Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is a central resource of the United Nations that supports partners in building a better future by providing services that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. Established to facilitate project management, procurement, and infrastructure services, UNOPS operates in approximately 125 countries, working with various governments, donors, and UN organizations. The New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) specifically supports the United Nations Secretariat and other New York-based UN organizations in delivering UNOPS mandates. The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) within UNOPS focuses on supporting diverse partners in their peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations, having been formed by combining several portfolios to enhance its service delivery.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Small Grants Programme (SGP) in Kazakhstan. This position involves providing technical, administrative, financial, and knowledge management support to ensure the effective operation and management of the GEF-SGP country programme portfolio. The incumbent will assist the National Coordinator in various tasks, including prescreening project concepts, evaluating financial proposals, and advising potential grantees on project preparation processes. The role requires maintaining professional relationships with stakeholders, ensuring compliance with operational procedures, and contributing to the overall success of the programme by supporting project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation activities.

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

• Supporting day-to-day programme/project implementation and ensuring conformity to expected results and work-plans.
• Assisting the National Coordinator in prescreening project concepts and evaluating financial aspects of project proposals.
• Aiding in the development and revision of grant application forms and other management tools.
• Advising potential grantees on project preparation processes and reporting to the National Coordinator and National Steering Committee on project development activities.
• Providing guidance to new and ongoing projects and their grantees.
• Assisting in project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, including participation in field visits.
• Organizing and preparing minutes of meetings and events related to the SGP.
• Maintaining contacts with NGOs, governmental institutions, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Assisting in reporting to the Central Programme Management Team and preparing annual monitoring surveys. 1
• Drafting memos and operational documents on behalf of the National Coordinator. 1
• Regularly updating and maintaining the SGP project database and stakeholders’ database. 1
• Providing financial management support, including reviewing financial reports and processing payment requests. 1
• Managing office supplies and equipment procurement, maintaining administrative files, and ensuring proper documentation. 1
• Supporting knowledge management and communication efforts, including organizing advocacy events and maintaining the SGP website. 1
• Evaluating data and making informed decisions to enhance programme effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in Business Administration or an environmental science field, with no relevant experience being desirable; OR a first-level university degree (bachelor's or equivalent) with one year of relevant experience; OR a secondary school diploma with five years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience in office management, including financial reporting.
• Previous working experience with a UN agency is considered an asset.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with excellent drafting and analytical abilities.
• Good knowledge of budget control and financial management practices.
• Proficiency in IT skills, particularly MS Office and database management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes:

• An advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Business Administration or environmental science, which is preferred.
• Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor's or equivalent) in a similar field with one year of relevant experience will be considered an asset.
• A secondary school diploma (high school equivalent) is acceptable if accompanied by five years of relevant experience.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position includes:

• Relevant experience defined as experience in office management, particularly in financial reporting.
• Candidates with previous working experience in a UN agency will have an advantage.
• The role requires familiarity with project management and administrative functions, as well as the ability to support various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in the national official language, Russian and/or Kazakh, is mandatory. Additionally, fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) at the L-ICA 5 level, with a contract duration of six months to cover maternity leave, with no possibility of extension. The work schedule is full-time, requiring flexibility based on service demands. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and an inclusive working environment. Candidates must be nationals of Kazakhstan or possess a valid work permit for the country. Background checks are conducted for all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.