Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The incumbent reports to the Under-Secretary-General. The Office of the USG DPPA is charged with the overall policy direction, supervision and management of the Department, and with supporting the USG in the discharge of her responsibilities. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs focuses primarily on five action areas in international peace and security, ensuring sound analysis and early warning, preventing conflict and engaging in peacemaking, managing political crises and violent conflicts, sustaining peace, and enhancing partnerships. The Department’s mandate is to prevent and resolve conflict through inclusive political solutions.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Programme Management Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Provides support in planning and implementation activities/processes for programme/project initiatives; • Researches, complies, summarizes, analyses and presents basic information and data on specific programmes/project and related topics; • Requests the preparation of material or correspondence and highlights relevant trends and issues for consideration by the USG and/or relevant principals; • Reviews submissions for substantive engagements, programmes and projects and ensures compliance with guidelines and programme objectives; • Oversees the preparation of and requests for and the management and utilization of extrabudgetary resources for the Under-Secretary-General’s activities and engagements; • Identifies and resolves diverse issues/problems as they arise and determines appropriate course of action; • Coordinates representational and engagement priorities for the Department as a whole, liaising with and coordinating the distribution of relevant responsibilities among the principals associated with the Department; • Coordinates extensively with principals associated with the Department, including the ASG for Peacebuilding Support and the three regional Assistant Secretaries-General as well as act as the first point of contact for Member States and other external entities liaising with Department; • Provides guidance, training and oversees the work of other general service staff within the area of responsibility, who provide immediate support to the USG on travel, engagements and protocol; • Performs other duties as assigned

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM • Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. • Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. • 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. • Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. PLANNING & ORGANIZING • Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. • Identifies priority activities and assignments. • Adjusts priorities as required. • Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. • Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. • Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. • Uses time efficiently CLIENT ORIENTATION • Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project management or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to 8 for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in the front office of a senior official is required. Experience handling sensitive and confidential information is required. Experience providing guidance or training to more junior staff is desirable. Experience in an international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.