Programme Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Programme Assistant
Location: Kingston
Country: Jamaica
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP's mission includes coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization has a significant presence in various countries and works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, particularly in developing countries and those with economies in transition. The UNEP-Cartagena Convention Secretariat, where this position is located, focuses on the Assessment & Management of Environmental Pollution (AMEP) sub-programme, specifically under the GEF CReW+ Project.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the UNEP-Cartagena Convention Secretariat's Programme of Work, particularly in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring the status of programme/project proposals, compiling and disseminating information/data on specific programmes/projects, and ensuring compliance with relevant rules and procedures. This position requires a proactive approach to administrative coordination, involving extensive liaison with various organizational units and Implementing Agency partners. The Programme Assistant will also assist in drafting correspondence, preparing reports, and providing general office assistance, including responding to complex information requests and organizing meetings and workshops. The role demands a strong commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and effective planning and organizing skills to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Assistant include:

• Assisting in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work for the Secretariat's Programme of Work, focusing on new initiatives;
• Monitoring the status of programme/project proposals and documentation;
• Compiling, summarizing, and presenting information/data on specific programmes/projects;
• Reviewing project documents for completeness and compliance;
• Serving as a focal point for administrative coordination of programme/project implementation activities;
• Compiling and entering data on project delivery and drafting related status reports;
• Drafting correspondence on programme, project, and budget-related issues;
• Providing general office assistance and maintaining files/records;
• Guiding/training new/junior staff; 1
• Assisting with data collection and analysis for presentations and reports; 1
• Updating information materials such as web pages or brochures; 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Assistant position include a strong understanding of internal policies and procedures related to programme/project administration, implementation, and evaluation. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret data, work well with figures, and apply good judgment in their assignments. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues are essential. Candidates should also possess strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and the capacity to adjust plans as necessary to meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
Completion of a High School Diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Supplementary training in administration and Programme or Project Management is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates who have pursued additional education or training in relevant fields.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) years of progressive work experience in administration and programme or project management or a related area. This requirement can be reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree. Experience working with an international organization is desirable, as is experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or related administrative systems. Additionally, experience working with environmental programmes and projects in the Wider Caribbean Region is considered an asset, along with at least one (1) year of experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable, which would enhance communication capabilities within the organization. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension. It is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office, regardless of their nationality. Staff members in the General Service and related categories are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. Candidates are responsible for any travel expenses incurred to take up the appointment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment and will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities upon request.