Programme Assistant, GS-5, La Paz - Bolivia

The Position:

As the Programme Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Country Office’s programme implementation, budget monitoring, financial reporting and logistical support.

This dynamic role combines administrative, organizational, and programmatic responsibilities to ensure smooth coordination and effective delivery of UNFPA´s objectives in the country. 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 Assistant Representative with close collaboration with the Operations Manager to provide timely operational and programmatic support/information.

 

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:

The Programme Assistant provides programme, administrative and financial support to the programme and technical team, providing and managing data inputs, providing logistical support, following up on recommendations to support the country office management. The Programme Assistant applies established systems and procedures and assists in the creation of substantive knowledge by compiling, synthesizing and analyzing information relevant to financial and programmatic issues. S/he is instrumental in facilitating programme/ project implementation using and developing appropriate mechanisms and systems and ensuring compliance with established procedures.

You would be responsible for:

You would be responsible for:

Program Implementation:

● Assist in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), providing support on programme and operational matters,

● Coordinate with implementing partners, ensuring the delivery of timely outputs and strengthening their capacities on UNFPA procedures,

● Assist in the supervision of quality assurance of AWPs in line with UNFPA policies and procedures,

● Supervise the progress of program activities through field visits and budget utilization analysis, recommending corrective actions.

Financial Management and Budgetary Monitoring:

● Supports the monitoring of programme financial performance for all core and non-core resources by analyzing financial information, including implementation rate against indicators. Detects potential over/under expenditure issues and proposes remedial measures,

● Maintain updated records of all project-related financial and administrative operations, including the review of expense and asset reports,

● Supports the elaboration of programme and financial reports, including timely reports to donors.

 

Logistical Support and Capacity Building:

● Provides logistical support by coordinating review meetings and other programme related workshops and events,

● Supports the implementation of corporate planning, monitoring and reporting systems and applications,

● Train and guide project staff and partners on program implementation policies and procedures.

Knowledge Management:

● Contribute to knowledge creation and sharing by documenting lessons learned, best practices, and success stories for dissemination within and outside the organization,

● Maintain and update programme files, including implementing partners progress reports, work plans and budgets in compliance with guidelines for programme.

Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

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 programmatic and financial procedures of the Bolivian State and International Cooperation,

● 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, Google Sheet, Google docs, Google slides and PowerPoint,

● Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as Quantum 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:

• Supervising and controlling the use of funds,
• 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. 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.