Program Management-Senior Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Horn of Africa Multi-country Office (HAMCO) was established in 2009 and operates an established Operations Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It oversees a portfolio of engagements across four countries in the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, and South Sudan. The organization focuses on providing services in various sectors including Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management, HR and Transactional Services, and Fund Management, with a mission to support countries in need, assist communities, and empower partners by delivering on its mandate in infrastructure, procurement, and project management throughout the Horn of Africa.

Job Overview:
The Program Management - Senior Assistant position is designed to support the Infra Team in the delivery of projects’ work packages, ensuring timely implementation of activities that meet quality standards. The role involves assisting in various project management tasks, including site assessments, quality control checks, and documentation preparation. The Senior Assistant will work closely with the Senior Project Manager and will be responsible for ensuring that project documents are prepared to meet quality standards, tracking project progress, and providing regular updates to management. This position is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Assistant will have a wide range of responsibilities including assisting in the timely delivery of work packages, conducting site assessments, performing quality control checks, supporting project managers during implementation, preparing project documentation such as progress reports and meeting minutes, compiling tender documents, reviewing contractor payments, and providing updates on project progress. Additionally, the role includes supporting the Infra Team in implementing quality assurance standards, contributing to knowledge development, and assisting in risk assessment for projects. The Senior Assistant may also be required to carry out other duties as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary school completion. A First University Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, or a related field is desirable and may substitute for some required experience. A High School Diploma combined with at least five years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's Degree with at least one year of relevant experience in program management support or a related field is required. Experience in supporting complex infrastructure projects is considered a plus, and strong computer skills, particularly with Google Suite, are an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a minimum of secondary school completion. A First University Degree in a relevant field such as Engineering, Architecture, or Project Management is preferred and can substitute for some of the required experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the technical aspects of the projects being managed and ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience if the candidate holds a High School Diploma, or at least one year of relevant experience if the candidate has a Bachelor's Degree. Experience in program management support or related fields is essential, and prior experience in supporting complex infrastructure projects is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate strong computer skills, particularly in using Google Suite, which is considered an asset for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered a plus, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the effectiveness of project implementation in a multi-lingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Local Individual Contractual Agreement at the LICA-5 (ICS5) level, with an ongoing open-ended contract subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. There are also positions available at the LICA-8 (ICS8) level with a one-year contract duration. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. The position is open to Ethiopian Nationals only, and candidates must be aware that UNOPS conducts background checks on all potential personnel. Additionally, candidates must complete mandatory courses before providing services to UNOPS, which are not compensated.