Background

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:

This position is with the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) within the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) located in Senegal, Dakar. Working under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer and the general direction and supervision of the Programme Associate based in the Dakar Office. The incumbent will assist in the general operations and execution of the projects as well as other GMCP activities as relevant.

Summary of Key Functions:

  • Support to formulation and publication the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) documents and annual reports (15%
  • Contribute to management of the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) (15%)
  • Analyze and provide administrative support the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) unit (40%)
  • Contribute to resource mobilization the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) work in West and Central Africa (15%)
  • Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing (15%)

Duties and Responsibilities

Within the assigned authority, the Programme Associate will be responsible for the following duties:

  • Provides assistante in support of the planning and implementation of the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) activities;
  • Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programme/project related topics;
  • Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; develops related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, budget overruns, etc., and brings to the attention of management.

Assists in the preparation and analysis of budget proposals; provides assistance in the interpretation of budget guidelines; reviews and coordinates submissions of programme proposals and budget estimates, ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of proposed activities; prepares reports and ensures that outputs/services are properly categorized; proposes adjustments as necessary.

  • Gather, compile and process data and information from beneficiary countries, donors, Regional Office, and project team for the preparation of documents, guidelines, speeches and position papers in relation to programme planning;
  • Assemble briefing materials and prepare power-point and other presentations for the Regional Coordinator;
  • Reviews delivery timelines and donor reporting requirements assists in compiling information for preparing donor reports;
  • Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. travel arrangements, trainings, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc; carries out relevant functions in Umoja in relation to Programme operations;
  • Drafts correspondence on budget-related issues and prepares and updates periodic reports, graphic and statistical summaries, spreadsheets, etc.;
  • Provides general office assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintain files/records; organizes meetings, workshops, handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, assessing telephone billing, etc;
  • Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff;
  • Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism:

  • Sound knowledge and understanding of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation, programming, monitoring and budgeting;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of database administration and financial management, ability to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources;
  • Ability to perform a range of administrative functions, including event planning and organizing and human resources administration;
  • Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given;
  • Demonstrable commitment to the values of the United Nations, particularly integrity in daily activities and behaviours;
  • Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
  • Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
  • Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
  • Demonstrated professional competence and mastery of administrative processes;

Teamwork:

  • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; within and outside UNODC
  • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others; ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others;
  • Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
  • 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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Completion of secondary school is required. A degree in business, management or public administration (or relevant) corresponding to 4 years or more of post-secondary education is required.

Experience:

  • A minimum of six (6) years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area is required.
  • Experience in working on technical cooperation projects is desirable.
  • Work experience in and knowledge of SAP is required.
  • Experience in spreadsheet and word processing applications is required.
  • Experience in grants, project and fund management related modules in Umoja is highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

  • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required;
  • Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.