Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and empower women globally. The organization combines resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates in multiple countries, working with various stakeholders to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, promote women's economic empowerment, and achieve equality between genders. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position at UN Women in Dakar, Senegal, is integral to the Women's Economic Empowerment Unit, which focuses on enhancing the financial ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. The role involves supporting the development and implementation of effective programs aligned with UN Women’s rules and regulations. The Programme Associate will contribute to research, financial management, and program implementation, providing operational, administrative, and programmatic support. This position requires collaboration with various teams within UN Women and external partners to address complex finance-related issues and facilitate the access of women entrepreneurs to finance, markets, and strategic partnerships. The Programme Associate will also play a key role in the Affirmative Finance project, which aims to promote gender-responsive financing approaches and strengthen the capacity of financial institutions to support women entrepreneurs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate will be responsible for providing advanced administrative and logistical support for program formulation and management. This includes preparing work plans, budgets, and proposals, as well as offering technical guidance to country offices and executing agencies on program delivery and reporting. The role also involves coordinating audits, developing standard operating procedures, and reviewing program data for the Senegal Country Office website. Financial management duties include creating projects in the Quantum system, monitoring budgets, preparing financial reports, and maintaining internal expenditure controls. The Programme Associate will oversee logistical arrangements for meetings and events, manage travel arrangements for the Programme Team, and prepare public information materials. Additionally, the role includes supporting resource mobilization efforts by preparing agreements and processing information from donors. The incumbent will also facilitate knowledge sharing and training for office staff and partners on program management and operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of secondary education, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration considered an asset. The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in finance or program management/support. Proficiency in using multiple office software packages is essential, along with experience in supporting a team and developing complex financial reports. Familiarity with modern web-based ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud, and experience in donor reporting within an international context are desirable qualifications.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary education. A Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration is preferred and considered an asset for candidates applying for the Programme Associate role.

Experience:
The Programme Associate role requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in finance or program management/support. Candidates should have a strong background in working within a computer environment and using various office software packages. Experience in supporting a team and developing complex financial reports is essential, while familiarity with modern web-based ERP systems, particularly Oracle Cloud, is desirable. Additionally, experience in donor reporting within an international organizational context is beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and the region. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as English or Spanish, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify a deadline for applications, which may indicate that the position is open until filled. The role is likely to be full-time, and UN Women is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally. The organization offers a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong emphasis on mutual respect and adherence to UN Women’s policies and procedures. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is important for applicants to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.