UN WOMEN Jobs - 3593- Programme Assistant, UN Action against Sexual Viol

Programme Assistant, UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict

Advertised on behalf of

UN WOMEN

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

ALD Local

Starting Date :

01-Mar-2008

Application Deadline :

29-Jan-08 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

ALD 1

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months, with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

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

U N Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action) unites the efforts of 12 UN system entities with the aim of ending rape as a method of warfare. UN Action seeks to amplify UN system programming and advocacy, strengthen coordination and accountability, and support national efforts to prevent sexual violence during conflict and respond more effectively to the needs of survivors. UN Action is structuring its work around 3 pillars:

Country Level Action: strategic support to UN Country Teams to promote joint programming in countries such as Sudan, DRC, Burundi, Chad, Car and Haiti, along with efforts to build capacity and train advisers in GBV programming and coordination,
Advocating for Action: lobbying and work with media to raise public awareness and generate political will through engagement with bodies such as the Security Council and Human Rights Council
Learning by Doing: creation of a knowledge hub on effective responses to sexual violence

The Coordinator of UN Action is located in UNIFEM. She works closely with focal points from the 12 UN entities and reports to a Steering Committee of Principals from the 12 entities, chaired by Dr. Kathleen Cravero - Assistant Administrator and Director of UNDP's Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Coordinator of UN Action, the Assistant will liaise with focal points from the 12 UN system entities on the development and implementation of the UN Action initiative. Main duties include:

Provides substantive administrative support to the Coordinator of UN Action, including assisting with the recruitment of consultants and preparing ALD/SSA contracts and vendor sub-contracts in accordance with financial, human resources and procurement guidelines
Organises purchase orders and requisitions and enters them into Atlas; makes payments to vendors and consultants (including reimbursement expenses); maintains vendor database.
Serves as focal point for UN Action with UNIFEM HR on all human resource related issues, and with UNIFEM Finance on the management of funds committed to UN Action. Attends relevant meetings and workshops. Keeps abreast of changes in administrative rules, regulations and procedures.
Prepares and monitors budget for UN Action, which includes extra-budgetary contributions and grants passed through UNIFEM and other UN Action partners; processes mandatory and budget revisions; enters revised data and new funds in the relevant financial management system; coordinates and verifies availability of funds for programme activities; recommends necessary budget line changes.
Arranges travel and hotel reservations, prepares travel authorizations, processes requests for visas, identity cards and other documents;
Provides administrative support for conferences, workshops and other events related to the UN Action.
Drafts routine correspondence; follow-up, responds to queries on programme matters; compiles, researches background material for use in discussions and briefing sessions.
Effectively manages all documentation, correspondence related to specific activities and meetings. Organises and manages documents in a comprehensive data management/filing system.
Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Ability to perform a variety of administrative tasks related finance, human resources, procurement, budget;
Familiarity with relevant UNDP/UNIFEM financial, budgetary, procurement and human resources regulations and procedures;
Knowledge of ATLAS would be an asset for the position
Strong computer skills; excellent knowledge of office software packages (e.g. MS Word; Excel; Powerpoint, etc), including computer graphics for report writing; advanced knowledge in use of spreadsheet and database packages and ability to learn new software.

Behavioral Competencies

Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and sound judgment.
Display ability to work independently
Demonstrate capability to work harmoniously in teams with persons of different cultural backgrounds
Develop innovative solutions to work related problems

Required Skills and Experience

Completion of secondary school; university degree in business or public administration, economics, political science, or social sciences desirable but not required.
3-5 years of progressively more responsible administrative experience , preferably in the UN system; experience in the usage of computers and office software packages;
Excellent command of English as well as ability to draft in English; Knowledge of French would be an asset

This position is open only to US Permanent Residents, US Citizens or those who possess valid G4 visas to the United States