Programme Management Assistant (National Staff Position)

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The Programme Management Assistant position is located in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The incumbent reports to the Senior Programme Management Assistant, and provides support to the Mission’s mine action programme planning, implementation, monitoring, training, and reporting. The incumbent is responsible for implementing the mine action Quality Assurance management system for demining conducted by UNIFIL military contingents; providing training support; conducting assessments; issuing validation licenses; monitoring and verifying that demining and explosive ordnance disposal are conducted safely, efficiently, and effectively in accordance with required standards; and assisting the UNIFIL Chief Mine Action Programme in liaison with the Force and national and international mine action actors and organizations.

• Responsibilities
  The Programme Management Assistant will perform the following duties:
  • Assist in programme/project planning, preparation, and implementation; monitor the status of programme/project proposals; take necessary action to ensure project documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval.
  • Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of programmes/projects; categorize, update, track and analyse data related to programmes/projects, e.g. performance records, outputs, resources utilized, deviations/revisions, etc.; carry out periodic status reviews, identify issues and initiate requisite follow-up actions; prepare revised resource estimates; report on resource revisions, and verify availability of resources.
  • Collaborate with programme/project managers on performance reporting; liaise with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services and various planning instruments such as internal work plans; provide assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensure completeness and accuracy of data submitted.
  • Serve as the focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units, partners, and stakeholders to initiate requests, prepare and implement plans against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow up on administrative and logistical actions and resolve issues related to project implementation, e.g. travel arrangements, organization of and participation in training/study tours, procurement of equipment and services, etc.
  • Assist in the preparation and analysis of programme/project proposals and work plans; provide assistance in the development and interpretation of technical guidelines; review and coordinate submissions of programme proposals and resource estimates, ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of proposed activities; propose adjustments as necessary; prepare reports and ensure that outputs/services are properly categorized.
  • Provide guidance and training to new/junior staff, including designing and implementing training plans; conduct validation assessments and Quality Assurance monitoring of designated units; provide training for UN civilian and military staff; and contribute to stakeholder trainings.
  • Draft programme/project summaries, coordinate review and clearance process, and coordinate with editor, translation services, etc. on finalization and publication of reports.
  • Contribute to the development and publication of information communications products and advisory materials.
  • Prepare, maintain, track, and update files (electronic and paper) and internal databases ensuring completeness and accuracy of data; analyse data, design and generate a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, graphic content, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews.
  • Research, compile, analyse, summarize, and present basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics.
  • Draft correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues, as well as prepare unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports, presentations, and other notes.
  • Assist in accident and incident investigations and Boards of Inquiry.
  Perform other duties as assigned.

Education
High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job Specific Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license with the ability to drive manual transmission vehicles is required.
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 3 qualification is required.

Work Experience

• At least seven (07) years of progressively responsible experience in mine action programme or project implementation is required. The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced to (05) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree.
• Experience in Quality Assurance management, conducting training and validation of demining and explosive ordnance disposal teams, and experience applying International Mine Action Standards is required.
• Experience with standard Office software, e.g., Microsoft Word, and communications equipment is required.
• At least three (03) years of operational experience as an advanced EOD operator within the last five (05) years is desirable.
• Experience in engaging with government officials, partners, and working in a multi-cultural environment is desirable.
• Experience in improvised explosive device disposal is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in
English and Arabic (oral and written) is required; knowledge of French is desirable.