Programme Management Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a part of the United Nations Secretariat and operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Established to support the development of the Arab region, ESCWA comprises 21 member countries across Western Asia and North Africa. The organization aims to provide a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies, serving as a platform for coordination and congress, and as a repository of expertise and knowledge. ESCWA's activities are aligned with the broader goals of the United Nations and are coordinated with various divisions and offices at the UN Headquarters, as well as with specialized agencies and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The ESCWA Technology Centre (ETC), located in Amman, is specifically focused on enhancing technology and innovation in the region, and the Programme Management Assistant will report directly to the Chief of ETC.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the planning and execution of various programmatic initiatives within the ESCWA Technology Centre. This position involves assisting in the coordination of medium-sized and complex projects, such as the Arab SMEs Summit (ASMES). The assistant will monitor the status of program/project proposals, compile and summarize relevant data, and ensure that all project documents are complete and compliant with established rules and procedures. The role requires a proactive approach to administrative coordination, involving extensive liaison with various organizational units to facilitate requests, approvals, and follow-up actions related to program/project implementation. The assistant will also be responsible for drafting correspondence, preparing reports, and providing general office assistance, including organizing meetings and workshops. This position is integral to the successful delivery of projects and requires a commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Management Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Assisting in the coordination of program/project planning and preparation work for departmental initiatives, including monitoring the status of proposals and documentation.
• Compiling, summarizing, and presenting information/data on specific programs/projects.
• Reviewing project documents for completeness and compliance, identifying inconsistencies, and distributing approved documents.
• Reviewing budget revisions and verifying fund availability, ensuring necessary approvals are obtained.
• Serving as the focal point for administrative coordination of program/project activities, liaising with various units to initiate requests and process administrative actions.
• Compiling and entering data on project delivery, drafting status reports, and identifying shortfalls or budget overruns.
• Drafting correspondence on budget-related issues and preparing periodic reports and summaries.
• Providing general office assistance, responding to inquiries, maintaining files, and organizing meetings.
• Offering guidance and training to new or junior staff members. 1
• Assisting with data collection and analysis related to ETC platforms and preparing presentations and reports. 1
• Updating information materials such as web pages or brochures. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree or higher is preferred and may reduce the required years of experience. The role requires a minimum of five years of experience in program or project administration, technical cooperation, or related fields. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of internal policies and procedures related to program/project administration, implementation, and evaluation. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, accountability, creativity, and technological awareness in their work.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, making them more competitive for the role. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training relevant to program/project administration, technical cooperation, or event planning.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in program or project administration, technical cooperation, or event planning. However, this requirement is reduced to three years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related field is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates who can analyze and interpret data effectively.

Languages:
English and Arabic are required for this position, with proficiency at UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both English and Arabic, as these languages are essential for the successful execution of duties within the ESCWA.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process.