Re-Advertisement UN Women: Programme Associate, Istanbul, Turkiye, N-PPSA7 Istanbul, Türkiye Posting Date06/22/2026 BE THE FIRST TO APPLY

Organizational Context

UN Women works for gender equality and women's empowerment. The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Regional Office in Istanbul, Türkiye, covers 12 countries, providing strategic programme development, policy advisory services, and quality assurance. This role, reporting to the ECARO Head of Programme Support and Management Unit, supports the Programme Team in effective programme implementation.

Job Purpose

The Programme Associate supports the UN Women Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Regional Office in Istanbul, Türkiye, contributing significantly to the development and implementation of effective programmes consistent with UN Women's rules and regulations. This role provides essential operational, administrative, and programmatic support, including for ECA regional initiatives, to advance gender equality and women's empowerment. The Associate contributes to research, financial management, and overall programme implementation, ensuring adherence to established guidelines. They work in close collaboration with operations, programme, and project staff within the Regional Office and UN Women HQs to resolve complex finance-related issues and facilitate information exchange, thereby strengthening the regional office's capacity to deliver on its strategic goals and mandates across the region.

Responsibilities

The Programme Associate provides advanced administrative and logistical support for programme formulation and management, including preparing work plans, budgets, and proposals, offering technical guidance to country offices on delivery and reporting, and coordinating audit information. They contribute to developing standard operating procedures and reviewing programme data. The role also involves advanced administrative support to the Programme Unit's financial management, such as creating projects in Quantum, preparing budget revisions, monitoring finances, reviewing financial reports, and managing internal expenditure controls and requisitions. Furthermore, the Associate oversees logistical, administrative, and financial arrangements for meetings, workshops, events, and missions, manages travel for the Programme Team, prepares public information materials, and liaises with high-level officials. They also provide guidance and training to Programme Assistants. Advanced support for programme partner management across the ECA region is crucial, including effective oversight through monitoring, compliance checks, and identifying capacity development opportunities. Finally, the Associate facilitates knowledge building and sharing by supporting the synthesis of lessons learned and coordinating training for staff and partners on programme and operations issues.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in administrative or programme management/support with secondary education, or 4 years with a Bachelor’s degree, is required. Essential experience includes working in a computer environment with multiple office software packages and supporting teams in complex environments. Desirable experience includes using ERP systems (preferably Oracle Cloud), working with civil society organizations, and demonstrating knowledge of gender equality, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. Previous experience within the United Nations system is also an asset.

Skills

Strong knowledge of programme management. Ability to create, edit, synthesize, and present information clearly. Proficiency in administering and executing administrative processes and transactions. Capability to provide input for business process re-engineering and implement new data management systems. Skilled in managing data, documents, correspondence, and reports workflow. Excellent financial and budgeting skills. Excellent IT skills.

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