Background

Under the overall guidance of the Regional Representative and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for all administrative and financial tasks and selected substantive assignments in connection with the Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP), funded by the European Union and implemented by UNODC in partnership with Interpol and WCO, aiming at fighting illicit trafficking among selected international airports in Africa, Latin America and The Caribbean. Under the overall guidance of the Regional Representative and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for all administrative and financial tasks and selected substantive assignments in connection with the Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP), funded by the European Union and implemented by UNODC in partnership with Interpol and WCO, aiming at fighting illicit trafficking among selected international airports in Africa, Latin America and The Caribbean. Under the overall guidance of the Regional Representative and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for all administrative and financial tasks and selected substantive assignments in connection with the Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP), funded by the European Union and implemented by UNODC in partnership with Interpol and WCO, aiming at fighting illicit trafficking among selected international airports in Africa, Latin America and The Caribbean.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will specifically handle the following tasks:

  • Full compliance of administrative activities with UN/UNODC rules, regulations, policies and strategies as well as EU rules and regulations;
  • Review budgets and assist the project coordinator in determining appropriate budget lines where activities can be charged in accordance with UN/UNODC and EU rules and regulations;
  • Undertake the procurement and financial arrangements in coordination with the Administrative and Finance Unit and in accordance with UN/UNODC and EU rules and regulations;
  • Prepare and follow the procurement of office, communication and detection equipment for each Joint Airport Interdiction Task Force which will be implement in the countries;
  • Preparation of correspondences, documents and publications such as AIRCOP newsletters in compliance with UNODC visibility guidelines and the EU communication plan;
  • Support for substantive and financial project reporting in line with the EU and other donors’ requirements;
  • Maintain an ongoing monitoring of budgets, allocations and expenditures by project and pledges;
  • Assist in developing budgets and work-plans for the Programme in accordance with UN/UNODC and EU rules and regulations;
  • Arranging appointments, meetings and missions such as the AIRCOP International Annual Meeting, the Project Steering Committee, training and mentoring sessions, joint operations and best practice exchange programmes in consultation with project stakeholders;
  • Organise both in-coming and out-going correspondences;
  • Perform interpretation and translation between English and French;
  • Organize consultation meetings in Africa, including participants’ travel and administrative arrangements, negotiating and securing meeting venues, meeting set-up and meeting documents preparation as well as report finalization;
  • As required, assist in drafting assessment reports, evaluation reports and research documents;
  • As required, assist in developing budgets for projects and strategies;
  • Maintains calendar/schedules; monitors changes and communicates relevant information to the project coordinator and appropriate staff inside the work unit.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

  • Demonstrates commitment to UNODCs mission, vision and values;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism:

  • Knowledge of general office and administrative support including administrative policies, processes and procedures;
  • Knowledge of UN/UNODC and EU rules and regulation;
  • Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
  • Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
  • Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
  • Shares knowledge and experience;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
  • Remains calm in stressful situations.

Teamwork:

  • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
  • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
  • Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;
  • Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
  • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing:

  • Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
  •  Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required;
  • Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
  • Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
  • Uses time efficiently;
  • Ability to perform a variety of repetitive and routine tasks and duties related to arrangement of meetings, office and vehicle maintenance and general administration work;
  • Ability to review data, identify and adjust discrepancies;
  • Strong reporting skills;
  • Ability to produce accurate and well documented records conforming to the required standard;
  • Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints;
  • Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations both of UN/UNODC and the EU;
  • Strong IT skills;
  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Remains calm, in control even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced University degree (Master Degree) in the field of accounting, audit, administration, finance or relevant areas.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 3 years relevant experience in programme assistance, administration and finance, audit or other substantive areas is required;
  • Practical experience in administration and financial management of projects and programmes funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations;
  • Knowledge of audit, finance and budget management in accordance to the UN/UNODC and EU rules and regulation is required;
  • Work experience in a United Nations field office, particularly in West Africa, will be considered an asset;
  • Work experience in projects and programmes in the field of fight against drug and illicit trafficking be considered an asset;
  • Good knowledge in using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is required;
  • Experience and readiness to travel within the region.

Language:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French are required.