Programme Management Assistant

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located primarily in the Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism in the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in Doha, State of Qatar. The Programme Assistant reports to the Head of Office. The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in June 2017. The Office has five main functions: (a) provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates across the United Nations System; (b) enhance coordination and coherence across the 43 Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the Strategy; (c) strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States; (d) improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and (e) ensure that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the United Nations System and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy. The UNOCT Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism, based in Doha, State of Qatar, aims to strengthen the parliamentary contribution to international efforts against terrorism and violent extremism. It seeks to promote a whole-of-society approach to terrorism and addressing conditions conducive to terrorism and support parliamentarians in facilitating the implementation of international obligations and instruments related to terrorism, including the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. The office operates through the following three functions: conducting research, analysis and normative work in support of counter terrorism and prevention of violent extremism; providing technical assistance and provision of consultative services; and promoting and facilitating collaboration and coordination among parliamentary assemblies, as well as national parliaments on countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority and depending on location, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provides assistance in support of planning and implementation activities/processes for the Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism;
• Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics;
• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation; monitors status of programme/project proposals; takes necessary action to ensure project documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval;
• Assists in the preparation and analysis of programme/project budget proposals; provides assistance in the interpretation of budget guidelines; reviews and coordinates submissions of programme proposals and budget estimates, ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of proposed activities; propose adjustments as necessary; prepares reports and ensures that outputs/services are properly categorized;
• Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of programmes/projects; categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses data related to programmes/projects, e.g. accounting records, outputs, resources utilized, deviations/revisions, etc.; carries out periodic status reviews, identifies issues and initiates requisite follow-up actions; prepares revised budget estimates; reports on budget revisions, expenditures and obligations, verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system; initiates financial authorizations for expenditures;
• Collaborates with programme/project managers on performance reporting; liaises with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services scheduled in the PB and various planning instruments such as the medium-term plan and internal work plans; provides assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensures completeness and accuracy of data submitted;
• Drafts programme/project summaries, coordinates review and clearance process, and coordinates with editor, translation services, etc. on finalization and publication of report multiple languages;
• Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organisational units to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, organisation of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc;
• Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; organizes and maintain the SharePoint; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, graphic content, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews;
• Drafts correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues, as well as prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports;
• Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to 5 for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with administrative policies and procedures in international organisations is desirable. Experience assisting programmes or projects, including the coordination of high-level events and workshops, is desirable.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Languages

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

Source: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/242887?language=en