Programme Associate

The Programme Associate shall on behalf of the Senior Risk Management and Compliance Advisor in the Regional Bureau for Southern Africa, engage with internal stakeholders, including Sections and Units in the Regional Bureau, the risk focal points in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Angola, Mozambique, Republic of Congo and the South Africa Multi Country Office as appropriate, to align activities and initiatives. As directed by the supervisor, the incumbent may also engage with external stakeholders and implementing partners to maximize collective efforts to manage risk, and strengthen compliance and the quality of services provided to persons of concern.

At least 1 year of experience in positions involving, amongst other things, responsibilities relating to risk management, compliance or project management. Excellent judgement with proven ability to deal with complex interrelated issues and strong analytical and problem solving skills to develop solutions that address root causes.

Strong skills in communication (written and oral) with strong interpersonal skills (essential), teamwork, and capacity ability to deliver quality results on time. Exposure to and experience in UN or humanitarian field operations and emergencies in various geographical locations and multiple functional areas (desirable).

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties:

• Support the assessment and analysis of the needs of persons of concern in the country/region in a participatory manner and using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective as basis for planning.

• Assist in managing the development of a broad network of partners, good coordination practices and the development of partner capacities related to programme management if applicable.

• Assist in organizing and documenting the selection of partners in accordance with the policy on selection and retention of partners, ensuring due diligence to meet the requirements of projects.

• Provide support to the field with technical advice to ensure partnership agreements are established in a timely manner, regularly monitored and reported on in compliance with established guidelines and procedures included in the framework for implementing with partners.

• Support the implementation and performance of partnership agreements through field visits and appropriate physical monitoring if applicable, reviewing performance and financial reports.

• Support the development and implementation of MFT monitoring plans for activities implemented through partnerships and those under direct implementation in line with Programme Manual and programming instructions.

• Contribute to the review and analysis of operations plans, mid-year and year-end reports of the different UNHCR offices, ensuring quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards. Generate and maintain records of implementation rate (performance progress and expenditures) on a regular basis.

• Follow up on any change in regards to alignment of results chain, verifying indicators, budget, prioritization, apportioning needed to measure programme performance, trends and target interventions, contributing to soundness of Operations Plan and enhancement of data quality.

• Follow up with UNHCR offices the compliance with issuance of audit certificates for partners in line with the Policy on Risk-Based Project Audits.

• Provide support to the field through technical advice and training on resource allocation processes and other programmatic issues.

• Use UNHCR’s corporate tools (e.g. Focus Client, Global Focus Insight and FOCUS Reader, MSRP) for core activities related to planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting, generating data for evidence-based programmatic decisions and analysis.

• Support UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contributing to improvements of programming tools and processes.

• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Professional Work Experience

Years of Experience / Degree Level:

For G6 – 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.

Certificates and/or Licenses:

Not Specified.

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience:

Essential

Demonstrated experience in programme management, Operation Management Cycle and related processes. Knowledge of Results Based-Management. Computer skills (in MS office) including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc.).

Desirable

Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to function of the position including Programme Management – Level 1. E-tutoring of PM1, Framework for Implementing with Partners Learning Programme. Experience in programme management training and capacity building activities.

Functional Skills:

*IT-Computer Literacy

PG-Programme Management (project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards)

PG-Results-Based Management

DM-Database Management

PG-Programme Analysis

PG-Assessments and Surveys

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements:

Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Competency requirements:

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Empowering and Building Trust

Managing Resources

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Planning and Organizing

Stakeholder Management

Eligibility:

Interested staff members should consult the Administrative Instruction on Recruitment and Assignment of Locally Recruited Staff (RALS, UNHCR/AI/2020/1/Rev.1). If you have questions regarding your eligibility, you may also contact the HR Unit.**

In line with the RALS, the below category of candidates are eligible to apply for internally/externally advertised vacancies.

Group 1 candidates: Group 1 comprises current GS staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving in the country of the vacancy at the grade of the position or one grade below or above.

Group 2 candidates: Group 2 comprises candidates from the below categories after completion of one cumulative or continuous year of service in the country of the vacancy.

I. Currently employed locally recruited UNHCR staff members holding a Temporary Appointment;

II. Former locally recruited UNHCR staff members who held an indefinite or fixed-term appointment (within 2 years of separation for males and 5 years for females);

III. National United Nations Volunteers currently working for UNHCR;

IV. National UNOPS and individual contractors currently working for UNHCR;

V. Current GS staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment applying to a position in the same category two grades above the staff member’s personal grade;

VI. Current UNHCR staff members in the International Professional category holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment applying to a GS post;

VII. Current UNHCR staff members in the NPO category holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment applying to a GS post;

VIII. Current locally recruited female staff members from other UN system Organizations holding the equivalent of an indefinite or fixed-term appointment.

External candidates: External candidates are candidates who are not in Group 1 or Group 2. They must meet the essential minimum requirements of the position and candidates not citizens of the country must comply with all eligibility requirements for employment in line with the prevailing legislative prerequisites in the country.

Remuneration:

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org