Senior Programme Management Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. It operates globally, focusing on building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to address urbanization challenges, reduce inequality, and combat poverty. The organization is committed to fostering urban environments that are socially and environmentally sustainable, and it plays a pivotal role in urban climate change and biodiversity diplomacy.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Management Assistant position is a Fixed-Term Limited role within the Climate Change and Urban Environment Section of the Global Solutions Division at UN-Habitat in Nairobi. This role is crucial for providing programmatic direction and ensuring the effective delivery of the Strategic Plan. The incumbent will assist in managing and implementing complex programs and projects, contributing to the development of innovative solutions for urban climate change and sustainable urban development. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve program objectives. The Senior Programme Management Assistant will also be responsible for monitoring financial data, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Management Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Assisting in the management and implementation of programmatic initiatives throughout all phases of the project cycle, ensuring adherence to UN-Habitat's policies and procedures.
• Conducting research and compiling financial data to support program/project analysis and decision-making.
• Tracking resolutions and decisions affecting program/project initiatives, identifying issues, and preparing summaries with recommendations for management.
• Drafting budgets and cash flow forecasts, preparing monitoring tools for HR/Admin processes, and ensuring accurate financial tracking.
• Monitoring budgetary commitments and verifying financial transactions in UMOJA, preparing periodic budget revisions, and reconciling accounts.
• Collecting and analyzing data for presentations and reports, facilitating knowledge management and planning.
• Liaising with various organizational units to initiate requests, prepare terms of reference, and resolve administrative issues related to project implementation.
• Arranging formal project closures, final budget revisions, and distribution of final reports.
• Undertaking field missions as necessary to support program/project activities. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Chief of Section.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with supplementary training in administration, project management, or a relevant field being desirable. A minimum of ten years of experience in program/project management, financial data analysis, and administrative processes is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Proven experience in coordinating with multiple stakeholders and managing administrative processes is essential. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with reporting tools like Power BI is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training in administration, project management, or a related field is highly desirable, as it enhances the candidate's ability to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in program/project management, financial analysis, and administrative processes. Candidates with a first-level university degree may qualify with eight years of experience. Experience in coordinating with various stakeholders, managing grants, and ensuring compliance with project governance is essential. Familiarity with financial tracking and data management tools is also necessary for this role.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a good-to-have language, enhancing communication within the UN system.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term limited position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to extension based on funding availability. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning candidates must be residents of Kenya or within commuting distance. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.