Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly 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. The organization is involved in significant events such as the World Urban Forum, World Habitat Day, and World Cities Day, which serve as platforms for its key stakeholders and corporate priorities. The Events and Outreach Unit, where this position is located, is part of the External Relations Strategy Knowledge and Innovation Division (ERSKID) and focuses on promoting strategic alliances to achieve the goals of adequate shelter for all and sustainable urbanization.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position involves providing comprehensive support for planning and implementing activities related to complex departmental programs and projects. The incumbent will be responsible for researching, compiling, analyzing, and summarizing information on specific programs and projects. They will assist in coordinating program planning and preparation, monitoring the status of proposals, and ensuring that project documents are completed and submitted for approval. The role also includes preparing and analyzing budget proposals, monitoring and evaluating programs, and collaborating with project managers on performance reporting. The Programme Assistant will draft summaries, coordinate reviews, and serve as a focal point for project implementation activities, requiring extensive liaison with various organizational units. The position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively while maintaining high standards of professionalism and teamwork.

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

• Assisting in the planning and implementation of departmental programs and projects.
• Researching and compiling data on specific programs and related topics.
• Coordinating program/project planning and preparation, monitoring proposals, and ensuring timely submission of project documents.
• Preparing and analyzing budget proposals, interpreting guidelines, and ensuring completeness of submissions.
• Monitoring and evaluating programs/projects, tracking data, and preparing reports on budget revisions and expenditures.
• Collaborating with program/project managers on performance reporting and ensuring accuracy of submitted data.
• Drafting program/project summaries and coordinating the review and clearance process.
• Serving as a focal point for program/project implementation, liaising with various units to resolve issues.
• Maintaining and updating files and databases, generating reports and materials for reviews. 1
• Drafting correspondence related to program/project administration. 1
• Providing guidance and training to new or junior staff. 1
• Assisting with data collection and analysis for presentations and reports. 1
• Updating information materials such as web pages or brochures. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Assistant position include a high school diploma or equivalent, along with supplementary certification in administrative services, finance, human resources, business administration, management, information systems, or a related area. Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of experience in program or project administration and technical cooperation. This requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Proficiency in Microsoft tools such as Excel and Power BI is essential, and experience in providing administrative support for large-scale conferences is desirable. Familiarity with the United Nations common system or similar international organizations is also preferred, along with experience in data analytics or related fields.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, a supplementary certification in administrative services, finance, human resources, business administration, management, information systems, or a related area is required for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in program or project administration and technical cooperation. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with five years of experience. Experience with Microsoft tools, particularly Excel and Power BI, is mandatory, and prior experience in providing administrative support for large conferences is desirable. Experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is also advantageous, as is experience in data analytics or related areas.

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 UN language is considered desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is defined as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This is a project post with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to extension. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office, regardless of nationality. Local recruits are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must ensure that their application forms are complete and up to date, as this information is crucial for assessing eligibility and suitability for the position. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.