Assistant Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in all countries, providing support to governments and civil society in their efforts to promote human rights. The organization operates in various countries, including Syria, where it focuses on addressing human rights violations and supporting the implementation of international human rights standards. The OHCHR aims to create a world where everyone can enjoy their rights and freedoms, and it employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to this mission.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Programme Management Officer plays a crucial role in the OHCHR's Syria Country Office, located in Damascus. This position involves monitoring and analyzing the administrative and operational aspects of program and project implementation. The incumbent will review relevant documents and reports, identify problems, and recommend corrective actions. The role requires liaising with various administrative, financial, and human resources counterparts to ensure effective program support and service delivery. Additionally, the Assistant Programme Management Officer will assist in developing and monitoring the unit's work program and budget, ensuring that resource allocations align with operational and administrative requirements. The position also involves tracking budgetary allocations and reallocating resources as necessary, as well as managing human resource activities within the unit. This includes recruitment, placement, performance appraisal, and training, ensuring compliance with UN rules and procedures. The Assistant Programme Management Officer will support senior officers in various administrative duties, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the office's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Programme Management Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Monitoring and analyzing administrative and operational aspects related to program and project implementation.
• Reviewing relevant documents and reports to identify problems and recommend corrective actions.
• Liaising with administrative, financial, and human resources counterparts to track follow-up actions related to program support and service delivery.
• Assisting in the development and monitoring of the unit's work program and budget, including resource allocation and operational requirements.
• Regularly monitoring the budget/work program in relation to Headquarters' budget, trust funds, and grants, using the Umoja system.
• Following up on pending payments, claims, and entitlements to ensure timely resolution.
• Undertaking actions related to the administration of human resource activities, ensuring consistency in the application of UN rules and procedures.
• Providing administrative support and information on conditions of service, duties, responsibilities, and staff entitlements.
• Supporting senior officers in other administrative duties, including finance and budget, procurement, ICT, travel, and facilities management. 1
• Assisting in coordinating operational travel, vendor payments, office space planning, and supervision of support staff.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong understanding of administrative, budgetary, financial, and human resources policies and procedures. Candidates should possess the ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills are essential for conducting independent research and analysis. The ideal candidate should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and effective planning and organizing skills. They should be able to develop clear goals, identify priority activities, and allocate appropriate resources for completing work. The ability to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning is also important.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business, management, economics, public administration, finance, accounting, law, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
For applicants with an advanced university degree, professional work experience is not required. However, candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least two additional years of qualifying work experience. Experience within the United Nations common system or similar international organizations is desirable, particularly in roles involving a Talent Management System or an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System such as Umoja.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, with a minimum level of proficiency as outlined in the UN Language Framework. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to read, write, listen, and speak in both languages at the required levels.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above their current grade. The selection process will be administered as a temporary assignment for current staff members from the United Nations Secretariat. The position may be limited to internal candidates based at the duty station, and applicants are encouraged to follow all instructions provided in the online recruitment platform, inspira. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.