UNFPA Programme Support Associate - Youth Operations

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, established to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's mission is to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health, realize reproductive rights, and reduce maternal mortality. The organization aims to accelerate progress on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda, focusing on improving the lives of adolescents, youth, and women. UNFPA operates in numerous countries worldwide, leveraging innovation and partnerships to address challenges and enhance its impact, particularly for marginalized populations.

Job Overview:
The UNFPA Programme Support Associate position offers a unique opportunity for a young professional to gain hands-on experience within the United Nations system. The role involves supporting UNFPA's program priorities and the coordination functions of the Youth Theme Group (YTG) and the Operations Management Team (OMT). The YTG focuses on promoting coordinated UN action on youth development, participation, and empowerment, while the OMT enhances collaboration among UN agencies through initiatives like the Business Operations Strategy and Common Back Office. The associate will engage in planning, coordination, documentation, and follow-up of inter-agency meetings and initiatives, providing essential administrative and operational support to UNFPA. This position is designed to provide valuable exposure to UN coordination mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, and organizational administration, while also fostering competencies in communication, project support, and inter-agency collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNFPA Programme Support Associate will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting programme coordination and implementation by assisting with annual work planning, organizing meetings, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs.
• Providing secretariat support to the YTG and OMT, coordinating meetings, preparing agendas, and maintaining action trackers.
• Conducting research and data collection to support planning and decision-making, including compiling information on youth development and operational efficiency.
• Supporting monitoring, reporting, and results tracking by maintaining activity trackers and compiling progress updates.
• Managing knowledge and documentation by organizing meeting records and documenting lessons learned.
• Engaging stakeholders by coordinating activities among UN agencies, government institutions, and youth stakeholders.
• Supporting communication and visibility efforts by preparing meeting summaries and promoting awareness of YTG and OMT activities.
• Providing general administrative support, including logistics for meetings, travel arrangements, and records management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UNFPA Programme Support Associate position should possess strong organizational and communication skills, with a commitment to the values of the United Nations. They should demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous learning are essential. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of youth development issues and UN coordination mechanisms, as well as the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, international relations, public administration, or a related field is required for the UNFPA Programme Support Associate position. Candidates with advanced degrees or relevant certifications may be preferred. Educational background should reflect a strong understanding of sexual and reproductive health, youth development, and UN operations.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have some experience in program support, coordination, or administrative roles, preferably within an international organization or non-profit sector. Experience working with youth programs or in a UN context is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a capacity for teamwork, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the UNFPA Programme Support Associate position. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the local context or UN operations, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position is a volunteer role with a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of R7,500.00, which is tax-free and intended to support basic living expenses during the assignment. The role is designed for young professionals seeking to gain experience within the UN system, and it includes access to UNV learning and development platforms for professional and personal growth. The living conditions in South Africa's larger cities are cosmopolitan, with access to various amenities, but candidates should remain vigilant regarding safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.