Programme Management Assistant, G5

UNEP is recruiting a Programme Management Assistant to join its West Africa Sub-Regional Office (WASRO) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. UNEP’s Regional Office for Africa plays a vital role in the implementation of UNEP global programmes in the African region by initiating, coordinating and catalysing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental challenges and emerging issues.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of WASRO, the incumbent will assist in the coordination of programme and project planning and preparation work for a medium-sized and complex component of the departmental programme and project initiatives, and will monitor the status of programme and project proposals and the receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval. Responsibilities include compiling, summarising and presenting basic information and data on specific programmes; reviewing project documents (especially cost plans and budgets) for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval; reviewing budget revisions, verifying availability of funds, and ensuring necessary approval and entry in the computerised budget system; and serving as a focal point for administrative coordination of programme and project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with diverse organisational units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow up on administrative actions such as recruitment, travel arrangements, training, authorisation of payments, disbursement of funds and procurement of equipment and services.

Additional responsibilities include compiling, summarising and entering data on project delivery; drafting status reports identifying shortfalls in delivery and budget overruns; drafting correspondence on budget-related issues and preparing periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries and accounting spreadsheets; providing general office assistance including responding to information requests, reviewing and routing correspondence, setting up and maintaining files, organising meetings and workshops, and handling routine administrative tasks; assisting with the collection and analysis of data and the preparation of data presentations and reports; assisting with visualisations and updating information material such as web pages and brochures; and providing guidance and training to new or junior staff.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent. Supplementary training in administration, Human Resources, Finance, Budget, Information Technology or related fields is required. A minimum of five years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or a related area is required, reduced by two years for candidates with a first-level university degree. Experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organisation is desirable, along with working experience in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and one year or more of experience in data analytics. Both English and French are required at UN Level II. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.