Programme Associate

Under the direct supervision of the WASH Specialist in Kiritimati, the Programme Associate supports the WASH section of Kiribati by carrying out a range of programme support functions to help develop, implement and monitor the country programme, ensuring effective and timely delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.    

The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with a range of staff, external partners and agency counterparts in support of programme design and delivery. S/He provides regular feedback on the status of programmes and partnerships through monitoring milestones and advises on improvements to keep activities on track.  

Summary of key functions/accountabilities: 

• Facilitating the development of programme cooperation agreements (PCAs) by providing information and drafting selected sections of it. 
• Ensuring the timely and accurate recording and administrative processing of government & NGO’s proposals and requests for direct cash transfers (DCTs).
• Conducting programme monitoring for cash and supplies and helping conduct regular spot checks to assess partners’ financial record-keeping, expenditure controls and reporting systems, informing team members on the status.
• Monitoring and tracking the efficient procurement and distribution of supplies that are required for effective programme delivery.
• Supporting the programme section in researching, compiling and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and information from a variety of sources on subject matters relevant to the work of the section to facilitate programme delivery as well as preparation of reports, working papers and presentations. 
• Carrying out transactions in VISION ensuring programme results, activities and programme coding are as per annual work plans (AWPs) and making amendments and alterations as per section revisions when necessary.
• Carrying out transactions in VISION pertaining to grants and programme-related items for his/her section including but not limited to registering grant allotments and tracking expiring programme grants, commitments, contracts, etc.
• Preparing monitoring and reporting information for supervisor and team on agreed performance indicators to drive more efficient management and accountability for results.
• Regularly monitoring budgets and financial expenditures of section by designing and employing applicable tools, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision and/or follow up.
• Providing advice and support to WASH team members on VISION, monitoring, financial procedures, etc. to reinforce their capacity and effective use of these systems. Providing support to the broader UNICEF team through contributions to the PA backup system and as part of HACT and other working groups.
• Helping prepare periodic or ad-hoc financial reports relating to the country office and donors to support the office in optimizing use of programme funds.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…  

Education: 

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.

Skills: 

• Good knowledge of the administration which underpins programme/project operations, including monitoring and evaluation processes
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills and abilities
• High sense of confidentiality, initiative, and good judgment
• Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds
• Strong office management skills
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively manage the section’s material resources and monitor its budget
• Good analytical skills
• Experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software, platforms and applications such as SharePoint

Experience: 

• A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience is required.
• Prior experience in programme support functions is an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

Language:  

• Fluency in English is required and knowledge of a local language.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/572208