Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Ecosystems Division collaborates with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, thereby strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and those with economies in transition. The organization operates globally, with a focus on various environmental issues, and is committed to promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position is located at the Nairobi duty station within the UNEP-Cartagena Convention Secretariat, specifically under the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea Project (PROMAR). This project is funded by the Government of Germany through a German NGO, Adelphi, and focuses on five Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS): British Virgin Islands, Guyana, Suriname, Saint Kitts-Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago. The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Senior Coordination Officer and the direct supervision of the AMEP Programme Management Officer. The role involves assisting in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation, monitoring the status of proposals, compiling and disseminating information, reviewing project documents for compliance, and serving as a focal point for administrative coordination of implementation activities. The Programme Assistant will also draft correspondence, prepare reports, and assist with data collection and analysis, contributing to effective project management and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Assistant include: assisting in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work; monitoring the status of programme/project proposals; compiling and summarizing information on specific programmes/projects; reviewing project documents for completeness and compliance; serving as a focal point for administrative coordination; compiling and entering data on project delivery; drafting correspondence and preparing reports; providing general office assistance; assisting with data collection and analysis; and providing guidance/training to new or junior staff. The role requires extensive liaison with various organizational units and implementing agency partners, ensuring effective communication and coordination of project activities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum qualification. Supplementary training in Programme/Project management or administration is desirable. Candidates should possess knowledge of internal policies, processes, and procedures related to programme/project administration, implementation, and evaluation. The ability to work well with figures, conduct basic research, and gather information from standard sources is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professional competence, efficiency in meeting commitments, and the ability to apply good judgment in assignments. A commitment to gender equality and teamwork is also expected.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Additional qualifications in Programme/Project management or administration are desirable, indicating a preference for candidates who have pursued further education or training in relevant fields.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) years of progressive work experience in programme or project management, administration, or a related area. This requirement is reduced to three (3) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree. Experience working with environmental programmes and projects is desirable, as is experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP. Familiarity with the United Nations Common system or similar international organizations is also advantageous. Additionally, at least one (1) year of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, while knowledge is defined as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension, contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The selected candidate will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (FTA limited) in accordance with administrative instructions. This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any relocation expenses. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are urged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted.