Associate Programme Officer

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Position Title: Associate Programme Officer
Location: Panama City
Country: Panama
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network that advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission. UNDP is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and encourages applications from marginalized and underserved populations. The Latin America and the Caribbean Humanitarian Fund (LAC HF) is managed by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) from its Regional Office in Panama, focusing on providing a stable platform for humanitarian response across the region.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Officer plays a crucial role in the implementation of programmatic and monitoring functions of the Regional Humanitarian Financing Unit (RHFU). This position involves working closely with the Pooled Fund Manager and Head of Office to manage funding mechanisms such as the LAC HF and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). The officer is responsible for leading the formulation, management, and evaluation of programmatic activities, ensuring effective collaboration with various stakeholders including UN agencies, NGOs, and donors. The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring and reporting on humanitarian projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with established guidelines. The Associate Programme Officer will also contribute to the development of allocation strategies and support the fund allocation process, ensuring that humanitarian needs are met efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute substantively to the RHFU by supporting and implementing standardized policies in line with the CBPF Global Guidelines. This includes liaising with NGOs and UN partners to monitor project progress and overall fund performance.
• Assist in the fund allocation process by contributing to internal capacity assessments for new partners and ensuring necessary coordination during fund allocation processes.
• Lead the monitoring of LAC HF-funded projects, ensuring compliance with monitoring and reporting requirements. This involves developing monitoring plans, conducting field visits, and ensuring timely reporting from implementing partners.
• Organize training and workshops related to LAC HF or CERF processes, programmatic issues, and reporting activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Pooled Fund Manager, contributing to the efficient functioning of the office and the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, legal science, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in humanitarian or development affairs, social sciences, public administration, international studies, economics, or a related field is acceptable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a master's degree or 4 years with a bachelor's degree in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related areas. Experience in humanitarian financing, grant management, and donor relations is desirable, along with excellent communication skills and proficiency in office software and database management.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field is required. A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) is acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant experience. The educational background should ideally include studies in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, or legal science, which are pertinent to the responsibilities of the Associate Programme Officer.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, or development. Candidates with a master's degree should have at least 2 years of experience, while those with a bachelor's degree should have a minimum of 4 years. Experience in humanitarian financing, including grant management and fundraising, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UN operations and NGOs is also beneficial, along with demonstrated skills in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Haitian Creole and/or French is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. The organization emphasizes workforce diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. The role may involve working under pressure in an international and multicultural environment, and candidates should be prepared for this dynamic setting. UNDP does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process, and applicants are advised to exercise caution when submitting personal information online.