Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an organization established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly, with a mission to promote gender equality and empower women globally. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda, merging resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization operates in multiple countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Ukraine, through its Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECA) located in Istanbul, Turkey. The ECA Regional Office was established in 2014 and is responsible for strategic program development, policy advisory services, and quality assurance support to field offices and regional programs. It also conducts regional research and data analysis, advising on norms and strategies for achieving gender equality and women's empowerment.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position at UN Women involves providing essential support to the Programme Team in the development and implementation of effective programs that align with UN Women’s rules and regulations. The role requires collaboration with operations, program, and project staff at both the Regional Office and UN Women Headquarters to resolve complex finance-related issues and facilitate the exchange of information. The Programme Associate will contribute to various aspects of program management, including research, financial management, and operational support for ECA regional programs. This position is crucial for ensuring that programs are effectively managed and that the necessary administrative and logistical support is provided to meet the organization's objectives.

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

• Providing advanced administrative and logistical support for program formulation and management, including preparing work plans, budgets, and proposals;
• Offering technical guidance to country offices and executing agencies on program delivery and reporting;
• Coordinating information collection for program audits and supporting the implementation of audit recommendations;
• Contributing to the development of standard operating procedures and guidelines for program management;
• Monitoring financial management of the Programme Unit, including budget preparation, financial reporting, and maintaining internal expenditure control systems;
• Overseeing logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, and events;
• Managing travel arrangements for the Programme Team;
• Supporting program partner management processes and ensuring compliance;
• Facilitating knowledge sharing and training for staff and partners on program management and operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary education, with a Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration being desirable. The role requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in administrative or program management/support for those with secondary education, or 4 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Proficiency in using multiple office software packages and experience in supporting teams in complex environments are essential. Familiarity with ERP systems, particularly Oracle Cloud, is preferred, along with knowledge of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes the completion of secondary education as a minimum requirement. A Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration is highly desirable, as it provides a solid foundation for the administrative and program management tasks expected in this role.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, with at least 7 years of relevant experience for candidates with secondary education or 4 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. This experience should be progressively responsible and include administrative or program management/support roles. Familiarity with working in a computer environment and using various office software packages is necessary, as is experience in supporting teams in complex environments. Experience with ERP systems, particularly Oracle Cloud, is a plus, as is knowledge of civil society organizations and the landscape surrounding gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Turkish is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is based in Istanbul, Turkey. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and 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.