United Nations jobs in Kazakhstan

Position: Programme Management Assistant

About position 

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific is seeking Programme Management Assistant for Kazakhstan. The incumbent will join the ESCAP Subregional Office for North and Central Asia (SONCA), Almaty, Kazakhstan. Basically, SNCA covers Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Key duties

In addition to reporting to Associate Economic Affairs Assistant for SONCA, the incumbent will do the following tasks

• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives; monitors status of programme/project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval.
• Compiles summarizes and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics or issues.
• Reviews project documents, especially cost plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature. Similarly, identifies inconsistencies; distributes project documents to relevant parties upon approval.
• Also, reviews budget revisions; verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in the computerized budget system.
• Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with other organizational units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.
• 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 on budget-related issues and prepares and updates periodic reports, briefing notes, graphics and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc.
• Provides general office assistance and also esponse to complex information requests and inquiries.
• Reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence as well as sets up and maintains files/records as well as organizes meetings and workshops.
• Also, handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, assessing telephone billing, etc.
• Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff and furthermore, performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent education. However, a first level university degree is desirable but not necessary.
• In addition to that, a minimum of five years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area.
• Fluency in English as well as in Russian is necessary for this post. Plus, knowledge of any other official UN language is an asset.
• Furthermore, experience working within the United Nations common system or an international organization is desirable. Also, experience in conference support or travel services is desirable.