Programme Assistant (1 vaga) (Office based) - [Open to internal and external applicants]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

As all countries around the globe are seeking new ways to address complex and interconnected challenges such as shocks from crises, economic stagnation, inequality, and poverty providing access to clean and affordable energy, protect the environment, or mitigating and adapting to climate change. UNDP aims to develop integrated responses to these issues. UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition to multi-lateral and bi-lateral partnerships, UNDP provides countries with specialized integrated technical services for eligibility assessment, programme/project formulation and implementation, capacity development, policy advice, advocacy, technical assistance, training   and   technology  transfer, mobilization of co-financing, implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, performance-based payments and knowledge management services.

The UNDP Country Office (CO) in Brazil is a key development partner of the Brazilian government and supports national and sub-national public and private sector institutions and civil society to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive society by strengthening democratic institutions, improvement of governance effectiveness, reduction of poverty and inequalities and addressing climate change and biodiversity issues. In this context, to meet specific country needs and demands, the CO in Brazil has designed a programme portfolio that includes three mutually reinforcing work streams crafted around three teams:

• Inclusive   Socio-economic   Development:   poverty  reduction, social   policies livelihoods   public-private partnerships, inclusive markets and growth.
• Environmentally Sustainable Development: nature-based solutions for development, climate change, energy efficiency, management of chemical substances, among others.
• Governance and Justice for Development:  prevention of violence, justice, transparency, anti-corruption, human rights, local capacity development

The Environmentally Sustainable Development team is clustered into the larger Programme Team and works in an integrated manner with the Governance and Inclusive Socio-Economic Development teams in anchoring UNDP’s Programme portfolio in Environmental and Sustainable Developed areas by providing thought leadership and enabling innovation and cross-cutting development solutions that are amplified by UNDP knowledge, research, and stand-out policy advice.

Under the guidance of the direct supervision of Programme Specialist - Cluster Coordinator, the Programme Assistant is responsible to provide support for the management of a portfolio within the Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Associate will provide support to the Programme staff in the implementation of programme/project activities ensuring the smooth coordination of logistical arrangements for events, workshops, seminars and briefings of government counterparts.

Provides administrative and operational support to programme implementation within the Country Office, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Assists in the collection and compilation of background information for programme planning and documentation [e.g. Common Country Assessment (CCA), United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), Country Programme Document (CPD)], under guidance;
• Supports the preparation and formatting of draft programme and project documents, work plans, budgets, and related materials;
• Supports the application of results-based management (RBM) tools through basic data organization and documentation.

Supports the implementation of programme activities in the Country Office, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Assists in the creation and updating of project and programme data in Quantum, in line with established procedures;
• Supports routine follow-up with implementing partners on administrative and operational matters;
• Compiles information and documentation required for audits and supports follow-up of audit-related actions, as required.

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

• Assists in the review and compilation of financial and programme reports from implementing partners;
• Supports the preparation of routine and administrative documentation in Quantum;
• Maintains proper filing and record-keeping systems for programme and financial documentation;
• Supports the creation of requisitions, goods receipt entries, and other standard transactions in Quantum;
• Assists in basic budget checks and tracking of expenditures, under supervision;
• Supports programme asset management processes, including record-keeping and inventory updates in line with procedures.

Supports financial management processes within the Country Office, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Supports the preparation, revision, and monitoring of project budgetary and financial implementation in line with approved work plans;
• Extracts, consolidates, and analyses financial reports and budget implementation data, contributing to management decision-making and project performance monitoring;
• Processes records, entries, and transactions in the corporate management system (Quantum), ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of financial information;
• Supports the preparation of periodic financial reviews of projects, ensuring compliance with UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and, where applicable, with public sector and donor requirements.

Supports resource mobilization processes, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Assists in compiling and organizing information on donors and contributions;
• Supports tracking of contributions and maintenance of related records in Quantum and internal files;
• Assists in the preparation and filing of contribution agreements and related documentation.

Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Country Office, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Assists in the organization of training sessions and learning activities for programme and operations staff;
• Supports the compilation of lessons learned and best practices;
• Contributes to knowledge sharing by organizing and maintaining relevant documentation and information.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Programme.

Institutional Arrangement

The Programme Assistant will be directly supervised by the Programme Specialist - Coordinator of the Environmentally Sustainable Development Unit.
 

Competencies

Core competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business direction and strategy | System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system 

Business development | Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations. 

Business management | Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools. 

Business management | Portfolio management: Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimising return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Administration & Operations | Events Management (including retreats, trainings and meetings): Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc. 

Administration & Operations | Travel Policy and Procedures: Knowledge of travel policy and procedures; ability to interpret travel policy, the Staff Rules, administrative circulars and financial regulations and rules on travel- related matters.

2030 Agenda: Planet | Nature: Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Education requirements

• Secondary education is required.
• A university degree (bachelor´s degree) in Administration, Accounting and Finance, Economics, International Relations, International Cooperation, Biological Sciences, or equivalent will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Min. years of relevant work experience 

• Minimum of 4 years (with Secondary education) or 1 year (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant professional experience in programme/project support, administration, or operations, preferably within international organizations, public sector, or development cooperation contexts.

Required skills 

• Experience in providing administrative and substantive support to programme or project planning and implementation activities, review information and identify issues.
• Experience in collecting, organizing and maintaining institutional, programme and financial information.
• Experience in handling financial and programme-related processes, including requisitions, invoice processing, expenditure tracking and basic budget monitoring.
• Experience in data entry and management in corporate systems (ERP), preferably in Quantum or similar platforms, including extraction and organization of data to support analysis and reporting.
• Experience in compile, review and synthesize information, including preparation of summaries and briefings, and supporting documentation for audits and programme reviews.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (e.g. MS Office) and handling of web-based management systems.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Experience working with environment and climate change projects, including familiarity with themes such as biodiversity, sustainable development, or climate policy.
• Experience with vertical funds, such as the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund, including exposure to their operational and reporting requirements.
• Experience supporting projects with a high level of complexity, including multi-stakeholder and/or multi-component initiatives.
• Previous experience within the United Nations Development Programme or other UN agencies.
• Experience in reviewing and interpreting programme and financial data, identify inconsistencies, and prepare structured inputs to support decision-making.
• Experience in supporting procurement, logistical and operational processes, including organization of institutional activities.

Required Language(s) 

• Fluency in Portuguese and English is required.
• Working knowledge of other UN language is desirable.

Professional Certificates

• N/A

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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