Programme Associate (G-6), FT, #00137969, Pretoria, South Africa

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The UNICEF country programme in South Africa (2026-2030) aims to ensure vulnerable children and adolescents live in a safer, more equitable environment and realize their rights. This is supported by government implementation, a whole-of-society approach, integrated programmes, and empowerment.

Job Purpose

The Programme Associate (PA) at the G-6 level provides crucial operational and administrative support across all UNICEF Programme Sections in South Africa. Operating within a pooled function, the PA acts as a key link for programme delivery, coordinating with Programme, Operations, Finance, and Supply units, as well as external partners. The role facilitates the implementation, monitoring, and delivery of programme results by ensuring timely and effective execution of tasks in line with UNICEF rules and regulations. The PA is expected to exercise judgment, anticipate needs, and recommend actions to enhance programme planning, implementation, and reporting. A key aspect of the role involves promoting the use of digital systems, including AI-based solutions, to improve efficiency and streamline repetitive tasks, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the country programme.

Responsibilities

Provide a broad range of programme, administrative, HACT, and procedural support to facilitate the delivery of UNICEF's country programme in South Africa. Serve as a key operational link, coordinating regularly with Programme Sections, Operations, Finance, and Supply units. Engage with external partners, particularly in relation to HACT support, ensuring smooth collaboration and information flow. Facilitate the implementation, monitoring, and delivery of programme results by ensuring the timely and effective execution of tasks aligned with UNICEF rules and regulations. Exercise judgment and anticipate needs to recommend actions that contribute to effective programme planning, implementation, and reporting. Promote the adoption and utilization of digital systems, including AI-based tools, to create efficiencies and streamline repetitive tasks within programme operations. Support the Quality Assurance Specialist in managing workload distribution and ensuring consistent support across Programme Sections. Assist in the preparation of reports, documentation, and correspondence related to programme activities. Maintain programme-related records and databases, ensuring accuracy and accessibility. Support the coordination of meetings, workshops, and events related to programme implementation.

Work Experience

A minimum of six (6) years of relevant administrative and/or clerical experience in areas such as administration, programme funding, monitoring and evaluation, development, operations, supply management, programme communications, contract management, donor reporting, data management and analysis, grant management, capacity building, event coordination, or related fields is required.

Skills

SAP VISION, HACT, Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Data Management, Programme Support, Administrative Support, Coordination, Reporting, Digital Systems Proficiency, AI Tools Awareness, Interpersonal Skills

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