Programme Management Assistant (Temporary Job Opening - 3 positions)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The incumbent reports to the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia. ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Provides assistance in support of planning and implementation activities/processes for ASYCUDA, a large and highly complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives. • Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics. • Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation; monitors status of programme/project proposals; takes necessary action to ensure project documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval. • Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of programmes/projects; categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses data related to programmes/projects, e.g. accounting records, outputs, resources utilized, deviations/revisions, etc.; carries out periodic status reviews, identifies issues and initiates requisite follow-up actions; verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system; initiates financial authorizations for expenditures. • Collaborates with programme/project managers on performance reporting; liaises with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services scheduled in the PB and various planning instruments such as the medium-term plan and internal work plans; provides assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensures completeness and accuracy of data submitted. • Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organisational units to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, organisation of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc. • Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, graphic content, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews. • Drafts correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues, as well as prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports. • Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Performs other duties as assigned. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming related to customs and international trade digitilization. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum 7 years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. 1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience working in an automated customs environment is desirable. Experience in supporting United Nations or similar international organization technical cooperation programmes is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Russian and Tajik are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).