Programme Management Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund Management Unit of the Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO), which is part of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. CDPMO plays a crucial role in supporting the Under-Secretary-General and various divisions within DESA to implement the Department's capacity development approach. The organization is dedicated to promoting coherence and integrated delivery of capacity development activities across the Department. The United Nations, established in 1945, operates in multiple countries and employs thousands of individuals worldwide, focusing on international cooperation and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Assistant will be responsible for providing comprehensive support in planning and implementing activities related to large and complex departmental programme/project initiatives. This role requires extensive coordination and communication with various organizational units to facilitate administrative processes, monitor project implementation, and resolve issues that may arise. The assistant will also be involved in the evaluation and monitoring of programmes/projects, ensuring that data related to accounting records, outputs, and resources are accurately tracked and analyzed. The position demands a proactive approach to preparing budget proposals, collaborating with project managers on performance reporting, and ensuring that all outputs and services are categorized correctly. The assistant will draft summaries, maintain files, and assist in data collection and analysis, contributing to knowledge management and decision-making processes. Additionally, the role includes providing guidance and training to new or junior staff members, making it essential for the candidate to possess strong leadership and communication skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Management Assistant will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: assisting in the planning and implementation of departmental programme/project initiatives; serving as a focal point for administrative coordination and monitoring of project activities; preparing standard terms of reference; processing and following up on administrative actions; monitoring and evaluating programmes/projects; categorizing and analyzing data; preparing budget proposals and reports; collaborating with programme/project managers; drafting correspondence and communications; maintaining electronic and paper files; generating reports and statistical tables; assisting with data presentations; conducting research and analysis; providing guidance and training to junior staff; and performing other duties as assigned by the Programme Management Officer or Senior Programme Management Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of seven years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or a related area is required. This experience requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, candidates must have experience with travel administration using ERP systems such as SAP or Umoja, as well as experience in conference administration. Familiarity with integrated Information Management Reporting Systems for project management and the Grantor Module in ERP systems is also required. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have their relevant experience requirement reduced, indicating that higher education is valued and may enhance a candidate's eligibility for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or a related field. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to five years. Additionally, candidates must have specific experience with travel administration and conference administration using ERP systems, as well as familiarity with project management reporting systems.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded through extrabudgetary resources and is initially appointed for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment, free from discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.