Join the UN Women as a Programme Associate in Pretoria, South Africa!

Are you ready to make a difference? UN Women is seeking a dedicated Programme Associate to join our team in Pretoria, South Africa. This full-time position, identified by Job ID 23213, offers an incredible chance to contribute to our mission addressing HIV and AIDS.

Key Details for the Programme Associate Job Title

• Posting Date: January 22, 2025
• Apply Before: February 5, 2025, at 07:00 AM
• Contract Duration: 1 year (Service Contract Holders)
• Grade: SB3
• Languages Required: Proficiency in English is essential, and knowledge of another official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable.

As a Programme Associate, you will play a vital role in supporting our initiatives and driving impactful change. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women.

Apply now and help us shape a better future! The vacancy will remain open for two weeks, so act quickly!

Programme Associate Job Description

Background:

UN Women actively promotes equality, as outlined in the United Nations Charter. Their mission focuses on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving gender equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries in development, human rights, humanitarian efforts, and peace and security.

Situated in Pretoria, South Africa, the UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) serves five countries: South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and ESwatini.

In this role, the Programme Associate reports directly to the HIV/AIDS Specialist. You will collaborate with the Programme Team to develop and implement effective programs that align with UN Women’s rules and regulations. Additionally, you will contribute to research, financial management, and program implementation, providing essential operational, administrative, and programmatic support. Furthermore, you will work closely with operations, program, and project staff within the South Africa Multi-Country Office and UN Women headquarters to resolve complex finance-related issues and facilitate the exchange of information.

Key Functions and Accountabilities for the Programme Associate

Provide Administrative and Logistical Support for Programmes:

• Actively assist in preparing programme work plans, budgets, and implementation proposals.
• Offer technical guidance to Country Offices (COs), Multi-Country Offices (MCOs), and executing agencies regarding the routine delivery and reporting of programme activities and finances.
• Compile information for programme and project audits, thus aiding in the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Review programme data for the MCO, CO, and Regional Office (RO) websites to maintain accuracy and accessibility.
• Identify sources, collect data, and compile essential documents, guidelines, speeches, and position papers.

Support Financial Management of the Programme Unit:

• Establish projects in the Quantum system while preparing budget revisions and updating project awards and statuses.
• Identify unutilized funds, helping to facilitate the operational and financial closure of projects.
• Oversee budget preparation and financial management of programmes and projects, including finalizing FACE forms for transparency.
• The Programme Associate will also examine financial reports and prepare non-PO vouchers for development projects to ensure proper records.
• Process consultant payments while upholding the internal expenditures control system for precision.
• Create requisitions in the Quantum system for development projects and promptly register goods receipts.
• Assist in the preparation and follow-up of cost-recovery bills within the Quantum system to promote effective financial oversight.

Key Functions and Accountabilities

Provide Administrative Support to the Programme Unit:

• The programme Associate will manage all logistical, administrative, and financial arrangements for meetings, workshops, events, and missions.
• Additionally, the candidate will make travel arrangements for the Programme Team, including efficiently handling travel requisitions and claims.
• Prepare public information materials and briefing packets to ensure clear communication.
• Furthermore, assemble briefing materials and create PowerPoint presentations and other visual aids for effective delivery.

Support Resource Mobilization:

The Programme Associate will also:

• Draft cost-sharing and other agreements, while actively following up on contributions within the South Africa Multi-Country Office’s resource mobilization efforts.
• In addition, organize, compile, and process information from donors, the South Africa Multi-Country Office, and the programme team, thereby contributing to various databases and documents.

Facilitate Knowledge Building and Sharing:

• Provide administrative support in synthesizing lessons learned and best practices related to programme management and finance.
• Lastly, assist in organizing training sessions for office staff and partners on programme and operational issues, thus enhancing their capacity and understanding.

Key Responsibilities of the Programme Associate Candidate

The incumbent is responsible for performing additional tasks within their role as required to maintain the efficient operation of the Office and Organization.

Competencies

Core Values:

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity to Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework: 

Functional Competencies expected from the Programme Associate Candidate

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of programme management.
• Effectively administer and execute various administrative processes and transactions.
• Create, edit, and present information in clear and visually appealing formats.
• Manage data, documents, correspondence, and reports to streamline workflow.
• Exhibit strong financial and budgeting skills.
• Possess advanced IT skills.

Education and Certification

• Completion of secondary education is essential.
• A Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration is advantageous.

Experience

• Hold at least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in administration or programme management/support.
• Have experience working in a computer environment with multiple office software packages.
• Demonstrate experience in supporting a team effectively.
• Familiarity with a modern web-based ERP System, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of an additional official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is a plus.

Statements

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly established UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. This initiative arose from the UN reform agenda, aiming to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact. UN Women combines and builds upon the significant work of four previously distinct UN entities (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM) that focused solely on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Diversity and Inclusion

At UN Women, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other protected status. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational needs.

If you require any reasonable accommodation to facilitate your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women maintains a zero-tolerance policy against conduct that contradicts the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women. This includes sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates must adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures, as well as the expected standards of conduct. Consequently, they will undergo thorough reference and background checks, including the verification of academic credentials and employment history. Selected candidates may need to provide additional information to facilitate these checks.

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