SENIOR PROGRAMME ASSISTANT (PME), GS7
Post title: Senior Programme Assistant (PME), GS7
Vacancy number: VN-NGR-03-2010
Contract type: Fixed-term
Duration: Two years
Location: Abuja
Deadline for application: Thursday, 18 February 2010

UNICEF Nigeria seeks the services of a senior programme assistant to provide programme support functions, including follow-up in their areas of work such as programme and budget monitoring for its Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation section, Abuja.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE EXPECTED TO CARRY OUT THE FOLLOWING RESPONSIBILITIES
1.    Arranges for review, recording and administrative processing of government requests for assistance in ProMs and follow-up of process in the PME section. Tracks and ensures timely processing and retirement of cash assistance to partners, verify accuracy of computation, authenticity and completeness of documents and that they meet the acceptable accounting standards. Meet with counterparts to resolve bottlenecks. Performs ProMs operations such as drafting Payment Requisitions (PRQs), Cash Requisitions (CRQS), Supply Requisitions (SRQs) etc.
2.    Monitors project/programme activities in the PME section by reviewing a variety of records, including control plans, progress reports, project inputs, budgets and financial expenditures. Prepare periodic report required for programme management and monitoring.
3.    Contributes to the preparation of PME sectoral status and progress reports by providing information, preparing administrative and programme inputs including tables. Prepares background material and presentations for use in discussions and briefing sessions for planning and management.
4.    Assists in the identification and formulation of development co-operation programmes and projects and participates in the preparation of draft proposals and donor reports as well as project documents.
5.    Maintains, processes and analyses information on subject matters relevant to PME section and on external assistance provided to the country by main sectors.  Collects, registers and maintains information on project activities by reviewing reports through first-hand sources.
6.    Performs oversight functions pertaining to administrative and logistic arrangement for workshops including liaising with participants/facilitators etc., on travels, visas, reservations and claims, as well as the smooth operation of the section.
7.    Participates in the preparation of annual work plan and office work plan, quarterly work-plans and achievement report. Drafts relevant sections (implementation status) of donor, annual and other reports as required by the Section, Regional and/or New York headquarters.
8.    Participates in follow up visits to project sites and the conduct of end-use monitoring of project supplies and other inputs to partners. Contributes to the preparation of training and workshop materials, briefing kits and assists in facilitation as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
•    Completion of secondary school. A University degree or its equivalent in management, business administration, finance, accounting or related field is desirable.
•    Seven years progressively responsible experience in programme support and administrative work, of which at least three years are mainly on support and coordination of project activities.
•    Fluency in English Language. Knowledge of another working language of the organisation, an asset.
•    Very good communications and ability to produce clear and concise reports.
•    Conceptual, analytical, organising and negotiating skills.
•    Very good knowledge of computer applications.
•    Good interpersonal skills and teamwork abilities.
•    Knowledge of UNICEF procedures/policies an added advantage.
•    Ability to work harmoniously in an international and multicultural setting.
•    Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.

UNICEF, which has a smoke-free environment, is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly women, are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY
Prepare the following documents
    A completed UN Personal History Form (click here to download a blank form)
http://www.unicef.org/nigeria/ng_about_blank_P11_form.doc

    Your curriculum vitae with your current, detailed contact information (including telephone number and email address)
    A one-page summary statement that shows how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements above.
Only candidates meeting the minimum qualifications and competencies (above) will be considered.
Send your documents in a sealed envelope marked ‘confidential’ and with the vacancy number to:
        The Human Resources Manager
        UNICEF
        UN House
        Plot 617/618, Diplomatic Drive
        Central Business District
        PMB 2851, Garki, Abuja

MEET THE DEADLINE
Applications must be received by UNICEF by midnight (Abuja time) on Thursday, 18 February 2010. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

RESPONSE
UNICEF will contact short-listed applicants within two weeks of the deadline. UNICEF will not contact applicants who were not short-listed.