NATIONAL POST: Programme Assistant, Kabul, Afghanistan, G-5

Please note that this vacancy is open only to nationals of Afghanistan.

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. UNFPA is committed to achieving gender balance and fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce.

The Position:

The Programme Assistant delivers quality programme support services to principally internal but also external clients, mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures. S/He is client and results-oriented in service of the country programme. S/He also applies established systems and procedures and assists in the creation of substantive knowledge by compiling, synthesizing and analyzing information relevant to population and development, reproductive health and gender issues.

The role reports directly to the Humanitarian Coordinator.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

Under the direct supervision of the Humanitarian Coordinator, the Programme Assistant delivers quality programme support services to principally internal but also external clients, mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures. S/He is client and results-oriented in service of the country programme.

S/He also applies established systems and procedures and assists in the creation of substantive knowledge by compiling, synthesizing and analyzing information relevant to population and development, reproductive health and gender issues.

You would be responsible for:

Programme support

• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation of annual workplans.
• Compiles, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/projects and related topics/ issues.
• Participates in the preparation of annual and quarterly project workplans, and arranges for relevant work planning meetings within the office and with counterparts.
• Facilitates preparation of project review meetings, drafts minutes of meetings and provides any other necessary logistical support to such activities.
• Undertakes monitoring visits to project sites, when required, and verifies project assets every year.

Financial support

• Prepares budget revisions based on approved workplans and justifications, and monitors project budgetary commitments.
• Generates the required financial reports in a timely manner.
• Checks and examines various project financial reports for accuracy and consistency against approved budgets.
• Takes required actions on operational and financial closure of projects in line with UNFPA programming guidelines and NEX procedures.
• Follows up with implementation partners for the timely submission of FACE.

Administrative support

• Ensures that all official documents are prepared and kept in the project files for retrieval and archiving.
• Facilitates project activities, or relevant missions, by arranging meeting schedules, coordinating logistical support, collecting reference documents, and maintaining records.
• Prepares necessary documentation, minutes of meetings and notes to file for relevant transactions (e.g. grant agreements, services contracts).
• Ensures facilitation of knowledge‐sharing between programme and operations clusters.
• Drafts routine project related correspondence.
• Provides information to missions, visitors and other counterparts requesting.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

Completed Secondary Level Education required. First level university degree in finance, public health, population, economics, demography and /or other related social sciences field is preferable.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in support of social sector/programme development activities is required.
• Knowledge on results based management is desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a team is required.
• Time management and multi-tasking ability is required.
• Knowledge of asset management is desirable.
• Knowledge of financial management is desirable.
• Proven skills in communication and writing are required.
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form is required.
• Knowledge of computer systems and applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is desirable.

Languages:

Fluency in English and local language Dari and/or Pashto is required. Working knowledge of other UN languages would be an asset.

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 Competencies:

• Provide logistical support
• Manage data
• Manage documents, correspondence and reports
• Manage information and workflows
• Planning, organizing and multitasking
• Support financial data analysis

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.