Programme Management Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty through positive urbanization.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Assistant position is primarily located at the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Africa in Nairobi. The incumbent will work under the overall coordination of the Senior Human Settlements Officer and direct supervision of the Administrative Officer responsible for the West Africa Sub-Regional Hub. The role involves providing comprehensive programme and project management assistance throughout all phases of the programme/project cycle, particularly for large and complex departmental initiatives. The assistant will be responsible for preparing budget revisions, ensuring resource allocations, and evaluating financial trends. Additionally, the role includes compiling and analyzing data on various programmes/projects, tracking legislative decisions, and ensuring compliance with guidelines. The assistant will also draft reports, newsletters, and other documentation, while serving as a focal point for coordination and monitoring of implementation activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Assistant include: independently managing a full range of programme/project management and implementation assistance; preparing periodic budget revisions and ensuring appropriate resource allocations; reconciling accounts with amended budgets; evaluating financial implementation trends; compiling and analyzing data on programmes/projects; tracking resolutions and legislative decisions; reviewing submissions for compliance with guidelines; liaising with funding agencies; drafting budgets and forecasts; monitoring budgetary commitments; preparing newsletters and reports; coordinating implementation activities; preparing terms of reference; arranging project closures; providing secretariat services; establishing internal databases; supervising junior staff; assisting with data analysis and presentations; and performing other assigned duties.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of ten years of experience in general office support, administration, or a related area is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may have the minimum experience requirement reduced to eight years. Experience in drafting project budgets and revisions is essential, along with a minimum of five years of progressive experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. Familiarity with contracts administration, procurement, and accounting methodologies within the UN System or similar organizations is also required. Experience in human resource processes and data analytics is desirable.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. There are no specific job-specific qualifications mentioned, but a first-level university degree or higher can reduce the required years of experience.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of experience in general office support, administration, or a related area. This requirement is reduced to eight years for those with a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of progressive experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services, as well as experience in drafting project budgets and revisions. Familiarity with contracts administration and procurement within the UN System or similar organizations is also necessary, along with desirable experience in human resource processes and data analytics.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and 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 based on funding availability. This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are urged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the stated deadline.