Programme Associate (G-6)

Programme Associate (G-6)

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

August 11, 2026September 25, 2026PretoriaSouth Africa
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and operates with a mission to ensure that children are protected and supported throughout their development. UNICEF employs a diverse workforce and offers opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. The organization is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, which includes various support systems for its staff.

Job Overview:
As a Programme Associate (PA) at the G-6 level, you will play a crucial role within a pooled function consisting of two PAs reporting to the Quality Assurance Specialist. Your primary responsibilities will include providing support across all Programme Sections, with tasks and workload distributed through matrix management. You will serve as a vital link in operational delivery, necessitating regular coordination and collaboration with various units, including Programme, Operations, Finance, and Supply. Your engagement with external partners, particularly concerning HACT support, will be essential. The role requires you to provide a broad range of programme, administrative, HACT, and procedural support to facilitate effective programme delivery. You will be responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and delivery of programme results, ensuring timely and effective execution of tasks in accordance with UNICEF's rules and regulations. Additionally, you will be expected to promote the use of digital systems, including AI-based tools, to enhance efficiency and streamline repetitive tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Associate include:
  • Supporting the implementation and monitoring of programme activities across various sections.
  • Coordinating with Programme, Operations, Finance, and Supply units to ensure seamless operational delivery.
  • Engaging with external partners, including government ministries, NGOs, and donors, to facilitate HACT support.
  • Providing administrative support to ensure compliance with UNICEF's rules and regulations.
  • Assisting in the preparation of reports and documentation related to programme results and activities.
  • Utilizing digital tools and systems to enhance programme delivery and operational efficiency.
  • Anticipating needs and recommending actions that contribute to effective programme planning and implementation.
  • Liaising regularly with multiple units within the office to ensure alignment and collaboration on programme objectives.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • Completion of secondary education is required.
  • Professional and/or university courses related to the field of work are highly desirable.
  • A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience is required.
  • Proficiency in SAP VISION, HACT, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Power BI, and AI-enabled digital tools is essential.
  • Fluency in English is required, with knowledge of another official UN language or a local language considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary education, with additional professional or university courses related to the field of work being highly desirable. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and effectively supporting programme delivery.

Experience:
A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience is required for this position. This experience should ideally include relevant work at the country level, particularly in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts, which will provide the necessary skills and insights to navigate the challenges associated with the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is based in Pretoria, South Africa. UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF is committed to safeguarding the rights of every child and has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements. The organization does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment process.
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