Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of human rights and aims to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA is committed to delivering high-impact results through principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position is crucial for providing comprehensive programmatic, financial, and administrative support to the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Unit within the UNFPA Tanzania Country Office. The role involves ensuring high efficiency and quality assurance in the implementation of country programs. The Associate will work closely with various teams to optimize resource utilization and facilitate workflows, supporting Implementing Partners (IPs) in both development and humanitarian contexts. This position requires a proactive approach to operational and programmatic delivery, ensuring compliance with UNFPA guidelines and Results-Based Management (RBM) principles. The Programme Associate will lead administrative and financial processing, monitor expenditures, and support the development and implementation of IP work plans, thereby playing a vital role in the success of the SRHR portfolio.

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

• Financial Processing & Budget Monitoring: Processing payment requests, travel authorizations, and purchase orders using corporate ERP systems, ensuring all supporting documents are verified. Monitoring overall expenditure targets and budget utilization for the SRH unit.
• IP Management & Compliance: Assisting Programme Officers with supporting Implementing Partners in preparing Annual Work Plans and requests for Funding Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures. Conducting quality control on financial reports to ensure compliance with UNFPA financial rules and guidelines.
• Logistics & Event Coordination: Planning and coordinating administrative arrangements for high-level meetings and events, including venue procurement and travel itineraries.
• Correspondence & Workflow Management: Managing incoming and outgoing correspondence, drafting responses, and maintaining a secure filing system.
• Reporting & Synthesis: Following up on progress reports from IPs, reviewing and synthesizing data for quarterly reports, and assisting in inputting programme data into corporate systems.
• Monitoring Mission Support: Participating in field monitoring visits, documenting findings, and tracking follow-up recommendations.
• Data Compilation & Advocacy Support: Assisting in data collection and analysis for program updates, and supporting technical advisors in drafting materials related to maternal health and family planning.
• Cross-Functional Backstopping: Providing support to other team members as needed and carrying out additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed Secondary Level Education, with a first-level university degree in public health, population studies, gender studies, development studies, social sciences, business administration, or a related field being highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should possess at least six years of relevant professional experience in project/programme management support, administration, or financial tracking within national/international organizations, UN agencies, or NGOs. Familiarity with corporate ERP financial/management systems and advanced computer applications is essential. A strong understanding of Sexual and Reproductive Health programming contexts is a significant asset, along with strong event planning and administrative coordination skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed Secondary Level Education as a minimum requirement. A first-level university degree in relevant fields such as public health, population studies, gender studies, development studies, social sciences, or business administration is highly desirable and will be considered an advantage.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in project/programme management support, administration, or financial tracking. Experience working with corporate ERP financial/management systems and a solid understanding of UNFPA's mandate and operations is highly advantageous. Prior experience within the UN System is also a distinct advantage, as is familiarity with the processing of FACE forms and HACT compliance procedures.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this position. Additionally, fluency in Kiswahili and/or another UN language is desired, which would enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse working environment of UNFPA.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, pension, medical, and other benefits as applicable. The UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process. Candidates should be aware that individuals applying to posts in the international Professional category who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their nationality may be required to renounce such status upon appointment.