Programme Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency for reproductive health and rights. Established to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, UNFPA operates globally with a strategic plan focusing on ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. The organization is committed to human rights norms and standards, emphasizing transparency and excellence in program results.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support Specialist will be responsible for delivering quality program support services to both the Country Office staff and external clients. This role requires mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, and processes while applying established systems and procedures. The specialist will demonstrate strong client and results orientation in service of the country program and assist in creating substantive knowledge by compiling, synthesizing, and analyzing information relevant to sexual and reproductive health, population and development, youth, and gender issues. The position is integral to the Programme Support Unit, contributing to effective program planning, coordination, financial management, and administrative support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Support Specialist include: A. Programme planning and coordination support: Assisting in the coordination and review of program planning and preparation of work plans; participating in the preparation of annual and quarterly project work plans; compiling, summarizing, and presenting basic information and data on the country program and specific projects; facilitating preparation of quarterly implementing partners’ collegial program/project review meetings; drafting minutes of meetings; reviewing FACE forms and work plan progress reports; participating in monitoring visits to program/project sites; and verifying program/project assets annually. B. Financial management support: Assisting in the preparation of budget revisions based on approved work plans; monitoring project budgetary commitments; generating required financial reports; checking and examining various project financial reports for accuracy; taking required actions on operational and financial closure of projects; and following up with implementation partners for timely submission of progress reports and FACE forms. C. Administrative support: Ensuring that all official documents are prepared and kept in project files; facilitating program activities by arranging meeting schedules and coordinating logistical support; preparing necessary documentation and minutes of meetings; ensuring knowledge-sharing between program and operations; drafting routine project-related correspondence; and providing information to missions, visitors, and program counterparts. The specialist will also carry out any other relevant activities and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor and senior management.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Support Specialist position include a minimum of High School Education, with a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field considered an asset. Candidates should have at least six (6) years of relevant experience with completion of High School Education or two (2) years with a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in the public or private sector and program development. Previous experience with the UN is an advantage, along with knowledge of results-based management and asset and financial management. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and concisely in both written and oral form, and proficiency in current office software applications is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background needed for the Programme Support Specialist position includes a minimum of High School Education. A Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field is considered an asset, indicating that candidates with higher education qualifications will have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have at least six (6) years of relevant experience if they have completed High School Education, or two (2) years of experience with a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in the public or private sector and program development. Previous experience with the UN is advantageous, and candidates should possess knowledge of results-based management and financial management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages, preferably French and/or Spanish, is desirable, indicating that while English is the primary language of communication, additional language skills can enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. It is important to note that UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fees in connection with the application or recruitment process. Candidates are advised to be cautious of fraudulent notices or offers and can report any suspicious activity to the UNFPA fraud hotline.