National Post: Programme Assistant, GS5, FTA, LACRO Panama

The Position:

As the Programme Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Regional Office’s programme and operational efforts in Population & Development as well as Programme Coordination. 

This dynamic role combines administrative, organizational, and programmatic responsibilities to 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 guidance and direct supervision of the Regional Advisor for Population and Development and with a dotted line to the Regional Programme Coordinator, with close collaboration with the Regional Thematic Teams, and you will also work closely with the Operations Manager and their team to provide timely operational and programmatic support to Country Offices (COs).

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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 that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver 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 change in the region. Your role is crucial in providing programme, administrative, 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 processes.

In this role, you will be a vital link between the programme and technical teams, assisting in data management, and coordination efforts that empower the team 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:

Programme and Operational Support

• Support the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the regional programme, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Draft, finalize, and review correspondence, ensuring clarity and compliance with organizational standards.
• Ensure optimal communication flows with internal and external partners and within the team through effective use of written, verbal and electronic communication.
• Review incoming correspondence, collect and prepare necessary information to reply, ensuring correct spelling, punctuation and formatting; and draft and finalize correspondence responses to routine matters.

Event and Logistics Management

• Coordinate logistical, administrative, and financial arrangements for technical workshops, inter-agency meetings, panel discussions, missions, and other events.
• Prepare travel authorizations, arrange travel logistics, and process related documentation.

Data and Information Management

• Maintain and update country, partner, and project files, including progress reports, work plans, and budgets, in compliance with UNFPA guidelines.
• Compile, analyze, and process data and information from donors, Country Offices, and partners for reports, guidelines, and position papers.
• Manage and maintain an online filing system for records and resources, including audio-visual materials; maintain up-to-date electronic mailing lists up to date (internal and external). Ensure that information is accurate, organized and readily accessible.

Financial and Administrative Tasks

• Prepare requisitions, create vouchers, and process payments in ATLAS, as required.
• Utilize UNFPA reporting systems to produce financial status reports for programmes and projects.
• Ensure compliance with UNFPA rules, regulations, and procedures in all administrative and financial tasks.
• Manage the teams calendar and schedule of appointments and meetings; organize and record the monthly regional calls for both teams; take minutes and/or notes as required; prepare informal translations, as needed.
• Carry out and follow up on all administrative tasks related to the P&D Advisor and Programme Coordinator duty travel; set up and manage administrative files on th mission travel/mission reports; and coordinate the preparation and updating of travel plans. Prepare invitations and support with the travel arrangements for special guests and invitees as required.

Research and Documentation

• Conduct bibliographic and database searches to support research activities, summarize findings, and draft contributions for technical papers, reports, and publications.
• Prepare briefing materials, PowerPoint presentations, and other documentation for the technical and programme team.

Network and Coordination Support

• Assist in coordinating the UNFPA technical network in the substantive area to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
• Organize, compile, and process information as inputs for internal and external stakeholders, supporting various databases and organizational documents.

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow up on the submission of financial reports by Country Offices and partners.
• Support the maintenance of the office filing system and archiving process.

Carry out other duties as assigned by the Regional Adviser or Regional Programme Coordinator. 

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, including some experience in research assistance.
• Previous experience within the United Nations 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 Atlas/PeopleSoft is an asset.
• Basic knowledge of financial principles and demonstrated experience with financial 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
•  Planning, organizing and multi-tasking 
• Supporting Financial Data Analysis

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. 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.