Programme Associate

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Description

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Background:

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Purpose for the job:

• Under the supervision and guidance of the Chief of Field Operations and Emergency, the Programme Associate will carry out a range of programme support and administrative functions ensuring effective and timely delivery consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations. 
• The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the Chief of Field Operations, staff in the CO, external partners, and agency counterparts to support programme design and delivery. S/He provides regular feedback on project status through monitoring milestones and advises on improvements to keep activities on track.

Key functions, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks:

• Strengthen the management of the two new third-party contracts related to state and LGA facilitators and health consultants and support the transition from the current 3rd party (CTG).
• Ensure clear segregation of duties between the contract manager (CFS) and supply section.
• Provide additional administrative support to CFS.
• Ensure follow-up on action points from the bi-monthly CFO meetings with every chief field office (KPI presentations, inputs to documents, reports).
• Keep a central repository (excel tracker) of chiefs of field offices’ travels, OIC, and leave)
• Ensure Field Service SharePoint contains updated documents (state briefing, key sitan data on each state etc.) by regularly liaising with CFOs.
• Provide support in organizing travels (follow up with administration on car booking, flights etc.)
• Carry out specific operational/control tasks for programme/project implementation.
• Provide thorough financial support by summarizing information reflecting current obligations (e.g. Open commitments) and future programme and/or budgetary implications. 
• Conducting programme monitoring in UNICEF focus districts for cash and supplies and informing team-members on the status.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Completion of secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the organization’s work. For this position, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration would be preferable.
• A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience. Prior experience in programme support functions and relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization are considered assets.
• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in the above disciplines may replace three years of relevant experience.
• A master’s degree from a recognized academic institution in the above discipline may replace five years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of internal auditing and accounting systems is an asset.
• Prior experience in programme support functions is an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Good analytical skills.
• High sense of confidentiality, initiative, and good judgment.
• In-depth knowledge of the administration which underpins UNICEF country office programme/project operations, including monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/576857

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