Job: PROGRAMME ASSISTANT, G6

Department/ Office: United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station: NAIROBI

Posting Period: 9 October 2013-8 November 2013

Job Opening number: 13-PGM-UNEP-30545-R-NAIROBI (X)

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

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP Division of Environmental Law and Conventions (DELC) promotes the progressive development and implementation of environmental law, facilitates cooperation and coordination among multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and support their implementation. DELC also promotes collaboration between UNEP's programme and those of the relevant MEAs. This position is located in the UNEP/DELC at the Nairobi duty station.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director DELC the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Provide assistance in support of planning and implementation activities/processes for a large and highly complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives;
• Research, compile, analyse, summarize, and present basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics;
• Assist in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation; monitor status of programme/project proposals; take necessary action to ensure project documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval;
• Assist in the preparation and analysis of programme/project budget proposals; provide assistance in the interpretation of budget guidelines; review and coordinate submissions of programme proposals and budget estimates, ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of proposed activities; propose adjustments as necessary; prepares reports and ensures that outputs/services are properly categorized;
• Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of programmes/projects; categorize, update, track and analyse data related to programmes/projects; Carry out periodic status reviews, identify issues and initiate requisite follow-up actions; prepare revised budget estimates; report on budget revisions, expenditures and obligations, verify availability of funds; ensure necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system; initiate financial authorizations for expenditures;
• Collaborate with programme/project managers on performance reporting; Liaise with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services scheduled in the PB and various planning instruments such as the medium-term plan and internal work plans; provide assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensure completeness and accuracy of data submitted;
• Draft programme/project summaries, coordinate review and clearance process, and coordinate with editor and translation services on finalization and publication of report multiple languages;
• Serve as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organisational units to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation;
• Prepare, maintain and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; Design and generate a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, graphic content, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews;
• Draft correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues, as well as prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports;
• Provide guidance and training to new/junior staff;
• Performs other duties as assigned

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 and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units.
• Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources.
• Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements;
• 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.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
• listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

Education

Completion of secondary school is required.

Supplementary training in administration, project management or other relevant field is an advantage.

Work Experience

At least seven years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official

United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira 'Need Help?' link.

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.

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.

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