Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is dedicated to the vision of equality as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. The organization focuses on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving gender equality in development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The UN Women South Africa Country Office (SACO) is located in Pretoria and collaborates with the government, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Private Sector to promote gender equality through the development and implementation of policies, programs, and services that uphold the human rights of women and girls while enhancing their economic participation. SACO's initiatives include increasing women's political participation, securing economic rights, strengthening involvement in peacebuilding, combating violence against women, and ensuring that government budgets and policies are gender-responsive. The organization operates in various regions, focusing on empowering women in resilient communities through targeted programs.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position is situated within the Women Empowerment Unit, specifically under the EntreprenHER program, which aims to support women-owned micro-enterprises. The Accelerate Women’s Owned Micro Enterprise (AWOME) Phase 3 program targets 500 women entrepreneurs in the informal sector to combat rising unemployment and inequality in the region. The primary goal is to equip low-income women entrepreneurs with essential business skills to manage their enterprises effectively, create decent jobs, and achieve income security and autonomy. The program is implemented in Limpopo and is being replicated in the Gert Sibande District of Mpumalanga Province in collaboration with UNDP South Africa. The Programme Associate will report to the Deputy Representative Programme and Programme Management Consultant, providing support to the Programme Team in developing and implementing effective programs that align with UN Women’s rules and regulations. This role involves contributing to research, financial management, and program implementation, as well as providing operational, administrative, and programmatic support.

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

• Providing administrative and logistical support for program formulation and management, including preparing work plans, budgets, and proposals.
• Offering technical guidance to Country Offices (COs) and executing agencies on routine delivery and reporting of program activities and finances.
• Preparing information for program audits and supporting the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Reviewing program data for the COs website and compiling data for documents, guidelines, speeches, and position papers.
• Supporting financial management by creating projects in the Quantum system, preparing budget revisions, and monitoring budget preparation.
• Undertaking logistical and administrative arrangements for meetings, workshops, events, and missions, including travel arrangements for the Programme Team.
• Preparing public information materials and briefing packets, as well as assembling briefing materials and presentations.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts by preparing cost-sharing agreements and organizing information from donors and the program team.
• Facilitating knowledge building and sharing by synthesizing lessons learned and organizing training for office personnel and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of program management and the ability to execute administrative processes and transactions effectively. They should be capable of creating, editing, and presenting information in clear formats, managing data, documents, correspondence, and workflow efficiently. Strong financial and budgeting skills are essential, along with proficiency in IT skills. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication skills, as well as the ability to engage stakeholders and lead by example.

Educational Background:
Completion of secondary education is required, while a Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration is desirable. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of program management and administration within the context of UN Women’s mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in administration or program management/support. Experience in a computer environment using multiple office software packages is required, along with a proven track record of supporting a team. Familiarity with modern web-based ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to manage financial and administrative tasks effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in local languages spoken in the Mpumalanga Province is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is also considered advantageous and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working with international teams and stakeholders. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, 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.