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 fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to its mission, fostering a culture of belonging and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate role at UNICEF is designed to provide specialized programme and administrative support that facilitates the development, implementation, and monitoring of UNICEF's Education programmes. This position is crucial for ensuring effective delivery and compliance with organizational rules, requiring substantial engagement in budget tracking, reporting, and coordination with both internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent will exercise judgment, anticipate needs, and recommend actions that contribute to programme planning, implementation, and reporting results. The role encompasses various key functions, including project management, partnership coordination, data management, analysis and reporting, grant management, budget monitoring, digital innovation, operational efficiency, communication, knowledge sharing, dissemination, capacity building, and event coordination. Additionally, the Programme Associate may be called upon to provide flexibility and surge support as needed, adapting to the dynamic needs of the organization and the communities it serves.

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

• Project Management: Overseeing the planning, execution, and monitoring of education projects to ensure alignment with UNICEF's strategic objectives.
• Implementing Partnership Coordination: Collaborating with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to foster effective partnerships that enhance programme delivery.
• Data Management, Analysis & Reporting: Collecting, managing, and analyzing data related to education programmes, preparing reports that inform decision-making and strategic planning.
• Grant Management: Assisting in the management of grants, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and effective utilization of resources.
• Budget Monitoring and Reporting: Tracking budget expenditures, preparing financial reports, and ensuring adherence to financial regulations.
• Digital Innovation & Operational Efficiency: Identifying opportunities for digital solutions to improve programme efficiency and effectiveness.
• Communication, Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination: Facilitating communication among stakeholders, sharing best practices, and disseminating information related to education initiatives.
• Capacity Building & Event Coordination: Organizing training sessions, workshops, and events to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders involved in education programmes.
• Flexibility & Surge Support: Being prepared to respond to urgent needs and provide support in times of crisis or increased demand for services.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Programme Associate position, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Completion of secondary education is required. Professional and/or university courses related to the field of work are highly desirable.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required for candidates holding a bachelor’s degree, and 2 years for candidates holding a master’s degree. Additionally, at least 6 years of relevant work experience in administrative or clerical roles is required.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) and a local language is considered an asset.
• Desirable Experience: Relevant experience at the country level, particularly in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Programme Associate position should have completed secondary education as a minimum requirement. However, professional and/or university courses related to the field of work are highly desirable, indicating that further education in relevant areas can enhance a candidate's qualifications and competitiveness for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience for candidates with a bachelor's degree and 2 years for those with a master's degree. Additionally, at least 6 years of relevant work experience in administrative or clerical roles is essential, demonstrating the need for a well-rounded background in programmatic support and administrative functions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is a mandatory requirement for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset, as is proficiency in a local language. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Programme Associate position is a full-time role within UNICEF, which is committed to fostering an inclusive and representative workforce. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. UNICEF provides a wide range of benefits to its staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The recruitment process includes rigorous reference and background checks, and selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles. Additionally, candidates may be required to meet medical clearance and inoculation requirements, including vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children.