Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established to address environmental issues on a global scale, UNEP works with various international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy. The organization aims to strengthen the environmental management capacity of developing countries and those with economies in transition, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into national and international development agendas. UNEP operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position is located within the UNEP/Ecosystems Division/Marine and Freshwater Branch/GEF International Waters Unit at the Nairobi duty station. The incumbent will play a crucial role in supporting the coordination of programme and project planning and preparation work at all levels of the GEF project cycle for the GEF IW portfolio. This includes monitoring the status of programme/project proposals, legal instruments, and the receipt of relevant documentation for review, approval, and reporting. The Programme Assistant will compile, summarize, and present basic information and data on specific programmes/projects, ensuring that relevant information is regularly fed into the Integrated Project Management Reporting (IPMR) system. The role also involves reviewing project documents, particularly cost plans and budgets, to ensure compliance with GEF policy and UNEP rules before submission for final approval. The Programme Assistant will support the Financial Management Officer (FMO) and Task Managers by reviewing budget revisions, verifying fund availability, and ensuring necessary approvals are entered into the computerized budget system, including UMOJA. The position requires extensive liaison with various organizational units to facilitate administrative coordination of GEF IW portfolio implementation actions, including recruitment, travel arrangements, training, and procurement of services. The Programme Assistant will also assist in drafting legal instruments, preparing reports, and providing general office assistance, including responding to complex information requests and organizing meetings and workshops.

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

• Assisting in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work at all levels of the GEF project cycle for the GEF IW portfolio.
• Monitoring the status of programme/project proposals, legal instruments, and documentation for review and approval.
• Compiling, summarizing, and presenting information/data on specific programmes/projects and related topics.
• Reviewing project documents for completeness and compliance with GEF policy and UNEP rules.
• Supporting the FMO and Task Managers by reviewing budget revisions and verifying fund availability.
• Serving as the focal point for administrative coordination of GEF IW portfolio implementation actions.
• Compiling and entering data on project delivery and drafting related status reports.
• Assisting with the collection and analysis of data for presentations and reports.
• Providing guidance and training to new or junior staff. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant training in business administration, project management, or a related field is desirable. A minimum of five years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or a related area is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Experience with SAP or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is essential, as is experience with Global funds such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund (AF), and Green Climate Fund (GCF). Candidates should also have experience with legal instruments formalizing execution and implementation arrangements with diverse partners.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant training in business administration, project management, or a related field is considered desirable and beneficial for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or a related area. This experience is essential for understanding the complexities of project management within the context of international environmental initiatives. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of experience with SAP or similar ERP systems, as well as experience with Global funds such as GEF, AF, and GCF, covering the full project cycle and reporting. Experience working with an international organization is also required, along with experience in data analytics or related areas being desirable.

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 there are no specific desirable languages for this job opening beyond English.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is subject to local recruitment, and applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request.