Programme Assistant, SC-6, Temporary Appointment

The Multi-partner Human Security Trust Fund for Aral Sea Region (the MPHSTF) approved joint proposal by UNFPA-UNICEF under its First Call for Proposals. The project aims at supporting the Ministries of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Karakalpakstan in improving the quality of perinatal care services to most vulnerable mothers and newborns in the Aral Sea region by improving infrastructure and provision of essential equipment for secondary level perinatal referral facilities, and to improve quality of maternal and newborn health service. The project will cover 8 out of 15 districts. Annually, about 20,000 pregnant women and newborns will benefit from the project.     

The Programme Assistant position is located in UNFPA Uzbekistan Country Office. Under the overall guidance of the Assistant Representative and direct supervision of the National Programme Officer on RH, the Programme Assistant assists in implementation of the project funded by Multi-partner Human Security Trust Fund for Aral Sea Region by carrying out a range of procedural, administrative, and operational tasks, to help with timely and effective delivery of project outputs. .

The Programme Assistant provides programme, administrative and financial support to the

programme and operations team in implementation of the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea (MPHSTF) funded project. The Programme Assistant works in close collaboration with the National Programme Officer on RH, Administrative/Finance Associate, Programme staff, relevant UNICEF Programme and Project staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

• Provides significant input into arranging programme activities, including supporting programme officers in preparation of budget, arranging venues, materials, helping in preparation of the presentations.
• Contributes to the preparation of programme and financial reports by collecting information, preparing tables, drafting selected sections of the report etc.
• In consultation with the Assistant Representative, the National Programme Officer on RH, and Administrative/Finance Associate the Programme Assistant conducts programme related procurement of services/goods and ensures that procurement is in accordance with UNFPA Procurement Procedures: collects supporting documents; obtains price quotations and prepares comparative tables; makes logistical arrangements for the delivery, including customs clearance and distribution; obtains Receipt and Inspection Reports and acceptance reports from national counterparts.
• Compiles relevant background materials and prepares briefs and summaries if requested. Maintains database of public information contacts and potential donors.
• Arranges programme meetings, including organizing the venue, preparing draft minutes of programme meetings, communicating draft minutes to the participants and receiving feedback. Ensures quality and completeness of filing of programme documents.
• Assists in the archiving, filing, and maintenance of up to date electronic mailing lists on programme and technical matters.

• Undertakes all logistical, administrative and financial arrangements required for the successful planning and delivery of technical workshops, inter-agency meetings, panel discussions, roundtables, missions, and other events organized by the output managers in close collaboration with the operations team.  This may include liaising with event management companies and caterers supporting the procurement process for these and related services.

• Provides logistical support to programme events by gathering and compiling data and information for the preparation of events documents, speeches and position papers.  This includes (but is not necessarily limited to) preparing and distributing COA authorization letters; collecting and following up on nominations and registration; preparing list of participants; managing programme related travel and visa requirements, circulating events materials.

• Raising requisitions in ATLAS with input from designated clients.

• In coordination with designated UNFPA Country Office’s Monitoring and Evaluation officer collects and processes information relevant to project monitoring and evaluation and project indicators.
• Translates and drafts letters and other programme documents as well as provides oral translation as may be assigned by country office management;

The Programme Assistant works with and provides support to the members of the Uzbekistan Country Office team, both programme and operations. Contacts with staff and other personnel to promote achievement of common goals and shared objectives and demonstrate personal commitment to UNFPA’s mandate and organizational vision.

Both internal and external contacts include exchange of information on broader aspect of the work area, which may include providing clarification of non-routine matters involving some technical input.

Education: 

Completed secondary level education required. First level university degree desirable.

Knowledge and Experience:

• 3 years of previous relevant experience in administration or project/programme management;
• Previous experience in the UN is an asset;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Computer literacy - Word, Excel, Power-point, etc.
• Knowledge of Atlas/PeopleSoft or other ERP system is an asset;
• Good writing and communication skills.

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results
• Being accountable
• Developing and applying professional expertise/ business acumen
• Thinking analytically and strategically
• Working in teams/ managing ourselves and our relationships
• Communicating for impact

Functional Skill Set:

• Providing logistical support
• Managing data
• Managing documents, correspondence and reports
• Managing information and work flow
• Planning, organizing and multitasking

Languages: Fluency in English and Russian is required. Working level of Uzbek is required.