Programme Associate

The Position:

The Programme Associate is responsible for providing programme support services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work.
You will help strengthen the program support unit, enhance the quality of our program delivery, monitoring, reporting and engagement with our Implementing Partners. You will work in close collaboration with the programme and operations staff, exchanging information and supporting smooth and integrated delivery of programme and operations interventions.

You will report to the UNFPA Programme Manager.
 

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 will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, 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:

You will be responsible for delivering quality programme support services to both the Country Office staff and external clients, mastering all relevant rules, guidelines and processes, and applying established systems and procedures. You will be expected to demonstrate strong client and results orientation in service of the country programme.

You will assist in the creation of substantive knowledge by compiling, synthesizing and analyzing information relevant to sexual and reproductive health, population and development, youth and gender issues.

You would be responsible for:

1. Programme planning and coordination support:
   •  As part of the Programme Support Unit, assist in the coordination and review of programme planning and preparation of work plans; Participate in the preparation of annual and quarterly project work plans, and arrange for relevant work planning meetings within the office staff and with counterparts.
   • Compile, summarize, and present basic information and data on the country programme, specific projects, work plans and related topics.
   • Facilitate preparation of quarterly implementing partners’ collegial programme/project review meetings, draft minutes of meetings, review of FACE forms, work plan progress reports, transaction list and provide any other necessary logistical support to such activities.

   • Participate in monitoring visits to programme/project sites, when required, as well as after-action review meetings with project closure, and verify programme/project assets annually.

2. Financial management support

• Assist in the preparation of budget revisions based on approved work plans and justifications and monitor project budgetary commitments.
• Generate the required financial reports in a timely manner.
• Check and examine various project financial reports for accuracy and consistency against approved budgets.
• Take required actions on operational and financial closure of projects in line with UNFPA programming guidelines and NEX/HACT procedures.
• Follow- up with implementation partners for the timely submission of progress reports and Fund Authorization and Certificate of Expenditure (FACE) forms.

       3. Administrative support

• Ensure that all official documents are prepared and kept in the project files for retrieval and archiving.
• Facilitate programme activities, or relevant missions, by arranging meeting schedules, coordinating logistical support, collecting reference documents, and maintaining records.
• Prepare necessary documentation, minutes of meetings and notes to file for relevant transactions (e.g. grant agreements, services contracts).
• Ensure facilitation of knowledge-sharing between programme and operations.
• Draft routine project related correspondence.
• Provides information for missions, visitors and programme counterparts.
• Carry out any other relevant activities and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor and senior management.
   

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• At least six (6) years of relevant experience with completion of High School Education Or two (2) years with Diploma or bachelor’s degree in the public or private sector and programme development.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Previous experience with the UN an advantage
• Knowledge of results-based management.
• Knowledge of assets and financial management desirable
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Proficiency in current office software applications.

Languages: 

• Fluency in English and Tok Pisin; knowledge of other official UN languages.

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,

Functional Competencies:

• Providing logistical support
• Managing data
• Managing documents, correspondence and reports
• Managing information and workflow
• Planning, organizing and multitasking

Managerial Competencies (if applicable):

• Not Applicable 

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.