Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2029: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA employs a diverse workforce of over 4,000 staff members worldwide, dedicated to advancing human rights and improving the lives of individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position is situated within the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (EECARO) in Istanbul, reporting directly to the Regional Programme Specialist on Population and Development (CISPop Programme Manager) and indirectly to the Regional Programme Analyst. This role is pivotal in supporting the successful implementation of the CISPop 'Better Data for Better Policies Programme'. The Programme Associate is tasked with delivering a range of programme, administrative, logistical, research, and operational tasks in accordance with UNFPA policies and procedures. This position requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Programme Support Team, Communications Specialist, and country offices in CIS countries, to ensure effective programme and operational support. The Programme Associate also collaborates with the International Operations Manager and their team to provide timely assistance on programme and operational matters, thereby facilitating the smooth operation of the CISPop Programme.

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

• Programme Implementation and Coordination Support: Liaising with implementing partners, vendors, and government counterparts to ensure timely submission of deliverables and financial reports. Monitoring the implementation status of activities and providing timely updates to the DemRes/PD Programme team in EECARO. Supporting the compilation and formatting of reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. Assisting in organizing periodic programme meetings, year-end review meetings, and Steering Committee meetings, ensuring proper follow-up on action points as required across the RO team.
• Administrative and Logistical Support: Organizing and managing travel arrangements, DSA payments, and travel claims for project staff, partners, participants, and consultants. Providing logistical and administrative support for meetings, workshops, study tours, and field missions. Drafting routine correspondence, meeting minutes, and documentation in support of programme activities. Supporting the CISPop Programme Manager in developing Terms of Reference (ToRs) and monitoring consultant deliverables and payments. Preparing and circulating the Chart of Accounts authorization letters for programme-related activities.
• Programme Financial and Operational Support: Performing supplier/buyer role or REQ Creator role for assigned programme areas in the ERP for projects, registering goods receipt. Undertaking routine procurement activities as assigned by the supervisor(s), ensuring compliance with UNFPA procurement procedures. Supporting internal and external audit processes, spot checks, and micro assessments. Contributing to HACT assurance activities regarding CISPop implementation. Assisting in the preparation and monitoring of annual and quarterly budgets and expenditure reports. Monitoring partner financial reporting (FACE forms), ensuring documentation is complete, and expenditures align with approved budgets. Generating financial and programmatic reports using relevant tools for the regional programme as required. Acting as a back-up on selected functions for the CISPop Programme Manager and other Programme Support team members during their absence. Maintaining the programme filing, archiving, document organization, and e-archiving systems, as well as uploading to the EECARO microsite and maintaining the relevant sections. Carrying out any other duties as may be required by the supervisor to ensure the smooth implementation of the CISPop Programme.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completion of secondary education with additional coursework in public administration, finance, or economics. A Bachelor's degree is preferable. Six years of relevant experience in programme planning, monitoring, and data management in national and international organizations, in the private or public sector is required. Previous experience in the UN is considered an asset. Proficiency in current office software applications with a good basic knowledge of finances and mastery of a series of financial and spreadsheet software is essential. Candidates should have a good knowledge of ERP systems, strong writing and communication skills, and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes the completion of secondary education with additional coursework in public administration, finance, or economics. While a Bachelor's degree is preferable, candidates with relevant experience and skills may also be considered. The emphasis is on having a solid foundation in administrative and financial principles, which will support the Programme Associate's role in managing programme-related tasks effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience in programme planning, monitoring, and data management. This experience should be gained in national and international organizations, whether in the private or public sector. Previous experience working with the United Nations or similar organizations is considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with the UN's operational procedures and policies. Candidates should also have a proven track record of successfully managing programme-related tasks and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Additionally, a working knowledge of the Russian language is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with partners and stakeholders in the region. Proficiency in other languages may also be beneficial, depending on the specific needs of the programme and the stakeholders involved.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. The work environment at UNFPA reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA is committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and encourages women to apply. The organization also actively seeks individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the heart of UNFPA's workforce.