Programme Associate

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations System efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

Afghanistan is one of the world’s most complex emergencies, and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Afghan people are grappling with the impact of conflict, poverty, economic decline, and natural disasters. In this context, Afghan women and girls face unique vulnerabilities and require urgent support as gender inequality is interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs. It is essential that Afghan women and girls can continue to shape the development of their country, and that their gains are protected. UN Women remains fully committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and to putting them at the center of the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan.

UN Women has been in Afghanistan for two decades. UN Women’s programming approach is informed by analysis of the political, economic and humanitarian situation, risks to and capacities of partner organizations, and needs of Afghan women and girls. UN Women Afghanistan currently has four key programme priorities: (1) Gender in Humanitarian Action, (2) Ending Violence Against Women, (3) Women’s Economic Empowerment, and (4) Women, Peace and Security.

Reporting to the Programme Specialist EVAW, the Programme Associate works with and provides support to the members of the Ending Violence against Women (EVAW) Programme Team in the development and implementation of effective programmes consistent with UN Women rules and regulations. The Programme Associate contributes to research, financial management, and programme implementation including providing necessary operational, administrative and programmatic support. The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects’ staff in the UN Women Afghanistan Country Office, EVAW Programme Team and with relevant UN Women HQs and Regional Office colleagues as required for resolving complex finance-related issues and exchange of information.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide administrative and logistical support to the formulation and management of the EVAW programme

Provide administrative support in the preparation of programme work plans, budgets, and proposals on programme implementation arrangements;
Provide technical guidance to the EVAW programme and executing agencies on routine delivery and reporting of programme supported activities and finances;
Prepare information for the audit of programmes/ projects and support implementation of audit recommendations;
Identify sources, and gather and compile data and information for the preparation of documents, guidelines, speeches and position papers.

2. Provide administrative support to the financial management of the EVAW programme

Create projects in Atlas, prepare budget revisions, revise project awards and status; and determine unutilized funds and the operational and financial close of a project;
Provide administrative support in monitoring budget preparation and the finances of programmes/projects; including the finalization of FACE forms;
Review financial reports; prepare non-PO vouchers for development projects;
Process payment for consultants;
Maintain internal expenditures control system;
Create requisitions in Atlas for development projects; register good receipts in Atlas;
Assist in the preparation and follow up of cost-recovery bills in Atlas.

3. Provide administrative support to the EVAW Programme Team

Undertake all logistical, administrative and financial arrangements for organization for meetings, workshops, events, and missions;
Make travel arrangements for the Programme Team, including travel requisitions and claims;
Prepare public information materials and briefing packets;
Assemble briefing materials and prepare power-point and other presentations;

4. Provide administrative support to Resource Mobilization

Prepare cost-sharing and other agreements; follow up on contributions within the Afghanistan Country Office and EVAW Programme Team resource mobilization efforts;
Organize, compile and process information from donors, for the EVAW programme team, as inputs to various databases and documents.

5. Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Provide administrative support synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices related to programme management and finance;
Provide administrative support to the organization of training for the office staff and partners on programme and operations related issues.
Timely and accurate support to events, workshops, and missions;
Full compliance of administrative activities with UN Women rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
Timely recording of overall programme unit finances;
Timely and accurate tracking of data for CO management and donor purposes;
Quality maintenance of internal systems.

Competencies

Core Values:

Respect for Diversity
Integrity
Professionalism

Core Competencies:

Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
Accountability
Creative Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Inclusive Collaboration
Stakeholder Engagement
Leading by Example

Functional Competencies

Good knowledge of programme management;
Ability to administer and execute administrative processes and transactions;
Ability to create, edit and present information in clear and presentable formats;
Ability to manage data, documents, correspondence and reports information and workflow;
Strong financial and budgeting skills;
Strong IT skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification:

Completion of secondary education required.
Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration is an asset.

Experience:

At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in administration or programme management/support;
Experience in working in a computer environment using multiple office software packages;
Experience in supporting a team.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required
Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto is required
Knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset.