Programme Assistant

The United Nations General Assembly resolution 71/251 established the Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries and adopted its Charter on 23 December 2016. The objectives of the Technology Bank include strengthening the science, technology and innovation capacity of least developed countries; and promoting the development and implementation of national and regional science, technology and innovation strategies.

The Technology Bank and the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) have embarked on a programme focused on establishing and strengthening academies of science in LDCs to serve as STI advisors to the government and industry and to assist in directing science and technology policies leading to STI assisted sustainable development achievements. 

This position is located in offices of NASAC, based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Programme Assistant reports to the Managing Director,  Un Technology Bank with day-to-day supervision from the Executive Director of NASAC.  

Within limits of delegated authority the Programme Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:   

• Assists in the coordination of project planning and preparation work for the joint initiative,  monitors status of project activities and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval.
• Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; drafts related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, budget overruns, etc., and brings to the attention of management.
• Drafts correspondence and prepares and updates and periodic reports.
• Provides general office assistance; responds to information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files/records; organizes meetings, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned related to the joint Technology Bank, NASAC initiative.

Results Expected

Provides reliable administrative coordination of project planning and preparation activities and general office support services.  Processes work and requisite follow-up accomplished under some supervision, seeks advice from and/or reporting to supervisor as needed.  Accurately prepares reports.  Consistently applies appropriate policies, guidelines and procedures. Effectively and in a timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.

Monitoring and progress controls 

 Reporting required on deliverables outlined under “Responsibilities” on at least a bi-monthly basis, and at the discretion of the Executive Director of NASAC and the Programme Management Officer of the Technology Bank, more frequently. An accounting for funds expended and activities delivered will be expected quarterly, with a final report at the end of the contract.

• High school diploma or equivalent.  

• Minimum 3 years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, financial management and budgeting or other administrative areas.

• Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)

• 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.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• 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.