Programme Assistant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (ROSEAP) in Bangkok supports governments in enhancing governance, law enforcement, justice delivery, and health services. It focuses on combating transnational organized crime, corruption, drug-related issues, and terrorism, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 16 and other SDGs. ROSEAP also provides secretariat support for the Mekong MOU on Drug Control, working with member states to address regional drug challenges.

Job Purpose

This role supports the UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (ROSEAP) by providing essential administrative and operational assistance to the Mekong MOU Secretariat. The Programme Assistant will work closely with the Regional Coordinator to enhance the daily operational effectiveness and efficiency of the Secretariat. This involves supporting international and national conferences, meetings, and training events, facilitating participant travel, managing consultant contracts, and processing payments. The position also entails assisting with project procurement, ensuring compliance with UN regulations, and liaising with vendors and UNODC/UNDP procurement teams to guarantee timely delivery of goods and services.

Responsibilities

The Programme Assistant will provide comprehensive support to the Regional Coordinator of the Mekong MOU Secretariat. Key duties include assisting in the organization and logistical arrangements for international and national conferences, meetings, training sessions, and workshops held in Mekong countries, including travel to event locations if required. The role involves facilitating travel preparations for event participants and managing consultant contracts, including preparing necessary documentation and following up on payment requests. Additionally, the assistant will support assigned projects by preparing payment requests in UNODC administrative systems (Umoja and FOHRM), assisting with payment reconciliation, and verifying expenditures. Procurement responsibilities include facilitating the acquisition of goods and services, ensuring compliance with UN rules, conducting low-value procurements, and initiating broader procurement processes. This also involves collecting vendor offers, liaising with the UNODC Procurement Team and UNDP Country Offices, and following up with suppliers for timely delivery.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required in administrative, programme, or operational support. This should include experience with event/meeting support, travel coordination, procurement, vendor liaison, and basic administrative or financial processes. Experience within the UN system is considered an asset. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential for working effectively under pressure in an international setting.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, planning and organizing, and professionalism. Technical skills required encompass administration, logistics and inventory management, and procurement and contracting. The role also demands strong analytical thinking, research capabilities, accuracy in document production, good IT proficiency with standard office software, and effective internet communication skills.

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