Programme Associate, Johannesburg, ESARO, GS-6 at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Job Purpose:

The Associate provides programme and administrative support to the programme and technical team, especially to advise and support COs in the region, and to support the management of the Safeguard Young People programme. The Associate also provides some data and research assistance. 

The Programme Associate will apply established systems and procedures and assist in the creation of knowledge by compiling, synthesizing, and analyzing relevant information, developing appropriate mechanisms and systems, and ensuring compliance with procedures.

You would be responsible for:

• Participating in the formulation of the SRHR programme and component projects, by compiling and analysing information relevant to the UNFPA’s role in the country, drafting project documents and work plans and preparing tables and statistical data.
• Assist the technical and programme team, in collaboration with the Operations office, in providing support and advice to the COs on operational and programme matters.
• Undertake all logistical and administrative arrangements required for the organization of technical workshops, inter-agency meetings, panel discussions, roundtables, missions, and other events organized by the programme and technical team.
• Assist ESARO in coordinating the UNFPA technical network in the substantive area.
• Assist in the preparation, implementation and monitoring process of the regional programme;
• Review incoming correspondence, collect and prepare necessary information for reply/action, and draft and finalize response.
• Prepare first drafts of responses to inquiries received by the programme and technical team for action by supervising officers.
• Prepare travel authorizations and make travel arrangements.
• Maintain the team filing system in iDOCs and assist in archiving.
• Maintain and update country, partners and project files, including project progress reports, work plans and budgets in compliance with guidelines for the regional programme.
• Prepare requisition requests in the corporate ERP with input from the programme and technical team members.
• Apply UNFPA rules, regulations and procedures and advise team members as required.  
• Follow up on the submission of financial reports by COs and partners.
• Perform research assistance duties including bibliographic and database searches; summarize information and draft contributions to ESARO reports, papers, technical notes, and publications.
• Identify sources, and gather and compile data and information for the preparation of documents, guidelines, speeches and position papers.
• Assemble briefing materials and prepare PowerPoint and other presentations for the technical and programme team members.
• Organize, compile and process information from donors, Regional Offices, programme countries, and country offices, as inputs to various databases and documents; and
• Carry out any other duties as may be required by the Youth Team Lead or the Head of the Integrated SRHR Unit.

Qualifications and Experience Required: 

Education:  

• Completed Secondary Level Education required. First-level university degree desirable.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in programme/ project management.
• Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems.
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.