UN WOMEN: PROGRAMME ASSISTANT (UN ACTION)

UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action) unites the work of 13 UN system entities - DPA, DPKO, OCHA, OHCHR, PBSO, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNODC, UN Women, WFP and WHO - with the goal of ending sexual violence during and in the wake of conflict. Launched in March 2007, it represents a concerted effort by the United Nations to "work as one" and thereby improve coordination and accountability, amplify advocacy, and support country efforts to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and respond more effectively to the needs of survivors. In June 2007, the Secretary General's Policy Committee endorsed UN Action as "a critical joint UN system-wide initiative to guide advocacy, knowledge building, resource mobilization, and joint programming" around sexual violence in conflict. The creation of UN Action in 2007 responded to calls from within the United Nations as well as from women's rights organizations, NGOs and Member States to respond to sexual violence as a security issue, a human rights violation and a political challenge. UN Action aims to strengthen both the UN's response to survivors and efforts to prevent sexual violence during and after conflict - recognizing that the problem is a security challenge, as well as a humanitarian and development issue. It operates through, and in support of coordination mechanisms across the entire spectrum of humanitarian and developmental programming. UN Action structures its activities around three pillars: Country Level Action, which includes strategic support to UN Country Teams and Integrated Missions to help design Comprehensive Strategies to respond to conflict-related sexual violence, as well as investment in building capacity through mechanism such as the Gender Stand-by Capacity (GENCAP); Advocating for Action, which includes efforts to raise public awareness and generate political will to address conflict-related sexual violence as part of the broader Stop Rape Now Campaign and Secretary General's UNiTE to end Violence Against Women Campaign; and Learning by Doing, which involves creating a knowledge hub on conflict-related sexual violence, including the development of tools and mechanisms to improve monitoring and reporting on trends and patterns in sexual violence and the effectiveness of the UN's response - as demanded by SCR1888. UN Action is governed by a Steering Committee, comprising Principals and Senior Officials from the 13 UN system entities. This Steering Committee is chaired by the Special Representative of the Secretary General on sexual violence in conflict (SRSG SVC) and supported by a small Secretariat - a Coordinator and Advocacy and Women's Rights Adviser - working out of the SRSG's Office. Working level focal points from the 13 UN Action members develop and agree a bi-annual Strategic Framework Plan, which sets targets and defines deliverables which the UN Action network will deliver. The focal points meet monthly to plan activities and monitor progress. UN Action's work is funded by voluntary contributions from a wide range of Governments including Norway, Spain, Finland, Sweden Switzerland, Canada and the Republic of Korea. These funds are pooled in a Multi Donor Trust Fund, managed by UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Coordinator of the UN Action network, and working closely with UN Action's Advocacy and Women's Rights Adviser, the Programme Assistant will undertake the following duties: Duties and Responsibilities: Support the effective functioning of the UN Action Secretariat. Liaise with UN Action Focal Points from the 13 member entities on programmatic and budgetary issues related to the implementation of UN Action's Strategic Framework. Administer funding proposals on behalf of UN Action member entities, ensuring objectives are conceptually in line with the goals and deliverables of the UN Action Strategic Framework, working closely with the UNDP MDTF Office. Support the Portfolio Manager of the UN Action MDTF to ensure that proposals approved by UN Action's Resource Management Committee are rapidly and efficiently funded. Assist with the preparation of the annual UN Action Progress Report. Update an online intranet for the UN Action network. Provide logistic support to monthly meetings of UN Action Focal Points, and quarterly meetings of the UN Action Steering Committee. Compile and prepare briefing and presentation materials, speeches, background information and documentation for UN Action events and missions. Research and compile statistical data from internal and external sources; prepare tables and reports as required. Prepare, maintain and monitor the budget for the UN Action Secretariat, which includes extra-budgetary contributions from the MDTF and grants passed through UN Women. Assist in the preparation of mandatory budget revisions: enter revised data and new funds in the relevant financial management system, coordinate and verify availability of funds for programme activities, and recommend necessary budget line changes. Support the UN Action Secretariat with procurement processes through public bidding and draft contracts in accordance with financial, human resources and procurement guidelines. Prepare purchase orders, requisitions, reimbursements, and vendor payments. Arrange travel and hotel reservations. Prepare travel authorizations and requests for visas and other documents. Draft correspondence and respond to internal/external queries on programme matters. Maintain all documentation and correspondence related to the work of the UN Action network. Keep abreast of changes in administrative rules, regulations and procedures. Support the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, as required.

Competencies

Understanding of the United Nations system structure, including those parts related to Peace and Security. Good organizational skills, sound judgment, initiative, demonstrated capacity to perform effectively within a multicultural work environment, tact and ability to deal with people in a discreet and reliable manner. Capacity to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time. Ability to set priorities; work under pressure with colleagues at all levels. Ability to participate effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, to collaborate and cooperate with others. Willingness to accept additional responsibilities as required by the demands of the service and OSRSG SVC. Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively across different constituencies. Strong interpersonal, writing and numerical skills. Evidence of capacity to be a self-starter, self-motivator, with the capacity to take initiative. Modeling the UN's values and ethical standards. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications: Secondary education is required. Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience preferably in an international corporation or organization. Experience in the use of UN office software packages, especially ATLAS. Must have successfully passed UN clerical examination (ASAT) Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in another UN working language is desirable. All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment. Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.

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UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.