in numerous countries, including Brazil, where it has been instrumental in supporting over 562,589 refugees and asylum-seekers since 202

• The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and the private sector, to promote the rights and integration of refugees into society. UNHCR's commitment to humanitarian assistance and protection is reflected in its ongoing efforts to enhance public policies for refugees in Brazil, ensuring they have access to essential services and rights similar to those of regular foreign citizens. The organization is represented by its head office in Brasília and has field offices in São Paulo, Manaus, Boa Vista, Belém, and Pacaraima, working closely with the National Committee for Refugees (CONARE).

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position at UNHCR involves providing administrative support and assistance in routine services and activities within the program, aimed at better meeting the needs of persons of concern, particularly refugees and asylum-seekers. The role requires the incumbent to assist in organizing and documenting the selection of partners, ensuring compliance with established guidelines and procedures. The Programme Assistant will support the development and implementation of monitoring plans for activities, contributing to the review and analysis of operations plans and reports. The position is integral to ensuring that partnership agreements are established and monitored effectively, and that compliance with audit requirements is maintained. The Programme Assistant will also utilize UNHCR's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for planning, budgeting, and reporting, generating data for evidence-based decision-making. This role is crucial in enhancing the effectiveness of UNHCR's programming and ensuring that the needs of refugees are met efficiently.

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

• Providing administrative assistance and support in routine services and activities within the program to better meet the needs of persons of concern.
• Assisting in organizing and documenting the selection of partners in accordance with the policy on selection and retention of partners, ensuring due diligence to meet project requirements.
• Supporting the establishment of partnership agreements in a timely manner, ensuring regular monitoring and reporting in compliance with established guidelines.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of monitoring plans for activities implemented through partnerships and those under direct implementation, in line with the Program Manual.
• Reviewing and analyzing operations plans, mid-year and year-end reports to ensure quality assurance and compliance with policies and standards.
• Generating and maintaining records of implementation rates, including performance progress and expenditures.
• Ensuring compliance with the issuance of audit certificates for partners in line with the Policy on Risk-Based Project Audits.
• Utilizing UNHCR's ERP system for core activities related to planning, budgeting, implementation, and reporting.
• Actively contributing to UNHCR's programming community of practice and continuously improving programming tools and processes. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Assistant position include a strong understanding of administrative processes and procedures, particularly in the context of program management. Candidates should possess excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multi-functional team. Proficiency in using ERP systems and other relevant software is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as effective communication abilities to liaise with various stakeholders. A commitment to UNHCR's mission and values, particularly in relation to the protection of refugees and vulnerable populations, is crucial.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Programme Assistant position should have a minimum of a secondary education, with a preference for those holding a university degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, international relations, or public administration. Additional training or certifications related to program management, project monitoring, or administrative support would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in administrative support, program management, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNHCR's operations and policies, as well as experience in working with refugees or vulnerable populations, will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, given the location in Brazil. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is the working language of UNHCR. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Spanish or French, would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Brasília, Brazil. The assignment is classified as a family duty station and is categorized as hardship level A. The living conditions in Brasília are generally good, with access to health services and a variety of accommodation options. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. National UN Volunteers are covered by a malicious insurance plan. It is important to note that Brazil has a security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security level of 3 (moderate), and the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) advises exercising a high degree of caution due to high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in major cities. All UN personnel must comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment.