Job Programme Assistant, Nairobi

Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 April 2010

Programme Assistant, G-6
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:	14 Apr 2010
DATE OF ISSUANCE:	15 Mar 2010
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT:	United Nations Environment Programme
DUTY STATION:	Nairobi
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:	10-PGM-UNEP-423308-R-NAIROBI

Appointment against this post is on a local basis. External candidates will be considered only when no suitable internal candidate from the duty station is identified. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred to take-up the appointment. Staff members are subject to the authority of and assignment by the SG. All staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Remuneration Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Division of Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA) is responsible for analyzing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyze and promote international cooperation and action on the environment. This post is located in the UNEP/DEWA at the Nairobi duty station. Under the general supervision of the Chief Scientist, the incumbent will perform the following duties: Assistance in planning, coordination and implementation of programme activities; Research, compile, analyze, summarize, and present information/data on programmes/project;Monitor status of programme/project proposals; Ensure project documents are completed and submitted for approval;Prepare and analyze budget proposals; Assist in the interpretation of budget guidelines; Review and coordinate submissions of programme proposals and budget estimates; Prepare budget reports and ensure outputs/services are categorized;Assist in monitoring and evaluation; Categorize, update, track and analyze data; Carry periodic status reviews, identify issues and initiate requisite follow-up actions: Provide assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures; Ensure completeness and accuracy of data submitted;Draft programme/project summaries, coordinate review and clearance process; Serve as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities;Prepare, maintain and update files; Draft correspondence; Provide guidance and training to new/junior staff; Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of administrative policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Planning and 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision.Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Completion of secondary education is required. Supplementary training in programme/administrative management is desirable.

Work Experience Minimum of six years or responsible work experience in the field of programme management and/or on administrative management, some of which with an international organization is required.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages an asset.

Other Skills Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet) are required.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

How to apply All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Because applications submitted by United Nations (UN) staff members are considered first, provided the eligibility requirements set out in ST/AI/2006/3 are met and the application is submitted in a timely fashion, staff members should apply within 15-day or 30-day mark. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please go to “My UN” page and check the status of your application by clicking on “View Application History”, and resubmit the application, if necessary. To start the application process, applicants are required to register by opening a "My UN" account. Go to Login, and Register as a User. Fill in the form and choose a User Name and Password. After opening the account, applicants may apply for vacancies using the Personal History Profile (PHP) provided. Once the PHP has been completed for a particular vacancy, it can be saved and used for future applications. The PHP may be up-dated, when necessary, for future applications. In completing the PHP, please note that all fields marked with an asterisk must be completed. UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the appropriate Human Resources Office (HRO)/Personnel Office (PO) to the email address below, clearly indicating the vacancy announcement number. In case you have no access to the digitizing equipment, please submit hard copies of the two latest PAS reports to the relevant HRO/PO via fax. E-mail: Recruitment@unon.org, Fax: 254-20-762-4212 Please see the Frequently Asked Questions, if you encounter problems when applying.