Programme Management Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Programme Management Assistant
Location: Geneve
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job is located within the Transboundary Cooperation Section of the Environment Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). UNECE was established to promote pan-European economic integration and sustainable development. It operates in 56 member states across Europe, North America, and Central Asia, focusing on various areas including environmental protection, economic cooperation, and social development. The organization aims to safeguard the environment and human health while promoting sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the UNECE's work related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements. This includes assisting in the coordination of programme/project planning, particularly for extrabudgetary projects. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring the status of programme/project proposals, compiling and summarizing information on specific programmes, and ensuring compliance with relevant rules and procedures. The position requires a proactive approach to administrative coordination, involving extensive liaison with various organizational units to facilitate the implementation of programme/project activities. The assistant will also be tasked with drafting correspondence, preparing reports, and providing logistical support for meetings, both in-person and via videoconferences. This role is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of the UNECE's environmental initiatives and requires a detail-oriented individual with strong organizational skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will assist in the coordination of programme/project planning, particularly for extrabudgetary projects, and will prepare work for medium-sized and complex components of departmental initiatives. Responsibilities include monitoring the status of proposals, compiling and summarizing data, reviewing project documents for completeness, and ensuring compliance with rules. The assistant will serve as a focal point for administrative coordination, liaising with various units to initiate requests and process administrative actions such as recruitment, travel arrangements, and procurement. Additional duties include drafting correspondence, preparing status reports, maintaining records, organizing meetings, and providing logistical support for intergovernmental meetings. The role also involves ensuring the accuracy of correspondence and managing financial and visa support for meeting participants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least five years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or a related area. This requirement is reduced to three years for those with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience within the United Nations System or a comparable international organization is essential, along with familiarity with monitoring cost plans, financial reporting, and travel requests. Proficiency in using ERP systems such as Umoja, SAP, or Oracle is required, and experience in organizing intergovernmental meetings is desirable.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. While specific job-related qualifications are not detailed, candidates with higher educational qualifications may have a reduced experience requirement, indicating the value placed on formal education in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in programme or project administration or technical cooperation. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with only three years of experience. Additionally, two years of experience within the United Nations System or a comparable international organization is mandatory, highlighting the importance of familiarity with UN processes and procedures.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, fluency in either Russian or French is also required, as these are working languages of the UNECE. This multilingual requirement underscores the international nature of the organization and the need for effective communication across diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for an initial period of nine months, with the possibility of extension. It is important to note that if the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Switzerland. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.