Programme Associate

Background

UNODC technical assistance activities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are undertaken under the broad framework of the Regional Framework for the Arab States (2023-2028). The Regional Framework articulates six focus areas for guiding UNODC-implemented programming at the regional and national levels: 1) A balanced approach to drug control; 2) Strengthening the response to organized crime; 3) Combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants (TIP/SOM); 4) Action against corruption and financial crime; 5) Preventing and countering terrorism and violence; and 6) Strengthening crime/violence prevention and criminal justice.

Under the focus area 3, the incumbent of this position will support the implementation of the regional project entitled “Preventing and countering trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants (TIP/SOM) in the MENA region 2024-2028” in Morocco. Under the overall guidance of the UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa, the incumbent will be based in UNODC Programme Office in Rabat, Morocco, and will report to the Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Morocco as the first reporting officer and to the Administrative Officer, TIP SOM Cairo under respective focus areas, as the second reporting officer .

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Morocco, the Administrative Officer, TIP SOM Cairo and with the guidance of the Regional Programme Coordinator and of the Operations Manager in ROMENA, the Programme Associate (Administrative) will support the implementation of the UNODC portfolio in Morocco notably the above-mentioned programme. This will include:

1. Provide effective support for the planning and monitoring of the implementation of the project(s) through the following tasks:

- Support the development of detailed work plans, develops procurement plans and accompanying budgets and budget revisions for all project activities for the timely and realistic achievement of the project objectives and monitor expenditures per funding agreement.

-Prepare the required budget revisions, revision, determination of unutilized funds, operational and financial closure of projects.

- Monitor the implementation of expenditures per funding agreement in line with project budgets.

- Provide information for audit of projects, supports the audit exercise and implementation of recommendations.

2. Provide administrative support to the effective implementation of the project activities through the following tasks:

- Prepares of Shopping Carts, Request for quotation and SES in UMOJA.

- Maintain proper control of payment vouchers and supporting documents.

- Maintain an internal expenditure control system that ensures that vouchers processed are consistent and complete, and that transactions are correctly recorded and accounted for in UMOJA.

- Perform the reconciliation of transactions. 

- Monitor the liquidation of project commitments upon completion and the release of committed funds. 

- Take timely corrective actions on unposted transactions, including transactions with budget check errors, unapproved transactions. 

- Prepares Payment Processes to be submitted to the ROMENA Finance Team and carries out budgetary checks on purchase requisitions, purchase orders and supporting documents.

- Prepares Terms of Reference for Consultants.

- Register vendors and suppliers and the corresponding bank accounts in the financial system.

- Prepare administrative and financial reports required by UNODC Headquarters and the donors.

- Prepare field missions and capacity-building activities, including the preparation of meetings, training workshops and events, and carry out logistical and administrative arrangements including:

- Creation of travel requests/ expense reports in Umoja.

- Provide support in obtaining visas, arranging transportation and accommodation, etc. for workshops, meetings, conferences, missions, etc. 

 - Maintain control over the non-expandable equipment and conduct physical verifications.

3.Support programme development through the following tasks:

- Prepare budgets for concept notes to be presented to Donors. 

- Review contribution agreements and follow up on the grant recording in UMOJA.

- Prepare and request the financial reporting of grants.

4. Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing within the Programme through the following tasks:

- Organizes of trainings for the projects staff in coordination with the Operations team.

- Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme.

- Contribute to knowledge networks.

 - Perform other functions, as required for the successful implementation of the Programme Office portfolio as might be required in the scope of the current position.

- Carry out other assignments as required in the Programme Office.

5. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Project Management  Ability to plan, organise, prioritise and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Business Management Communication Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels Business Management Resource Management Ability to allocate and use resources in a strategic and tactical way in line with the principles of accountability and integrity Business Management Operation Management Ability to effectively plan, organise, and oversee the Organisation business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner.  Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms Business Management Customer satisfaction  Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for as to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Abilit to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns Business Management Monitoring  Abilit to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results administration and Operations  Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings) Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:	Secondary education is required, Or Bachelor’s Degree will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement, in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Accounting and Finance or relevant specialization
Experience:	6 years of relevant experience for secondary education or 3 years of relevant experience for bachelor’s degree holder in administrative and budget finance is required at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required Experience in data analytics or related area is required Including 2 years of experience of technical cooperation in International Organizations is desired Work experience with web-based financial management and Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) financial management systems is desirable.
Language Requirements:	English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English,French and Arabic with excellent drafting skills is required.   Knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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