Programme Associate United Nations Children's Fund Experience: 3 to 5 Years Almaty, Kazakhstan Apply By: 08-09-2024

Under the supervision and guidance of the Regional Adviser Emergency (P5), the Programme Associate supports the respective section by carrying out a range of programme support functions to help develop, implement, and monitor the annual work plan and 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 RO, and very closely with colleagues in the Emergency section (Emergency, DRR and WASH), external partners, and agency counterparts in support of programme design and delivery. S/He provides regular feedback on the status of the workplan, projects and programmes through monitoring milestones, and advises on improvements to keep activities on track.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Participation in effective knowledge management of regional office support / information to strengthen the emergency programme management and activities, including important information sharing/exchanges of best practice.
• Support to regional and subregional online and in-person events and meetings organized by the Emergency section.
• Effective support to implementing changes in regional programme work plans, balancing programming and partnership priorities.
• Effective monitoring of programme funds for optimum use, including funds related to specific grants and projects.
• Supporting drafting of annual and grant reports and narratives based on program inputs.
• Conducting Programme monitoring across the Emergency Section to improve programme performance, synergies, partnerships and effective use of resources (both human and financial).
• Support as required programme implementation and oversight to multi-country and country specific regional office engagement.
• Support the development of TORs and recruitment and onboarding of consultants and contractors.
• Facilitating the development of programme cooperation agreements (PCAs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) by providing information and drafting selected sections.
• Ensuring the timely and accurate recording and administrative processing of proposals and requests for direct cash transfers (DCTs).
• Helping conduct regular spot checks of partner’s projects to assess their financial record-keeping, expenditure controls and reporting systems.
• 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 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 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 the 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 prepare periodic or ad-hoc financial reports relating to country office and donors 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 ongoing section management and coordination through weekly meetings, note taking and follow up actions needed.

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…

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience is required.
• Prior experience in programme support functions is an asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, or Spanish), working proficiency in Russian language is an asset.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 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.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/575093