Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty established to promote the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. The CMS Secretariat, located in Bonn, Germany, also supports various intergovernmental instruments related to migratory species conservation. The organization operates under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which coordinates environmental policy development and addresses global and regional environmental issues. The CMS Secretariat collaborates with several regional agreements, including ASCOBANS, AEWA, and EUROBATS, and plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation for the protection of migratory species.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for supporting the coordination of CMS projects and programs, ensuring that all administrative and logistical aspects are managed efficiently. This includes assisting in project planning, monitoring the status of proposals, processing grants, and ensuring compliance with relevant rules and procedures. The role also involves organizing meetings and workshops, managing logistics, and providing general office support. The incumbent will work closely with various units to facilitate communication and coordination, ensuring that all project-related activities are executed smoothly and effectively. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate CMS projects and programs by assisting in project planning, monitoring proposals, and processing grants.
• Review project documents for completeness and compliance, and serve as the focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation activities.
• Organize meetings and workshops, including travel and logistics arrangements, and manage registrations.
• Provide general office support by managing correspondence, drafting reports, and maintaining records.
• Assist with data collection and analysis, preparing presentations and reports for information sharing and decision-making.
• Support the translation of documents and ensure compliance with UN document standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Supplementary training in Administration or a related area is desirable. A minimum of five years of experience in program or project coordination, general administration, or a related field is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may qualify with three years of relevant experience. Experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system such as SAP is mandatory, and familiarity with the secretariat of a multilateral environmental agreement is preferred. Experience in organizing meetings with diverse stakeholders and in data analytics is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training in administration or a related field is considered an asset. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, making them more competitive for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in supporting program or project coordination, general administration, or a related area. This requirement is reduced to three years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with an ERP system such as SAP is essential, and candidates with experience in the secretariat of a multilateral environmental agreement or in organizing meetings with various stakeholders will be at an advantage. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of German is desirable, while knowledge of French, Spanish, or another official United Nations language is considered an asset. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The appointment is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Germany. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.