UNDP Jobs - 52196- Programme Associate

Programme Associate

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

28-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

GS-6

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

Languages Required :

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Under the overall guidance of the Assistant Country Director -Programmes, Environment Sustainability and Disaster Resilience Team and direct supervision of the designated supervisor, the Programme Associate ensures effective delivery of the Country Office (CO) programme by entering and managing data and supporting programme implementation consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects’ staff in the CO and UNDP Head Quarterss as required for resolving complex finance-related issues and exchange of information.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Support to formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the Country Programme Action Plan;
Support to management of the CO programme;
Administrative support to the Programme Unit;
Support to resource mobilization;
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Supports formulation of programme strategies and implementation of the Country Programme Action Plan focusing on achievement of the following results:

Collection, analysis and presentation of background information for preparation of CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP, effective application of RBM tools and establishment of management targets (BSC);
Presentation of background information for formulation of country programme, draft project documents, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements.

Provides effective support to management of the CO programme focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Creation of a project in Atlas, preparation of required budget revisions, revision of project award and project status, determination of unutilized funds, operational and financial close of a project;
Provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects;
Presentation of information for audit of NEX projects, supports implementation of audit recommendations.

Provides administrative support to the Programme Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

Review of NEX projects Financial Reports; preparation of non-PO vouchers for development projects;
Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas;
Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers;
Creation of requisitions in Atlas for development projects, register of goods receipt in Atlas;
Making budget check for requisitions, POs and vouchers.

Supports resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:

Analysis of information on donors, preparation of donor’s profile;
Track and reporting on mobilized resources. Review of contributions agreement, managing contributions in Atlas.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme;
Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in programme;
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall performance of the Programme Unit and success in implementation of programme strategies. Accurate analysis, data entry and presentation of information ensure proper programme implementation.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda:

Support the preparation of information for advocacy

Identifies relevant information for advocacy for a variety of audiences.

Results-Based Programme Development and Management:

Contributing to results through provision of information

Provides information and documentation on specific stages of projects/programme implementation;
Provides background information to identify opportunities for project development and helps drafting proposals.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Maintaining information and databases

Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives;
Maintains databases of donor information;
Tracks and reports on mobilized resources.

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches:

Implementing processes and uses products

Documents and tracks innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches;
Responds positively to new approaches.

Resource Mobilization (Field Duty Stations):

Providing information for resource mobilization strategies

Maintains information/databases on potential and actual donors;
Maintains database of project files;
Provides data and information needed for preparation of project documents.

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:

Basic research and analysis

Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:
Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position;
Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks;
Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;
Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools, and utilizes these regularly in work assignments.

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals:

Research and analysis

Identifies relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’s goals for a variety of audiences.

Client Orientation:

Maintains effective client relationships

Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion;
Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;
Responds to client needs promptly.

Core Competencies:

Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
Self-development, initiative-taking;
Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
Creating synergies through self-control;
Managing conflict;
Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary Education, preferably with specialized certification in Accounting and Finance;
University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences and Social Sciences would be desirable, but it is not a requirement;
Prince2 training and certification, RMG.

Experience:

6 years of progressively responsible administrative or programme experience 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.

Language:

Fluency in English and language of the duty station.