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The Programme Associate position is located in the East and Southern Regional Office within the Evidence, Knowledge and Innovation (EKI) Unit and reports to either the coordinator of the EKI unit or the Policy Adviser. At the G-7 level, the Programme Associate will provide the lead responsibility for programme activities and liaison with implementing partner.

The Programme Associate is part of a team, which provides integrated programme and technical support within a systems strengthening approach fundamental to UNFPA’s overall strategy.  The Programme Associate also works in close collaboration with the Operations Manager and his/her team to ensure timely support to COs on operational matters.

Job purpose

The Programme Associate contributes to the development and implementation of effective regional and country programmes in the region by providing support in the design, planning and management of UNFPA’s programmes in the following functions

  • Performance Oversight
  • Research Support
  • Financial Management
  • Operations and Procedural Guidance and support
  • Administrative support

Major activities and expected results

  1. Performance Oversight
  • Contribute to oversight functions of the RO by maintaining schedules of programme and management audits of the region and assisting in the monitoring and follow up of related audit recommendations;
  • Manages operational requirements of programme/ project inputs and oversight under national execution (NEX) in terms of personnel, sub-contracts, equipment, fellowships, and other programme and project-related events to facilitate programme/ project delivery;
  • Manage the relationship with the implementing partners
  • Establish programme planning information and schedules regional programme cycles in the region, and including CCA/UNDAF;
  • Contribute to ensuring compliance of programmes/projects with organizational guidelines, as well as with audits and evaluation findings, by benchmarking programme and project performance and transmitting this information to the Programme Adviser/Specialists for corrective action; and
  • Coordinate submission of reports, both substantive and financial, on EKI unit and regional programme development, monitoring and evaluation in the region;

2.   Research Support

  • Support the design and manage specialized data banks on (i) Programme/projects profiles, for development, implementation and evaluation purposes and (ii) best practices in programme design/implementation for knowledge sharing; and
  • Consolidate and maintain the inventory of pipeline projects for submission to donors for co-financing.

3.   Financial Management

  • Review and analyze past and current expenditures including trends in pattern of resource allocation in order to prepare recommendations and proposals for distribution of income and utilization of resources provided to the countries and to regional programme in the region;
  • Coordinate submission of financial reports on country and regional co-financing, including the review and finalization of inputs for financial reports for donors; and
  • Monitor the overall expenditure targets among countries and regional programme within the region in accordance with UNFPA’s global resource allocation system and annual guidelines.

4.   Operation and Procedural Guidance

  • Provide guidance to Regional, and country staff on programme operational procedures;
  • Works in close cooperation with International Operations Manager to ensure adequate support to the unit and COs on operational matters. and
  • Represent the RO in meetings and advice working groups related to programme and financial procedures changes.

5.  Administrative Support

  • Prepares and monitors the administrative budget and ensures financial transactions are in accordance with UNFPA financial rules and procedures. Proposes procedures to improve internal controls and efficiency and respond to audit issues
  • Facilitate programme and technical missions

6. Perform any other activity as required to assure the success of the work team.

Work relations

Establish and maintain contacts with, Programme associates and officers at Headquarters and Country Offices as well as all staff within the Regional Office, and partners involved in the regional programme. Contacts with staff and other personnel promote achievement of common goals and shared objectives, and demonstrate personal commitment to UNFPA’s mandate and organizational vision.  The incumbent responds to non-routine queries and provides explanations on matters which may be complex requiring thorough knowledge of policies and procedures of the work area.

Education:   

Completed secondary level education required. First level university degree in public administration, finance, or economics desirable.

Knowledge and Experience: 

  • Seven years of relevant experience in the management of data support systems and in financial management in the private or public sector.
  • Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems.
  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
  • Sound interpersonal skills
  • Ability to use analytical tools and logic to gather, define information, situations, problems, and draw logical conclusions to the data;
  • Make timely and appropriate decisions, taking into consideration, various and complex issues.

Required Competencies:

  1. Core Competencies, see diagram below:      

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

Languages: Fluency in English is required. A working knowledge of another UN language such as French or Spanish is an advantage.

Other Desirable Skills:  Proficiency in current office software applications; good basic knowledge of finances and mastery of a series of financial and spreadsheet software.

How to apply

All applications should be addressed to The International Operations Manager and sent to the following email address: jobs.esaro@unfpa.org on or before the closing date of 23 August 2015. Alternatively, applications can be hand delivered to the following address:

UNFPA ESARO, Sunninghill Place, Block A, 9 Simba Road, Sunninghill, Johannesburg.

All applications are to be accompanied by the attached completed and signed Personal History form (P11 Form), CV, proof of qualifications and cover letter with clear reference to the position being applied for.