The Position:
The Programme Associate will support the efficient delivery of UNFPAโs overall programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a primary focus on activities in the entity of Republika Srpska. The role will strengthen the agencyโs relations with relevant authorities and other stakeholders, while also providing detailed support across several projects within the Gender portfolio. The successful candidate will provide an integrated programme and operational support within a system-strengthening approach that is fundamental to UNFPAโs overall strategy. The Programme Associate supports the design, planning and management of UNFPAโs country programme by managing data inputs, providing logistical support, monitoring project implementation and following up on recommendations.
The Programme Associate is located in the Banja Luka Office, and works under direct supervision of the WPS Project manager.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.ย UNFPAโs strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to โbuild forward betterโ, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on womenโs and girlsโ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
The broader purpose of this job is supporting implementation of ย activities within the framework of UNFPAโs mandate in the Republika Srpska, across its mandate (youth, sexual and reproductive health and rights, population development, and gender equality and prevention and protection from gender-based violence). Under the approved programme cycle, UNFPA is implementing several projects under the gender portfolio, implemented with the aim of improving overall access to rights and services for women in BiH. The day-to-day focus of this job with be providing administrative, financial and coordination support to four donor-funded projects implemented under the gender portfolio. These are thematically placed in the area of advancing Women, Peace and Security agenda, integration of gender-responsive family policies, as well as programming within the framework of the Gender Equality Accelerator.ย
You would be responsible for:
In collaboration with organizationโs programme leads, collaborates with government counterparts, NGOs and other partners to advocate and implement the Country Programme Document and Work Plans in line with UNSDCF priorities and in accordance with UNFPA programme policies and procedures.ย Undertaking all logistical, administrative and financial arrangements required for the successful planning and delivery of programme activities. The Associate will support legislation and policy improvement ย efforts in the Republika Srpska, inter-agency meetings, planning and organisation of capacity building sessions, panel discussions, roundtables, as well as supporting UNFPA missions across the Republika Srpska. ย These activities encompass liaising with event management companies, caterers, contracting consultants and support related procurement processes.ย Supporting the evaluation of project and programme activities, establishing ways to assess achievement and recommending corrective action as required; conducting field visits; participating in review meetings and evaluation missions and preparing regular inputs to status and progress reports. Guiding routine implementation of assigned projects, in coordination with national counterparts and project personnel, coordinating delivery of project inputs; and ensuring participation of national counterparts in training activities and study tours. Provides comprehensive financial support to ensure smooth implementation of programme and project activities. This includes preparing financial transactions in the UNFPA online management systems (voucher requests, purchase order requests, supplier management, and payment follow-up), as well as raising requisitions in the ERP system.ย Assists advocacy and resource mobilization efforts of the Country Office by preparing relevant documentation, i.e. project summaries, conference papers, speeches, donor profiles and participating in donor meetings and public information events. The Associate will monitor and identify opportunities for further engagement with institutions and relevant stakeholders in the RS, and provide advice to programme leads on possible action points.ย Performs other duties as may be required and requested by the supervisor.ย
Qualifications and Experience:ย
Education:ย ย
Completed secondary level education (high school or equivalent) is required in business and administration or other social sciences. Seven (7) years of relevant experience in programme/ project management or four (4) years of experience with a first level (or advanced) university degree. ยKnowledge and Experience:ย
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Languages:ย
Fluency in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian is requiredRequired Competencies:ย
Values:
Exemplifying integrity,ย Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,ย Embracing cultural diversity,ย Embracing changeCore Competencies:ย
Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impactFunctional Competencies:
Business acumen and ability to multi-task and balance competing priorities. Innovation and marketing of new approaches. Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilisation Pro-activeness and client orientationย
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including leave days, health insurance and additional remuneration for pensions and social security obligations.
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - clickย hereย to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and engagement of LSC personnel may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance and other administrative requirements.ย
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or selection process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.ย
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