Programme Assistant, GS5, FTA, Managua, Nicaragua

The Position:

The Programme Assistant supports the design, planning and management of UNFPA’s country programme by providing and managing data inputs, logistical support, monitoring project implementation and effective follow-up on recommendations. He/she is instrumental in facilitating programme/project implementation using and developing appropriate mechanisms and systems and ensuring compliance with established procedures. He/she will report directly to the CSE/GVB Programme Analyst.

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 will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, 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:

As the key administrative support to the Country Representative, you will be responsible for maintaining full confidentiality, upholding protocol, managing information flow and following up on deadlines and commitments. You will also facilitate knowledge building and management; provide logistical support; support communications; and coordinate secretarial services.

You would be responsible for:

• Participates in the preparation of the budget details of the WPs and follow-up of implementation with the implementing partners (IPs), within the approved activities and informs timely to the programme analysts about deviations on planning.
• Participates in the preparation and follow-up of recommendations provided by technical assistance missions, audits and national consultants.
• Revises FACE jointly with the implementing partners, Program Analysts and Finance Associate
• Participates in programmatic and financial monitoring visits to implementing partners.
• Supports monitoring the delivery of plans and reports linked to the implementation of the IPs
• Assists and strengthens the capacities of IPs in the procedures and accountability.
• Coordinates and prepares travels and payment for CO programme analysts, national and international consultants and as required.
• Issues contracts, agreements, grants and memorandum of understanding as well as related documentation to planning, execution and monitoring of WP.
• Revises and updates programme officers’ agenda in close collaboration with the Assistant to the HoO and or Assistant Representative.
• Provides follow-up to incoming and outgoing correspondence. Writes and submits correspondence (letters, fax, memorandum, etc.,).
• Take notes/minutes during meetings.
• Ensures and updates hard copy and electronic files of the area.
• Provides logistical support for the organization of workshops, conferences, meetings and other events, keeping and safeguarding the supporting documentation for proper payments
• Supports the programme team in the preparation of procurement process of goods and services below the lower threshold and within the approved WP.
• Creates requisition and generates financial and implementation reports in Quantum as needed.
• Updates the quarterly financial planning and monitoring information in coordination with the Programme and Finance Associates, level of implementation, OFA monitoring and budget execution.
• Manage and enters required data in the different UNFPA applications for programme monitoring, i.e. eLearning, Quantum, Quantum Plus, DARTS, SIS, MyGPS (budget posting), AoDocs as required
• Participates in the year-end closure as per instructions and as required.
• Act as Backup of other colleagues as per assigned role, and as requested
• Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Work Relations

The Programme Assistant maintains collaborative relationships with all programme, project and operations staff at the CO. Internal contacts include the Assistant Representative, the Programme Specialist, the Programme Analyst, the CO’s programme/ technical team, and the CO’s administrative management team

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Completed Secondary Level Education required. University degree desirable with 5 years of working experience.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Project development skills.
• Basic accounting knowledge
• Skills in computer software applications (word, excel, power point, internet, pdf, web pages, ERP).
• To work efficiently, systematically, under pressure.
• Demonstrated experience in organizing meetings and workshops.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Languages:

• Fluent in Spanish and working knowledge of the English language.

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,

Functional Competencies:

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

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.