Program Associate

Under the supervision and guidance of the Regional Advisors for ADAP / SBC, the programme associate supports the respective section (s) by carrying out a range of programme support functions to help develop, implement and monitor their programme, ensuring effective and timely delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.   

The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with a range of staff in the office, external partners and agency counterparts in support of programme design and delivery. S/He provides regular feedback on the status of projects through monitoring milestones and advises on improvements to keep activities on track.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Facilitating the development of programme cooperation agreements (PCAs), individual and institutional contracts by providing information and drafting selected sections.
• Ensuring the timely and accurate recording and administrative processing of government & NGO’s proposals and requests for direct cash transfers (DCTs).
• Conducting programme monitoring for cash and supplies and informing team-members on the status.
• Helping conducts regular spot checks of partner’s projects to assess their financial record-keeping, expenditure controls and reporting systems.
• Monitoring and tracking the efficient distribution of supplies that are required for effective programme delivery.
• Supporting the programme section in researching, compiling and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and information from a variety of sources on subject matters relevant to the work of the section to facilitate programme delivery as well as preparation of reports, working papers and presentations.
• Carrying out transactions in VISION/FIORI ensuring programme results, activities and programme coding are as per annual work plans (AWPs) and making amendments and alterations as per section revisions when necessary.
• Carrying out transactions in VISION/FIORI pertaining to grants and programme-related items for his/her section including but not limited to registering grant allotments and tracking expiring programme grants.
• Preparing monitoring and reporting information for supervisor and team on agreed performance indicators to drive more efficient management and accountability for results.
• Regularly monitoring budgets and financial expenditures of section by employing applicable tools, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision and/or follow up.
• Helping prepares periodic or ad-hoc financial reports to support the office in optimizing use of programme funds.
• Supports capacity development activities related to programme development by preparing training materials and participating in exercises.
• Support with knowledge management activities – updating and improving the section’s share point, collecting and disseminating case studies.

Impact of Results:

• S/He is accountable for the full spectrum of administrative and project/programme support activities. The key results have an impact on the overall performance of the country office and success in the implementation of project/programme activities. Accurate programme monitoring and recommendations, data entry and presentation of information ensure proper programme decision-making.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience is required.

Skills:

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant work experience in executive, administrative and/or programme support is required.
• Prior experience in programme support functions will be prioritized.
• Prior hands-on experience in effectively managing the financial resources of an office / section and monitoring as well as analyzing the budget use and utilization is required.
• Hands on experience with an ERM System (i.e. VISION/SAP) is required.
• Experience with Budget and Data Analytics, Key Performance Indicators and Data Visualization is required.
• Knowledge of technological platforms, particularly MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other UNICEF software such as SharePoint systems as is an asset.
• Experience of raising and administering consultant contracts and applicable UN/UNICEF policies and procedures is desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of the UNICEF programme operations, including monitoring and evaluation, budget and travel processes is a significant asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is desirable.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is desirable.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities is required.
• High sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment with strong office management skills is required.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities.
• High attention to detail.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/576158