Programme Management Assistant

This position is located in the Office of the Director, Financing for Sustainable Development Office, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Programme Management Assistant will report to the Economic Affairs Officer in the Office of the Director. The Financing for Sustainable Development Office provides coherent and integrated support to Member States in addressing the issues related to financing for development, as well as the means of implementation for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Programme Management Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives; monitors status of programme/project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval.
• Assist the Director and Officer with administrative, finance and budgetary matters related to the implementation of the Office’s programme of work, including reviewing project documents, especially cost plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature.
• Reviews budget revisions; verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system.
• Serves as focal point for administrative and logistical coordination of the work programme of the Office, and other events/projects organised by the Branch, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organizational units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.
• Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; drafts related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, budget overruns, etc., and brings to the attention of management.
• Drafts correspondence on budget-related issues and prepares and updates periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc.
• Provides general office assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files/records; organizes meetings, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, assessing telephone billing, etc.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree of higher. Experience in Front Office work is desirable. Experience in processing recruitment of personnel or consultants or individual contractors is desirable. Experience with an integrated management system, such as Umoja and Inspira or other comparable tools is desirable. Experience on intergovernmental processes is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Source: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/235354?language=en