Background
The United Nations is a diplomatic and political international organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and serve as a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
About UN
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded on October 24, 1945, after the end of World War II. It was established with the goal of promoting peace, cooperation, and international stability. The UN replaced the League of Nations and has since become the largest and most influential international organization in the world.
The UN is composed of 193 member states, which include almost all recognized independent nations. It serves as a forum for member states to address global issues and collaborate on solutions. The organization has several main bodies, including the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Secretariat, and the International Court of Justice.
The UN’s work spans a wide range of areas, including peacekeeping, conflict resolution, human rights, sustainable development, public health, and humanitarian assistance. It has played a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, climate change, gender inequality, and armed conflicts.
The UN promotes and upholds fundamental principles, including the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. It also works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 goals adopted by member states in 2015 to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
In addition to its member states, the UN collaborates with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society groups, and other stakeholders to achieve its objectives. It operates through a system of specialized agencies, programs, and funds, such as UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, and UNESCO, each focusing on specific areas of expertise.
Overall, the United Nations serves as a platform for global cooperation and collective action to address pressing global issues and promote a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
Why work at UN
Working at the United Nations (UN) can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for several reasons:
- Global Impact: The UN is at the forefront of addressing pressing global challenges, such as poverty, conflict, climate change, and human rights violations. Working at the UN provides an opportunity to contribute to making a positive and tangible impact on a global scale.
- Multicultural Environment: The UN brings together diverse professionals from around the world, fostering a multicultural and inclusive work environment. Collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds and cultures promotes understanding, learning, and the exchange of ideas.
- Professional Development: The UN offers a wide range of career paths and opportunities for professional growth. Working in various fields, such as diplomacy, development, peacekeeping, and human rights, allows individuals to enhance their skills, knowledge, and expertise in their chosen area of specialization.
- Networking and Collaboration: The UN provides a unique platform for networking and collaborating with professionals, experts, and leaders from different sectors, including governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. These connections can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships.
- International Exposure: Working at the UN offers exposure to different cultures, languages, and perspectives. It allows individuals to broaden their horizons, develop a global mindset, and gain a deeper understanding of international issues.
- Meaningful Work: The mission of the UN is centered around promoting peace, human rights, sustainable development, and social progress. Many individuals are driven by a desire to contribute to the greater good and find purpose in working towards these noble goals.
- Work-Life Balance: The UN recognizes the importance of work-life balance and provides policies and programs to support employees’ well-being. It often offers flexible work arrangements, comprehensive benefits packages, and opportunities for personal growth and self-care.
- Continuous Learning: The UN encourages continuous learning and professional development through training programs, workshops, and access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the organization. Employees have opportunities to expand their skills and stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices.
It’s important to note that working at the UN can be highly competitive, and positions often require specific qualifications, experience, and language skills. The UN’s recruitment processes are rigorous and typically involve a thorough evaluation of candidates. However, for those passionate about global issues and committed to making a difference, a career at the UN can be immensely fulfilling
Details to the post
Job Opening ID: 234003
Job Network : Economic, Social and Development
Job Family : Programme Management
Category and Level : General Service and Related Categories, G-5
Duty Station : NEW YORK
Department/Office : Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs-Department of Peace Operations-Shared Structure
Date Posted : May 10, 2024
Deadline : May 16, 2024
Responsibilities:
Under delegated authority, the Programme Management Assistant is responsible for the following duties:
- Assisting in coordinating the planning and preparation work of the team’s programmes/projects. This includes monitoring the status of proposals and relevant documentation, and compiling and presenting basic information/data on specific programmes/projects.
- Reviewing working documents, such as cost plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with rules and procedures. Identifying inconsistencies and distributing working documents to relevant parties upon approval.
- Reviewing budget revisions, verifying fund availability, and ensuring necessary approval and entry into the computerized budget system.
- Acting as the focal point for administrative coordination of programme/project implementation activities. This involves liaising extensively within DPPA-DPO, the Executive Office, and other units to initiate requests, obtain clearances, process administrative actions, and manage tasks such as recruitment, appointment of personnel, consultant contracts, travel arrangements, training/study tours, payments, procurement, etc.
- Compiling and summarizing data on project delivery, drafting related status reports, and identifying any shortfalls, budget overruns, etc., for management’s attention.
- Providing general office assistance and administrative support to the Team Leader/Senior Political Affairs Officer, as well as MED Director/Deputy Directors. This includes responding to complex inquiries, reviewing and routing correspondence, maintaining files/records, organizing meetings/workshops, and handling routine administrative tasks.
- Assisting in maintaining contacts across DPPA-DPO units, Special Political Missions, Peacekeeping Operations, UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, and coordinating extensively with service units at UNHQ and in the field.
- Maintaining files (both paper and electronic) and databases for the team.
- Providing guidance and training to new/junior staff.
- Performing other assigned duties.
Competencies:
- Professionalism: Demonstrating knowledge of internal policies, processes, and procedures related to programme/project administration, implementation, and evaluation. Understanding the functions and organization of the Gulf Team and MED, as well as the structure and roles of related units in DPPA-DPO. Applying good judgment, showing pride in work, and achieving results with professional competence. Incorporating gender perspectives and promoting equal participation. Remaining calm in stressful situations and persevering in the face of challenges.
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues, valuing their input, and working towards organizational goals. Supporting and respecting group decisions, sharing credit for achievements, and taking joint responsibility for shortcomings.
- Planning & Organizing: Developing clear goals, prioritizing activities, allocating resources, foreseeing risks, and adjusting plans as needed. Using time efficiently and monitoring progress.
Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Job-Specific Qualifications:
Not available.
Work Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in programme, project administration, technical cooperation, general administration, or a related area is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may have a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience. Experience working for the United Nations or a similar international organization is required. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, UMOJA, or similar is required. Experience providing administrative support to senior officials is desirable.
Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
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