Senior Programme assistant (ED) -SC 6/1-BAG-26-ED-0002 BAG
Organizational Context
The UNESCO Office for Iraq, under the supervision of the Head of Office and Chief of Education, seeks a Programme Assistant to support the ITALEEM project and the Education Unit. This role is crucial for effective programme delivery, ensuring coordinated operations and timely implementation of activities funded by various sources. The assistant will act as a key link between programme needs and administrative, financial, procurement, contractual, and logistical processes, fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Job Purpose
The Senior Programme Assistant will play a vital role in the effective delivery of the ITALEEM project and the broader Education Unit portfolio within the UNESCO Office for Iraq. This position is designed to support coordinated programme operations, ensuring timely implementation and systematic follow-up across a range of projects and activities. The incumbent will serve as an essential operational function, bridging programme requirements with administrative, financial, procurement, contractual, and logistical processes. A key aspect of this role involves facilitating seamless coordination among the ITALEEM project, the Education Unit's administrative and operational functions, implementing partners, service providers, and other relevant stakeholders, thereby contributing to the overall success and efficiency of the unit's objectives.
Responsibilities
The Senior Programme Assistant will be responsible for supporting integrated planning and operational follow-up for assigned projects and activities, translating work plans into coordinated administrative, financial, procurement, contracting, travel, and logistical actions. This includes assisting with budget monitoring, expenditure tracking in corporate systems, contract oversight, and payment follow-up. The role involves ensuring compliance by preparing and reviewing administrative and contractual documentation, verifying records, maintaining project files, and supporting financial submissions. Additionally, the assistant will coordinate operational interfaces with implementing partners, consultants, and suppliers, support procurement processes, and monitor delivery timelines. A significant part of the role includes coordinating logistical arrangements for missions, meetings, and events, ensuring proper documentation and follow-up. The position also requires providing communication support, maintaining knowledge management systems, and performing additional tasks as needed to ensure project success and unit functioning.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in programme/project support or administration is necessary. Experience supporting financial and activity monitoring of implementing partners, including reviewing documentation and processing payments, is essential. Proficiency in corporate financial or programme management systems and standard office applications is required. Previous experience within a UN agency or supporting multi-partner projects is highly desirable.
Skills
Key skills include strong planning, organization, and coordination abilities to manage priorities and deadlines. A sound understanding of results-based management and budget principles is needed. Attention to accuracy, compliance, and documentation quality is crucial. The ability to exercise initiative, identify operational risks, and communicate effectively is important. Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships in a multicultural environment are essential, along with integrity and commitment to UN values.