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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

UNICEF is seeking talented professionals in the Programme Area. This is a Generic Vacancy Announcement (GVA) for the Talent Groups for Programme Associate GS-6 and Programme Assistant GS-5 positions.

• Talent Groups at UNICEF are exclusive lists of pre-vetted, highly qualified candidates intended to fast-track recruitment processes as positions become available locally. After a rigorous selection process, successful candidates assessed as ready for these levels will be placed in the Programme Associate and Assistants Talent Group. While placement in the Talent Group does not guarantee a position, it is an important resource for filling positions vacancies locally for roles within the Education programme area. Candidates placed into the Talent Group will be reviewed when a relevant position opens and if found suitable, will be offered placement through a direct selection process. Contracts may be Fixed Term (FT) or Temporary Appointment (TA).

For every child, a childwood

Purpose for the job Programme Associate GS-6:

Under the supervision and guidance of the supervisor, the programme associate supports the respective section (s) by carrying out a range of programme support functions to help develop, implement and monitor their country programme, ensuring effective and timely delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations. The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with a range of staff in the CO, external partners and agency counterparts in support of programme design and delivery. The incumbent provides regular feedback on the status of projects through monitoring milestones and advises on improvements to keep activities on track.

Purpose for the job Programme Assistant GS-5:

Under the close supervision and guidance of the supervisor, the programme assistant supports the respective section (s) by carrying out a range of procedural, administrative, and operational tasks, to help develop, implement and monitor their country programme, ensuring timely and effective delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.   

How can you make a difference? 

Summary of key functions/accountabilities for Programme Associate GS-6:

• Facilitating the development of programme cooperation agreements (PCAs) by providing information and drafting selected sections of it.

• Ensuring the timely and accurate recording and administrative processing of government & NGO’s proposals and requests for direct cash transfers (DCTs).

• Conducting programme monitoring in UNICEF focus districts for cash and supplies and informing team-members on the status.

• Helping conduct regular spot checks of partner’s projects to assess their financial record-keeping, expenditure controls and reporting systems.

• Monitoring and tracking the efficient distribution of supplies that are required for effective programme delivery.

• Supporting the programme section in researching, compiling and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and information from a variety of sources on subject matters relevant to the work of the section to facilitate programme delivery as well as preparation of reports, working papers and presentations.

• Carrying out transactions in VISION ensuring programme results, activities and programme coding are as per annual work plans (AWPs), and making amendments and alterations as per section revisions when necessary.

• Carrying out transactions in VISION pertaining to grants and programme-related items for his/her section including but not limited to registering grant allotments and tracking expiring programme grants.

• Preparing monitoring and reporting information for supervisor and team on agreed performance indicators to drive more efficient management and accountability for results.

• Regularly monitoring budgets and financial expenditures of section by employing applicable tools, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision and/or follow up.

• Helping prepare periodic or ad-hoc financial reports relating to country office and donors to support the office in optimizing use of programme funds.

• Supports capacity development activities related to programme development by preparing training materials and participating in exercises.

The incumbent is accountable for the full spectrum of administrative and project/programme support activities. The key results have an impact on the overall performance of the country office and success in the implementation of project/programme activities. Accurate programme monitoring and recommendations, data entry and presentation of information ensure proper programme decision-making.

Download the Job Description for Programme Associate GS-6

Summary of key functions/accountabilities for Programme Assistant GS-5:

• Facilitating the processing of contracts for consultants, vendors and external partners that support the office in programme delivery. This includes preparing and filing documents, completing necessary forms and templates, uploading TOR’s in VISION, and making necessary logistical arrangements. Keeps vendor lists, partners, and consultant rosters up-to-date.

• Collecting invoices and filing documents for approval and thereafter processing in VISION and Mycase.

• Preparing and maintaining records, documents and control plans for the monitoring of project/programme implementation and financial expenditures.

• Supporting the management of administrative supplies and office equipment.

• Maintaining office calendar and arranging meetings. Taking minutes of meetings and keeping the correspondence of the team well organized.

• Providing travel assistance to staff members in section for travel arrangements and entitlements based on the organization’s rules and policies. Liaising with relevant travel focal points to ensure that the organization obtains the best service and price for all travel.

• Maintaining and updating a system which monitors the absence of staff.

• Preparing and maintaining records pertaining to programme planning and development for his/her respective section.

• Carrying out transactions in VISION ensuring programme results, activities and programme coding are as per annual work plans (AWPs), and makes amendments and alterations as per section revisions when necessary.

• Supporting capacity development activities, meetings and conferences by making the logistical arrangements, through engaging with facilitators, caterers and hosts; arranging times through liaising with participants over availability; liaising with budget focal points and section over costs and needs; and preparing background materials for participants.

The incumbent supports the section in the compilation and coordination of key work products, ensuring deadlines are met and that established rules and procedures are followed. The support provided by the programme assistant therefore creates the strongest possible administrative platform from which the country programme can then be delivered. The key results have an impact on the overall performance of the country office and success in the implementation of project/programme activities. 

Download the Job Description for Programme Assistant GS-5

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education:  Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• Work Experience: A minimum of six years for GS-6 and five years for GS-5 of administrative, clerical work experience or related field is required. Prior experience in programme support functions is an asset. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may be considered to compensate for three (3) years of experience in case the candidate lacks the required experience.

A master’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may be considered to compensate for an additional two (2) years (in addition to the three years from above, totaling 5 years).

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencies is an asset.

GS-6 Salary Estimator Tool  &   GS-5 Salary Estimator Tool - This tool enables you to calculate an estimate of the various elements of your salary and provides you with an overview and estimate, so you can better understand your finances and plan for future assignments.*

*While UNDP makes every attempt to ensure that information is up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

[add the 8^th competency (Nurtures, leads and manages people) for a supervisory role]. 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable diversity profile are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.