Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) was established in 1997 and operates under the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPO). Its mission is to eliminate the threats posed by mines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices. UNMAS coordinates United Nations mine action, leads operational responses at the country level, and supports the development of standards, policies, and norms. It operates under UN legislative mandates from both the General Assembly and the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council and responds to specific requests for support from the UN Secretary-General or designated officials. UNMAS is dedicated to ensuring safety and security in conflict-affected areas by addressing the dangers posed by explosive devices, thereby contributing to peace and stability in various regions. For more information, visit www.unmas.org.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position is crucial for the effective coordination and administration of various programme and project initiatives within the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, specifically in the Office of Mine Action and Police (OMAP). The role involves assisting in the planning and preparation of medium-sized and complex projects, monitoring the status of proposals, and ensuring that all necessary documentation is collected and reviewed. The Programme Assistant will compile and summarize data on specific projects, review project documents for compliance with rules and procedures, and serve as a focal point for administrative coordination. This includes liaising with various organizational units to initiate requests, process administrative actions, and ensure the smooth implementation of projects. The position also requires drafting correspondence, preparing reports, and providing general office assistance to the teams within PADROS. The Programme Assistant will play a key role in data collection and analysis, contributing to knowledge management and decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: assisting in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation; monitoring the status of proposals and documentation; compiling and summarizing information on projects; reviewing project documents for completeness and compliance; serving as a focal point for administrative coordination; compiling and entering data on project delivery; drafting correspondence and reports; providing general office assistance; responding to information requests; organizing meetings and workshops; providing guidance to new staff; and assisting with data analysis and presentations. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying shortfalls in project delivery and budget overruns, as well as maintaining accurate records and files.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in general office support, programme or project administration, or technical cooperation is required. Experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is essential, as is experience in generating visualizations related to funding trends. Work experience in an international organization or within the United Nations system is desirable, along with familiarity with recruitment systems and SAP/Umoja for travel and budget management.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no specific job-related qualifications listed beyond this educational requirement, but relevant experience and skills are emphasized as critical for success in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as general office support, programme or project administration, or technical cooperation. Candidates should have experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and generating visualizations related to funding. Experience in an international organization or within the UN system is considered an asset, as is familiarity with recruitment systems and SAP/Umoja.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but no additional desirable languages are specified for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed for a one-year period, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different functions periodically. Candidates must pass the Global General Service Test (GGST) for recruitment consideration in the General Services category. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Selected candidates from outside the duty station will be responsible for relocation expenses. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.