Senior Programme Management Assistant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development within the UN system. The Climate Change Division focuses on strategic guidance and action for climate stability, supporting Member States in their transition through mitigation and adaptation efforts. This role is situated within the Climate Change Mitigation Unit in Bangkok.

Job Purpose

This role provides comprehensive programme and project management assistance throughout the project lifecycle, focusing on UNEP's Climate Change Division initiatives, particularly the UN-REDD Programme. The incumbent will be responsible for creating project documents, researching and analyzing program data, liaising with funding agencies, and preparing budgets and forecasts. Key functions include monitoring budgetary commitments, assisting in resource elaboration, and reviewing expenditures to ensure compliance. The position also involves managing legal instruments, serving as a focal point for audits, coordinating implementation activities, and resolving project-related issues. Additionally, the role supports data management, reporting, and the preparation of information materials, potentially supervising office support staff.

Responsibilities

Provide full programme and project management support across all project phases, including developing UN-REDD project documents and managing integrated planning systems. Research, compile, analyze, and present program and project data. Facilitate financing modalities with funding agencies and prepare budgets, forecasts, and monitoring checklists. Monitor budgetary commitments and assist in developing work programs and budgets, reviewing cost estimates. Support managers in elaborating resource requirements, monitoring budget implementation, and analyzing expenditure variances. Review requisitions for goods and services, ensuring correct expenditure and fund availability. Monitor various budgets, trust funds, and grants, suggesting and implementing resource reallocations. Manage project closures, final budget revisions, and equipment transfers. Review UN-REDD legal instruments and facilitate their creation in the Grantor Management Module. Act as a focal point for UN-REDD audit queries and coordinate/monitor implementation activities. Analyze implementation difficulties and initiate remedial actions. Liaise with organizational units, prepare terms of reference, obtain clearances, and process administrative actions. Resolve project implementation issues, including recruitment and travel. Undertake missions for administrative and operational tasks. Establish and manage internal databases for project-related information. Supervise office support staff, including work distribution and performance input. Assist with data collection, analysis, presentation, and reporting for knowledge management and decision-making. Update information materials like web pages.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of experience in programme/project administration, administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, or human resources is required (eight years with a first-level university degree). Required experience includes programme/project administration, budgeting, financial reporting, and coordinating expenditure reports. Experience with REDD+ initiatives and Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) operations is also required. Experience with UN Common System or similar international organizations, ERP systems (like Umoja), and data analytics is desirable.

Skills

Proficiency in programme and project management processes (planning, monitoring, budgeting, coordination). Ability to analyze, model, and interpret data for decision-making. Strong planning and organizing skills, including goal setting, prioritization, and risk management. Effective teamwork and collaboration abilities, valuing diverse input and supporting group decisions. Professionalism, conscientiousness, efficiency, and persistence in achieving results.

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