Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact in the area of gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds upon the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. The organization operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders including Member States, civil society organizations, and the private sector to promote gender equality and women's rights. UN Women has a presence in multiple countries and works on various initiatives to empower women and eliminate discrimination against them.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position at UN Women is designed to provide essential programmatic, operational, and administrative support within the framework of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI). This initiative aims to empower young girls aged 17-20 across Africa by equipping them with coding and ICT skills, thereby promoting gender-responsive education systems and strengthening national digital ecosystems. The Programme Associate will work closely with the operations and program teams, contributing to research, financial management, and the implementation of programs. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the African Union Commission and other partners, to ensure effective program delivery and alignment with strategic priorities. The Programme Associate will also be responsible for coordinating advocacy initiatives and managing partnerships to enhance the impact of the AGCCI program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate will lead the development and implementation of annual and multi-year work plans for the AGCCI program, ensuring alignment with donor agreements and strategic priorities. Responsibilities include coordinating overall program delivery, providing technical support to implementing countries, and managing advocacy and outreach initiatives. The role involves overseeing program monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management, ensuring timely submission of high-quality reports to UN Women and donors. Financial management duties include coordinating budgeting, expenditure tracking, and ensuring compliance with UN Women and donor requirements. The Programme Associate will also manage logistical and administrative arrangements for meetings and events, support resource mobilization efforts, and contribute to the development of strategic documents and proposals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP® is considered an advantage. The position requires a minimum of 2 years of work experience in administrative and operational management related to gender equality and women's empowerment, human rights, or advocacy projects. Candidates should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team. Proficiency in MS Office applications and familiarity with database management is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, or international development. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. Additional certifications in project or program management are beneficial and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience, particularly in administrative and operational management within the context of gender equality and women's empowerment, human rights, or advocacy projects. Candidates should have demonstrated interest and experience in coordinating and managing partnerships, as well as familiarity with tools and approaches for effective communication in development contexts. The ability to adapt to challenging environments and work effectively in diverse teams is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UN official languages is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Additional Notes:
This is an office-based consultancy role, and the Programme Associate may be required to travel as assigned by the supervisor. The position is full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders across multiple countries. UN Women emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.