Programme Associate

Peace and Security Centre

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Centre is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.
It is headed by the Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Centre on behalf of its clients.

UNMAS

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is a division of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNMAS is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to ensure an effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problem posed by a wide range of explosive hazards. Legislative mandates also recognize UNMAS technical expertise in responding to threats posed by unsecured and unsafe conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. As an office within DPKO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates. 

As a component of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), UNMAS main activities are the establishment of a functional and accountable Somali Explosive Management Authority, the development of Somali Police explosive threat mitigation capacities and the establishment of a comprehensive Weapons and Ammunition Management system. UNMAS as a component of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) provides explosive threat mitigation capacities to the African Union Mission in Somalia as part of a non-lethal logistical support package. UNMAS also supports the protection of civilians in contaminated areas by coordinating humanitarian mine action and stabilization activities such as survey, clearance and risk education. 

Working in the Programme Office, the Programme Associate will be a highly motivated professional providing effective support to the Programme Officers and Head of Programme in the Programme section. He/she will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the Programme Office in Mogadishu ensuring coherence, operational effectiveness and coordination. The Programme Associate will report to the Programme Officer with Programme related tasking being undertaken by the Programme Officers under the overall guidance of the Head of Programme.   

The Programme Associate responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Assist Programme Officers in their day to day tasks;
• Prepare Minutes, talking points, correspondence and briefs including seeking feedback finalization and circulation;
• Contribute to the drafting of reports, as well as follow up on programme action points to ensure deadlines are met;
• Keep the filing system up-to-date in coordination with Programme Management Office in order and ensure all documents are filed and properly updated;
• Bring to the attention of the Head of Programme and Programme Officers all matters requiring attention;
• Assist in setting up meetings and coordinating with teams to ensure all admin/logistical matters are taken care (Video Teleconference, Skype call etc.);
• Accompany the Programme Office at UN Mission meeting and other meetings including Government; and provide administrative support;
• Keep track of project budgets and expenditure in discussion with Programme Officers and Programme Manager;
• Prepare the initial draft budgets for project concept notes and proposal in coordination with Programme Officers and Budget officer for the submission to Budget office;
• Coordinate with Budget officer on a regular basis to ensure systematic follow-up on project budgets and project activities;
• Coordinate with Programme Officers and Budget officer on the preparation for monthly Programme and Budget meeting as well as Quarterly Review meetings;
• Assist in organizing donor meeting/report and media presentations;
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

a)      Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Project Management, Social Sciences, or related field with zero (0) years of relevant experience; or
• A first level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Project Management, Social sciences, or related field with 2 (two) years of relevant experience;  or
• High school Diploma with 6 (six) years of relevant experience.

b)      Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in Business Administration, Project Management, or administrative supporting services;
• Experience in reporting writing is desired;
• A general understanding of Mine Action is desired;
• Computer literacy, with solid experience of using Microsoft Office suite is required.

c)       Language

• Fluency in English is required (reading, writing and speaking).
• Fluency in Somali is required (reading, writing and speaking).
• Knowledge of another UN Official language is desired.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.