Programme/Finance Assistant, G5, Pohnpei, Micronesia

The Position:

The Programme/Finance Assistant is located in UNFPA Office in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia and will work under the day-to-day supervision of the Program Specialist.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

S/He provides programmatic and financial support in implementation of program activities ensuring full compliance of program and financial processes with UN/UNFPA rules, regulations, policies and strategies.

S/He provides logistical support to programme implementation.

S/He provides organizational functions of the office in terms of providing effective communications support to the Sub Regional office; ensuring facilitation of knowledge building and management.

In addition, the incumbent contributesto basic programme/research data for the management
of the programme and in tracking progress of the programme implementation.

You would be responsible for:

• Assist the programme team, in providing support to implementing partners on knowledge management and programme implementation through maintaining an easy reference and friendly access to contacts and mailing lists of partners, key stakeholders, consultants, UN agencies, donor, institutions, individuals, and other contacts;
• Assist in programme formulation and work-plan creation in GPS, maintain and update project profiles, including progress reports and work plan review in compliance with programme implementation guidelines;
• Collate programme related information and procurement needs; support programme personnel in their work plans, monitor and follow-up with Implementing partners on submission of progress and financial reports (e-Face);
• In close collaboration and guidance of the finance team in Suva,support and coordinate the HACT assurance activities (spot check, audits) and support in follow up of any required action;
• Coach implementing agencies on UNFPA financial rules and regulations to be followed, e-Face and on recording non-expendable items supported by UNFPA;
• In close collaboration with the administration team in Suva, follow up on any administrative matters entering the relevant requisition facilitating release of payments, including maintenance of vehicle log registers & vehicle history record, inventory management, assets, leave records and common premises;
• In close collaboration with the administration team in Suva, support arrangement of domestic and international travels for staff and non-staff travels as well as follow up of submission of the mission reports by staff;
• In consultation with relevant staff, initiate draft documents, compile and process logistical, administrative and financial arrangements for meetings, events and workshops organized by the office;
• Receive visitors/officials; take minutes and/or notes, as required; prepare informal translations and act as interpreter as required; answer and screen telephone calls with tact and discretion;
• Set up, and effectively maintain and monitor the filing system; set up a follow up system to reduce repetitive action or filling gaps; manage online database of implementing partners; assist in archiving and maintain up-to-date electronic mailing lists;
• Prepare information and/or briefs, summaries and background documentation required by programme staff for official missions, programme functions, seminars, conferences, events and meetings including arranging audio-visual aids as required, projector and screen, preparing power point presentations and computer generated visuals such as graphs;
• Ensure optimal communication flows within the unit and with entire Sub Regional Office, joint country presence offices and external counterparts, through effective use of written, verbal and electronic communication;
• Perform ad-hoc duties required by the Programme Specialist relating to monitoring and evaluation of the country programme and projects.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

Completion of secondary level education or an equivalent is required. First level university (Bachelor) degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Accountancy, Chartered Accountancy and related fields is desirable.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years professional experience in similar role;
• Some experience in research assistance and general understanding of programme support, monitoring and evaluation is desirable;
• Good writing and communication skills with the ability to draft correspondence in a clear, accurate and concise manner;
• Previous experience and knowledge of protocol in the United Nations is an advantage,
• Good interpersonal, planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills;
• Ability to work independently and harmoniously in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic team environment maintaining tact and discretion in all dealings;
• Computer literacy – Proficiency in the use of MS Office Packages and the Internet;
• Good knowledge of Atlas/PeopleSoft is an asset.

Languages:

Fluency in English Language and knowledge of the local language is required.

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change.

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact.

Functional Competencies:

• Logistical support,
• Managing data, documents, correspondence and reports,
• Managing information and workflow,
• Planning, organizing and multi-tasking,
• Job knowledge/technical expertise.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.