United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Recruits Senior Programme Assistant

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. It also has a mandate to help stateless people.

UNHCR is recruiting to fill the vacant position of:

Job Title: Snr Programme Assistant

Post no: 10010391

Vacancy Notice No: 2012/VA/01

Location: Abuja

Duration of contract: One year with possibility of renewal

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Admin/Programme Associate, the Senior Programme Assistant is responsible for assisting the Representation in Nigeria in the implementation of Programme tasks. The Supervisor will provide general guidance and work plans for identifying work priorities arid appropriate approaches. Work is controlled for meeting expected results and conformity to policy and procedures, in accordance with the principles and human values of the United Nations and in adherence with the UNHCR Code pof Conduct.

• Collects, registers and maintains information on project activities.
• Prepare status and progress reports, prepare tables and draft routine correspondence.
• Prepare background material for use in discussions and briefing sessions.
• Undertake proper collection, monitoring and use of baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyse programme performance, trends and target interventions.
• Review the implementation and performance of IPs agreements through appropriate physical monitoring to evaluate the projects by reviewing work plans. progress reports, budget, financial reports and expenditures. This may include field visits for specific monitoring and evaluation issues.
• Apply UNHCR’s corporate tools (e.g. Global Focus, Focus Client) to assess the technical soundness of the operation and generate data for evidence-based decisions at the country-level.
• Assist in ensuring compliance in issuance of audit certificates for Implementing Partners.
• Perform other duties as required.

Essential Qualifications

• Completion of Secondary education courses/ training/ certificate in Business Administration, Social Science, International Law or related field
• Communication and training skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Minimum 4 years of previous job experience relevant to the function
• Computer skills (MS Office Suite, Org Plus and People Soft applications).
• Fluency in English and very good knowledge of the local language.
• Knowledge of another relevant UN language is an asset

Disireable Qualifications & Competencies

• Completion of the UNHCR Learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
• Good knowledge of UNHCR financial rules, procedures and processes.
• Knowledge of UNHCR specific programmes (MSRP, Focus, etc.).
• Prior exposure to UNHCR refugee operations and functions relating to office administration and programme activities.

Application Closing Date
29 November, 2012

How To Apply
Applications must include:

• A handwritten application letter and a resume as detailed as possible, with an email address;
• Photocopies of diplomas or certificates;
• Copies of work certificates justifyng professional experience;
• For UN staff: an updated Personal History form (P11) and the two latest performance evaluation reports (e-PAD).

Send your applications to the below address before the closing date under confidential cover clearly indicating the vacancy notice number and “Application for Senior Programme Assistant” to:
The UNHCR Representation to Nigeria & ECOWAS
61, Jose Marti Crescent,
Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria

Starting: 02 January, 2013
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Please do not submit originals documents as application files will not be returned.