PROGRAMME ASSISTANT, G7

Department/ Office:ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA

Duty Station:KIGALI

Closing Date: Sunday, 12 June 2011

Posting Period:13 May 2011-12 June 2011

Job Opening number:11-PGM-ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA-19837-R-KIGALI

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Sub-regional Office of Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Kigali, Rwanda.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director of SRO-EA, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, operations and other activities of SRO-EA. Specifically, the Programme Asssitant will be responsible for the following duties:

Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.

Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.

Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies.

Researches, compiles, analyses, summarises and presents basic information/data on wide range of programmes/projects and related topics, highlighting noteworthy issues/trends for consideration by appropriate parties.

Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions.

Independently provides full range of programme/project management and implementation assistance at all phases of the programme/project cycle.

Tracks resolutions and other legislative decisions that affect programme/project content and oversees the preparation of the relevant database(s) to ensure the incorporation of epigrammatic and other changes enacted by legislation.

Reviews, appraises and revises, as necessary, all submissions for substantive programmes/projects, ensuring compliance with guidelines and programme/project objectives; identifies problems/issues.

Works with funding agencies in arranging financing modalities; obtains requisite clearances; ensures establishment of proper monitoring systems through scheduled reporting, review meetings and missions.

Drafts budget and forecast based on submissions.

Prepares monitoring checklists, identifying stages of programme/project development, funding source, and inputs by reviewing internal and external bodies, and follow-up actions required.

Monitors budgetary commitments, including verification of charges and obligation documents in IMIS for all financial transactions.

Prepares periodic budget revisions and ensures appropriate resource allocations.

Arranges for formal closures of projects, final budget revision, and transfer of equipment, clearance, publication and distribution of final report.

Participates in the substantive activities of SRO-EA Support the organization of meetings, workshops and events organised by SRO-EA.

Performs other administrative and technical duties as assigned.

Supports activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Professionalism:

Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions, organizational structure, roles, mandates of the SRO-EA and UNECA in general. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to use information technology to programming, financial and administrative work. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Teamwork:

-Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals

-Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others

-Places team agenda before personal agenda

-Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position

-Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

Planning & Organizing:

-Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies

-Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required

-Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work

-Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning

-Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary

-Uses time efficiently

Accountability:

-Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments

-Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards

-Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules

-Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments

-Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent. Must have passed the United Nations Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) at Headquarters or an equivalent locally-administered test at Offices Away.A first-level university degree in business administration, programme or finance management, economics or a related field is an advantage.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, technical cooperation or related area is required.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Assessment Method

Competency-based interview and other assessment method.

Special Notice

This position is for local recruitment.

Passing the Administrative Assessment Support Test (ASAT) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Service category .

Candidates, if short-listed, will be scheduled to sit for the ASAT at a later date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.