Programme Assistant, G-5, UNICEF Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, temporary appointment (364 days) #116160

Under the close supervision and guidance of the Education Specialist, the Programme Assistant supports the UNICEF Programme Sections (Health, Education, Social Protection and Child Protection) involved in the programme implementation by carrying out a range of procedural, administrative, and operational tasks, to help develop, implement and monitor the USAID-supported programme, ensuring timely and effective delivery consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

The vision of the UNICEF Bosnia and Herzegovina Country Programme 2021-2025 is that all children in Bosnia and Herzegovina will benefit from an equitable realization of their rights to health, education, protection, and participation, overcoming the existing bottlenecks and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Job organizational context:

UNICEF is implementing with USAID funds a two-year programme on ‘Strengthening Social and Health Protection in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina’ (April 2021 - April 2023). The overall objective is to strengthen education, health and social protection systems in selected locations to adequately respond to COVID-19 and enhance overall recovery and resilience, with a focus on children, youth and families. This programme will contribute to the broader UNICEF programme priorities envisaged under the 2021-2025 Country Programme for BiH.

For every child, Protection 

Why working for UNICEF video  

How can you make a difference?

Purpose for the job:

Under the close supervision and guidance of the Education Specialist, the Programme Assistant supports the UNICEF Programme Sections (Health, Education, Social Protection and Child Protection) involved in the programme implementation by carrying out a range of procedural, administrative, and operational tasks, to help develop, implement and monitor the USAID-supported programme, ensuring timely and effective delivery consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.   

The position is initially advertized for period of 364 days with a possibility for extension for a maximum 364 more days. 

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Facilitating the processing of contracts for consultants and partners by registration of vendors that support programme delivery. This includes completing the necessary vendor registration forms, collecting and filing relevant documents, completing all necessary forms and templates, uploading Terms of Reference in VISION, and making all the necessary logistical arrangements.
• Assist with procurement of ICT equipment and cold chain equipment, by collecting bids and coordinating the signing of delivery notes and reports on distribution to end users.
• Collecting programme-related invoices and submitting these for approval and thereafter for processing in VISION and Service Gateway.
• Organizing and maintaining electronic records and documents related to programme implementation.
• Maintaining a programme calendar and arranging meetings and events as required. Preparing agendas for meetings and events, taking meeting minutes and keeping the correspondence of the team well organized.
• Liaises with Programme Associates on available budgets, costs and needs of the programme.
• Regularly briefs/de-briefs team members on issues related to related administrative matters such as security clearance, documentation procedures, etc.
• Providing travel assistance to the programme team and any consultants if needed for travel arrangements and entitlements based on the organization’s rules and policies.
• Supporting capacity development activities, meetings and conferences by making all logistical arrangements through engaging with event management companies and/or directly with facilitators, caterers and hosts; and ensuring timely submission of background materials for participants as needed.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience to support implementation of programmes is required. 
• Particular experience with social development programmes is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English and local languages is required.
• Thorough knowledge of UNICEF administrative policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities.
• High sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Training and experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other UNICEF software such as SharePoint
• Strong office management skills.

For every Child, you demonstrate:

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies:

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

UNICEF functional competencies required for this post are: 

• Analyzing (1)
• Learning & Researching (1)
• Planning and organizing (1)
• Following Instructions and Procedures (1)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

For further information please contact Human Resources at UNICEF Office in Sarajevo, Ms. Marina Kadic at mkadic@unicef.org 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.