The Position:

The Programme Assistant will play a key role in supporting the Regional Office by contributing to the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of regional programmes. The position will also provide essential operational support in the areas of administration, travel, logistics, and knowledge and information management.

This dynamic role will ensure smooth coordination and effective delivery of UNFPA's objectives in the region. You will be part of a collaborative and results-driven team, helping to strengthen systems and streamline processes that align with UNFPA's strategic priorities.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Programme and Humanitarian  Coordinator and in coordination with the Operations Team and Programme Advisers, you will provide timely operational and programmatic support to the Regional Office (RO) and Country Offices (COs).

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. 

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

 UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.
 

Job Purpose:

As a Programme Assistant, you will be at the heart of the Regional Office’s efforts to drive meaningful changes in the region. Your role is crucial in providing programme, administrative, operational and financial support to ensure the effective implementation of initiatives that advance UNFPA’s mission of improving lives and promoting sustainable development. 

You will play a key role in supporting Country Offices, assisting with the management of regional activities, and contributing to the smooth functioning of technical and operational.

In this role, you will be a vital link between the Operations, Programme and Technical teams, in their efforts to make informed decisions and maximize impact. If you are organized, proactive, and thrive in a collaborative environment, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization and make a tangible difference in the lives of people across the region.

You would be responsible for:

Regional Programme Planning and Implementation Support:

• Compile and summarize data for the set-up of budgets for work plans, to monitor progress, and for budget revisions.
• Support the monitoring of project implementation by preparing reports and identifying gaps for decision making purposes.
• Compile, summarize and share information for internal audit and programme and thematic evaluation processes.

Programme Oversight Support:

• Support with the engagement process with (IPs) Implementing Partners (Competitive processes, agreements, workplans, face forms, progress and final reports).
• Support with the monitoring and implementation of funds transferred to implementing partners.
• Contribute to assurance activities processes with implementing partners (Microassessments, spotchecks, audits).
• Support Implementing Partners with processes of engagement, reporting and year end activities.
• Liaise with external partners for logistics, clearances, and collaboration.
• Support offices in coordination meetings and working groups.
• Utilize reporting systems to generate financial status updates.

Administration, Procurement and Supplies:

• Carry out shopping (less than USD10K) processes following the procurement policy
• Participate in panel evaluations for procurement processes.
• Support the hiring of Individual Consultants in line with Human Resources policies.
• Provide translation and document drafting support.
• Prepare and process requisitions for payment processes.
• Responsible for recording (using AI) of minutes from regional team calls and key meetings.
• Maintain digital filing systems and manage correspondence.

Logistical Support and Travel Management:

• Organize and coordinate regional, projects, internal and external events with logistics and accommodation arrangements for staff and participants.
• Support audiovisual productions, branding, and merchandise distribution.
• Process missions to UNFPA Staff and participants through the UNall Travel platform.
• Coordinate travel documentation, including visa, accommodation, and logistics matters of the mission.
• Coordinate travel plans and invitations for high-level visitors.
• Set up and manage administrative files on mission travel and reports.
• Ensure the UNFPA Staff comply with the travel report and archive in file of the travel mission in the UNall platform

Information Management:

• Review and draft correspondence, ensuring accuracy and formatting.
• Support the drafting of briefings, backgrounds documents, and multimedia presentations.

Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

• Facilitate internal knowledge sharing and documentation of lessons learned.
• Organize and participate in internal training and capacity development.
• Support the creation and dissemination of communication materials.

Carry out other duties as assigned by Operations Team Coordinators. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Completion of secondary school preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization in public administration, finance, or economics.
 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in programming, including oversight and administrative work.
• Previous experience working within the UN System or other international organizations is an advantage.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and administrative skills.
• Proven ability to manage work routines and processes with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as OracleCloud/Quantum is an asset.
• Basic knowledge of financial principles and demonstrated experience with finance and spreadsheet software.
   

Languages: 

Fluency in Spanish is required. English working knowledge. Other official UN languages, preferably French and Portuguese, are desirable.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

•   Exemplifying integrity, 
•   Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
•   Embracing cultural diversity, 
•   Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

•   Achieving results,
•   Being accountable,
•   Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
•   Thinking analytically and strategically,
•   Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
•   Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies:

• Providing Logistical support 
• Managing data 
• Managing documents, correspondence and reports 
• Managing information and workflow

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.